Common has shared his new Stevie Wonder-featuring track “Black America Again”, and it comes by way of a powerful visual. The track is a hard-hitting, adrenaline-pumping critique of the current cultural status quo with references to Trayvon Martin, wage disparities, Black Lives Matter, and a failed prison system. The title track from Common’s forthcoming record, “Black America Again” also features ad libs from Chuck D and MC Lyte, as well as Esperanza Spalding on bass, Patrick Warren on strings, and J Rock on “scratches.”
Just like the lyrics’ message, the song’s accompanying visuals don’t shy away from the realities of the situation. The video opens with the already infamous footage of the shooting of Baton Rouge, Louisiana resident Alton Sterling that occurred over the summer. (For that reason, we should caution that the video contains some graphic and unsettling images.) But if you can get through that, the rest of the clip features closeups on the faces of black individuals, all wearing expressions of worry, sadness, and ultimately, strength.
Check out the video above. The rest of Black America Again sees appearances from John Legend, Jay Electronica, The Internet, and Anderson .Paak, according to an interview with Complex.
