Michael Brown's death appears to be sparking an entire cultural movement, particularly among black musicians.
A group of powerful artists—including the Game, Diddy, Rick Ross, 2 Chains, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beats, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharaoh and TGT—have collaborated on the just-released single "Don't Shoot" in honor of the Ferguson, Mo., teen who was killed by a police officer.
"Time to take a stand and save our future/like we all got shot … throwing up our hands don't let 'em shoot us/cause we all we got … God ain't put us on the Earth to get murdered/it's murder … " the song's hook states.
"The issues in Ferguson really hit home for me, and I feel compelled to use my musical platform to address this," the Game told Rolling Stone. "I am a black man with kids of my own that I love more than anything, and I cannot fathom a horrific tragedy like Michael Brown's happening to them. This possibility has shaken me to my core. That is why this song must be made and why it was so easy for so many of my friends to come together and unite against the injustice.
"I managed to get everyone on board fairly easy, simply because we have the hearts," the rapper added. "We care and are inclined to take a positive approach to resolving an issue that has existed since the beginning of mankind, and that is racism and hatred towards one another as human beings."
Other rappers and singers who have made their own tributes to the fallen teen include Lauryn Hill and J. Cole.
Proceeds raised from the song's iTunes sales will go to the Michael Brown Memorial Fund at GoFundMe, Rolling Stone notes.
Read more at Rolling Stone.