Common has never been one to shy away from speaking out against social and political injustices. His latest single, “Letter To The Free,” is no exception. The beautifully composed song broaches the subject of modern day slavery and the implications it has on society, which include mass incarceration, the prison industrial complex, and its undeniable negative impact on Black people. Most notably, he takes a couple of crafty shots at Donald Trump in a way that somehow avoids being tasteless.
The veteran MC and actor debuted the song alongside Bilal, Robert Glasper, Karriem Riggins, Keyon Harold, and Derrick Hodge at the White House Library during a performance with NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series.
The song comes from his new album, Black America Again, and features Bilal. Listen above.
