Jay Z released a song called “spiritual” last night in response to the brutal deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police. The track is the media mogul’s first solo release in three years and is only available on his streaming service Tidal. The music site usually charges a subscription fee to listen to songs, but listeners are currently able to stream the song for free.
The Magna Carta Holy Grail record maker issued a statement on the track’s creation with its release.
I made this song a while ago, I never got to finish it.
Punch (TDE) told me I should drop it when Mike Brown died, sadly I told him, “this issue will always be relevant.” I’m hurt that I knew his death wouldn’t be the last……
I’m saddened and disappointed in THIS America – we should be further along.
WE ARE NOT.
I trust God and know everything that happens is for our greatest good, but man…. it’s tough right now.
Blessings to all the families that have lost loved ones to police brutality.
– j
“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
– Frederick Douglass
Though the song was made with good intentions, many are criticizing Jay for waiting until the police kill two more Black people to make a statement on racial police violence.
Krystal Reese slammed the rapper for debuting “spiritual” and not speaking up as a “powerful Black man that is close to the point of extinction.”
Others echo Reese’s statements on Jay Z’s Facebook page.
Jessica Aviles called the release a “pathetic move,” accusing the star of using “terrible tragedies” for publicity.
Ryan Bittner voiced appreciation for the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder lending his support but called the exclusive Tidal stream “tacky.”
Frances Jean-Louis called Jay a “monster” for attempting to make a profit from the loss of Black lives.
