Janelle Monae wants to lead a movement through her music.
The singer, along with artists Deep Cotton, Jidenna, St. Beauty and Roman GianArthur who are signed to her label Wondaland Records, released a new song protesting police brutality in the country.
The chilling anthem, backed by booming drums, recites the names of numerous black victims of brutality, including Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Walter Scott, Eric Garner and more. Monae described the song as a "vessel" in a lengthy Instagram comment, explaining the inspiration and purpose of the song.
[seealso slug="black-lives-matter-bernie-sanders"]
"This song is a vessel. It carries the unbearable anguish of millions," she writes. "We recorded it to channel the pain, fear, and trauma caused by the ongoing slaughter of our brothers and sisters. We recorded it to challenge the indifference, disregard, and negligence of all who remain quiet about this issue. Silence is our enemy. Sound is our weapon. They say a question lives forever until it gets the answer it deserves ... won't you say their names?"
The release of the song also coincided with Monae and her Wondaland Records artists leading a rally, press conference and protest against police brutality in New York City on Aug. 13.
Marching through the streets 'cause I'm willing and I'm able. Categorize me? I defy every label. #QUEEN #TheEephus #WondalandRecords A photo posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on Aug 13, 2015 at 10:14am PDT
#SayTheirNames A video posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on Aug 12, 2015 at 3:41pm PDT
NYC! Join us NOW in Time Square for a rally, press conference and protest against police brutality! At the Red Stairs on 46th & Broadway! #BlackLivesMatter #BlackFuturesMatter #WondalandRecords #TheEephus A photo posted by Janelle Monáe (@janellemonae) on Aug 13, 2015 at 10:38am PDT