J. Cole is once again using music to speak out about police brutality against African-Americans.
The talented hip-hop lyricist has been selective with new music releases since dropping the now double-platinum Forest Hills Drive back in December 2014. To fans’ delight, Cole is back doing what he does best on a new track from DJ Khaled’s latest album Major Key.
The song, “Jermaine’s Interlude” has the North Carolina native team up with Atlanta rap duo Earthgang to speak out about everything from police brutality and gun violence to the rapper’s ongoing personal struggles with fame.
“And rhyming like I rhymed way back when I played the violin. Thought that s–t wasn’t cool, momma sorry, I just stopped tryin’ it,” he raps. “Paid for your house in hopes they’ll be no more reason for cryin’. That shows you how stupid I am, cause n—-s is out here dyin’, from police that flash the siren then pull up and just start firin’. N—- murking each other in murky water, I try and swim.”
Cole is one of just a handful of artists today who has consistently sought to bring awareness to socioeconomic issues affecting the African-American community. In 2014, he released the emotionally-charged social justice anthem “Be Free” and more recently he joined forces with director Ryan Coogler for the Blackout for Human Rights #MLKNow event in January.
Listen to “Jermaine’s Interlude” in full below.
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