Superstar producers/songwriters Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Johntá Austin and Bryan-Michael Cox have called up their musical friends to advocate for “Change” in a new song.
The anthem addresses social issues that directly impact Black men in America. It features contributions from a range of artists including Wayna Morris of Boyz II Men, Anthony Hamilton, Gary Clark Jr., PJ Morton, Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful, Eric Bellinger, Rotimi, Jac Ross, Keedron Bryant, Common, Angel and The Detroit Youth Choir.
“We created the song to call attention to these long-standing issues,” Dupri said about the socially-charged song in a press release. “Members of the global community are now awakened to issues affecting BIPOC. The global pandemic forced us all to reevaluate everything from our health to police brutality and systemic racism. We are now witnessing a paradigm shift that creates an opportunity for real impactful change. ‘CHANGE’ only resonates the need for topics that should have always been prioritized.”
Austin added, “Sparking a call for positive progress, the mission for ‘CHANGE’ for me is to inspire and uplift. Throughout the years, we have seen music serve as the catalyst that pushes listeners to believe that something beautiful is possible and to see themselves in their fellow listener who shares the same love of music. I hope that with ‘CHANGE’ we can give someone the words to express what they feel, the way that so many songs have done for me.”
Proceeds from “Change” will benefit the Social Change Fund, a charitable initiative created by NBA players Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade to support critical and timely issues impacting the Black community. The mission of the Social Change Fund is to “support organizations that are working to liberate Black people and advocate for indigenous people and communities of color through the lens of policy solutions, community representation and narrative change.”
Listen to “Change” below.
