Further proving its atonal approach toward anything even remotely important, NBC's Todayreportedly cut off Janelle Monáe near the end of her performance of the new Wondaland Records protest anthem "Hell You Talmbout" after she started speaking candidly on the tragic though undeniable persistence of police brutality in the United States:
"God bless America," says an impassioned Monáe during Friday's performance. "God bless all the lives lost to police brutality. We want white America to know that we stand tall today. We want black America to know we stand tall today. We will not be silenced!" Shortly after, an anchor proceeds to babble over Monáe's performance before appearing to break for commercials.
Of course, Monáe's outspoken bravery on the topic of police brutality is not a sudden adoption for one of the music industry's most unique identities. "Hell You Talmabout" stands as a testament to the continued urgency of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, an inspiring presence in the nation's contentious racial climate following the baffling deaths of Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, Tamir Rice, and countless others. "This song is a vessel," Monáe said upon the song's release. "It carries the unbearable anguish of millions. 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."
Revisit the track below:
