It’s been a long week. The tense and high emotions that have surfaced as a result of the violent tragedies that occurred this week have been met with little answers and much more frustration. But, several artists have stepped up and used their platform to take a stance and let music be a cathartic tactic for venting their feelings. Jay Z dropped the track, “Spiritual” on Tidal Music, along with a statement saying “I’m saddened and disappointed in this America.” The free song which was written following the death of Mike Brown in 2015 illustrates Carter’s struggle with being a black father in America and trying to reconcile with the reality of police brutality.

Last night, from his hotel room in London, Miguel recorded and released the song “How Many” in which he cries out for the black lives that have been lost at the hands of police brutality and gun violence. As Miguel’s Instagram post states that he will be “updating this song as it evolves weekly,” it proves a stark reminder of the fact that there is so much more work to be done to save humanity in this world and the next.

Swizz Beats and Scarface teamed up to create the track, “Sad News” in dedication to Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. The storytelling track paints a vivid picture of the common stories of shooting deaths, the tragedy amongst families, and the unjust system that allows police officers to be held unaccountable for their actions.

Houston icon, Z-Ro teamed up with legendary producer, Mike Dean to release the combative track, “No Justice, No Peace” following the Dallas shooting late Thursday evening. Z-Ro’s gut-wrenching lyrics ring out as a call for action and a demand for change in police departments.

At this time when #selfcare is necessary to protect the sanity and sanctity of our minds and bodies, it’s refreshing to see artists use their talents to voice their frustrations and feelings. As we all try to figure out a way to decompress and recharge after this exhausting week, hopefully these songs can help you stay connected to the movement and find ways to use your talents to make a change as well.

Have you listened to any of the songs above or know of any other artists that have released songs this week? Tell us about it in the comments.

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