How am I supposed to live when I’m a “routine check” away from a casket? When I’m killed for carrying lethal skittles and deadly iced tea? When the day before my wedding I am shot? When a BART officer shoots me for complying? When the days before I meet college I meet a casket? When I am found disfigured after a white woman lies on me about whistling at her?

In response to the social injustice that has plagued society, most recently, the family of Michael Brown, 21-year-old Sacramento native and hip-hop recording artist Luke Tailor releases a very significant cover of J. Cole’s newly-released track “Be Free,” which touches on the hardships of trying to survive as an African-American in today’s society.

Take a listen to Tailor vent his frustrations below.

The post New Music: Luke Tailor – “Be Free (After J. Cole)” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In honor of Michael Brown, the 18-year old slain in Missouri this past Saturday, J. Cole has released the track, “Be Free.” The track features J. Cole singing over a piano loop, “All we wanna do is take the chains off/All we wanna do is be free.” He also adds in clips from witnesses of the shooting that were interviewed instead of rapping verses. 

In response to the shooting, J. Cole tweeted, “STOP FUCKING KILLIN US,” and we are sure many agree with him. This tragedy is one that won’t be forgotten easily.

The post New Music: J. Cole – “Be Free” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.