Common & Bilal Come Together For "Letter To The Free"

Back in 2014, Common teamed up with John Legend for the powerful track “Glory“, which was featured in the film Selma (based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches) and received a slew of awards since its release, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song. In addition, the single was one of many created to unite the country in fighting against police brutality and overt prejudice against the Black community (and anyone, period), utilizing the civil rights movement that fought so hard for change in America some 50 years ago.

Now, the Chicago veteran may be looking for lightning to strike twice with his latest effort, “Letter To The Free”, a collaboration with singer Bilal that sets focus on the social and political climate of present times. It’s as fiery as any of Common’s previous efforts on the matter, turning the spotlight on America’s willingness to continue the oppression of Blacks by way of arrests-turned-killings and under-the-layer forms of racism (Common even references the polarizing 13th Amendment, which has returned to the forefront thanks to expressive pieces such as this documentary). As expected, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gets a lyrical bullet in his direction as well.

You can enjoy ‘Letter To The Free’ below; also included is a live performance of the song, done as part of NPR’s special Tiny Desk concert that took place at the White House for the inaugural South By South Lawn festival (the audience and listeners/viewers were also blessed with a few other song renditions from the collaborators as well). The track will appear on Common’s forthcoming album Black America Again, which sees additional appearances from Stevie Wonder, Marsha Ambrosius, The Internet’s Syd, BJ The Chicago Kid and more…you can pre-order that here before it drops next month.

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Posted By

Jon Powell

Currently working as Senior Editor of RESPECT. Magazine, I (Jon Powell) have 10 years experience in digital and print media -- this includes writing, photography and video editing production. I have worked extensively in Washington, D.C. and London, England and specialise in urban music and culture.