Usher's newest music video for "Chains" is a powerful examination of police brutality.
Featuring Nas and Bibi Bourelly, the song tackles sensitive social issues with lyrics like: "You act like the change/Tryna throw me in chains/Don't act like you saving us/It's still the same."
The video, directed by Ben Louis Nichols, is shot in black and white, adding gravitas to the heavy visuals of people screaming in pain and praying in church.
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Usher tweeted about the video, writing that artist have to "use our platform to spread awareness and inspire action."
As artists we have to use our platform to spread awareness and inspire action.— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) January 30, 2016
"Chains" is my way of spreading light on the issues we face in our social injustice system. https://t.co/mK5sdBLdKT— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) January 30, 2016