Since George Floyd’s death, numerous artists have released music focused on the Black Lives Matter movement. At a time like this, it only feels right that artists come together and use their music to speak out about what’s going on in the world. Joining them over the weekend, Anderson .Paak released his new single “Lockdown”. Appropriately released on Juneteenth, the song reflects on the various protests happening around the world. This song speaks directly about the police brutality present at Black Lives Matter protests. “‘Cause they throw away black lives like paper towels,” he says when referring to how black people are treated. The lyrics are powerful. Anderson .Paak does not hold back with this one.
The music video is simply a work of art. It features some of Anderson .Paak’s friends including SiR, Dominic Fike, Jay Rock, Syd, Dumbfoundead, and Andra Day. In the video, everyone is wearing masks to reflect on the fact that we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that isn’t stopping people from protesting for Black Lives Matter.
At the end of the video, names of the recently killed are shown such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The words “The People Are Rising” then appear as well as places to donate to. The video obviously carries a huge message with its moving lyrics and emotional scenes. Anderson .Paak is here to say that this is only the beginning for the movement.
Watch the music video for “Lockdown” here:
