Janelle Monàe appeared on NBC’s “Today” show, last Friday morning. Her performance was amazing, but when she started talking about police brutality, the station cut her off.
The singer appeared on the show, performing with collaborators from her new record label, Wondaland.
They were there promoting the new EP, “The Eephus” in the interview below…
But during her performance of “Hell You Talmbout,” an anti-racism and anti-police brutality protest song she wrote for the Black Lives Matter movement, Monàe said to the crowd in attendance:
“Yes Lord! God bless America! God bless all the lost lives 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…”
But that’s when the camera cut away sharply, and the news anchor began loudly talking over her so she couldn’t finish.
https://twitter.com/theseMYtweetz/status/632195350653112321
Monàe commented on Instagram that the meaning of “Hell You Talmbout” is akin to “a vessel. 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. They say a question lives forever until it gets the answer it deserves… Won’t you say their names?”
Monàe’s ‘Today” appearance was posted to the show’s website, but they made sure to leave out the “Hell You Talmbout” performance on their website.
Take a listen to the track below…