#visionary voices

Leading up to Blackout Music & Film Festival at the GRAMMY Museum, We Will Be Showcasing and Celebrating Visionary Voices in Storytelling and Social Justice. For Our ‘Visionary Voices in Storytelling & Social Justice’ Series Today, We’re Highlighting the Amazing and Talented Janelle Monáe. Monáe’s Powerful New Song “Hell You Talmbout” is Puts the Power of Music and Storytelling on Full Display. Read the Articles Below and Listen to the New Song:

• “Janelle Monáe released the song ‘Hell You Talmbout’ Thursday as an ode to the Black Lives Matter movement. She posted a message on Instagram explaining how the song is a ‘vessel’ to express the grief experienced by those communities that are subjected to excessive police force and vigilante violence. ‘This song is 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,’ Monae’s post read. She said the song is also directed at people who are choosing to stay neutral in the face of police brutality and injustice: ‘We recorded it to challenge the indifference, disregard, and negligence of all who remain quiet about this issue.’” Continue Reading The Root’s Article here: http://bit.ly/1EyKMnJ
  
• Janelle Monáe and her Wondaland Records roster have united for “Hell You Talmbout,” a police brutality protest song posted to Soundcloud on Thursday. Over marching drums, Monáe, Jidenna, Roman GianArthur, Deep Cotton, St. Beauty and George 2.0 shout out names of African-Americans killed by police officers, pausing for gospel chants on the chorus” Continue Reading The Rolling Stones Article here: http://rol.st/1hIXA5Y
  
• “Janelle Monáe and the entire roster of her Epic imprint Wondaland took The Eephus Tour to Chelsea’s Highline Ballroom last night. The brief national jaunt is seemingly a mission to promote their upcoming EP, also called The Eephus, but their outing has more intention than beyond music discovery. Before the show, Monáe and her crew protested in Time Square against police brutality. While the Times Square demonstration was unfolding, ‘Hell You Talmbout,’ a percussive, gospel-tinged loosie was unveiled, which features all of Wondaland naming victims of violence and abuse at the hands of police officers a la Jidenna’s Philly protest. The Eephus Tour may be how Monáe is getting the word out about her artists, but it is also brilliantly orchestrated traveling political action.” Continue Reading Village Voice’s Article here: http://bit.ly/1E1VdFi
  

Blackout for Human Rights is Hosting the First Blackout Music & Film Festival. #BlackoutFestival is a One Day Festival at the GRAMMY Museum in Downtown Los Angeles on August 29, 2015. #BlackoutFestival Features Multiple Screenings of Award Winning Films Including 3 ½ Minutes, Live Musical Performances Featuring Lalah Hathaway, Three Featured Panels Featuring Tracee Ellis Ross and Patrisse Cullors, a Signature Art Showcase and more. For More Info and Tickets ($10-$18), Click Here: http://bit.ly/1NviXBK