Janelle Monae's anthem of protest hits a nerve on indifference to black lives

Monae receives praise for 'powerful' anthem, criticism for 'co-opting #SayHerName'.

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Screenshot via YouTube user: NastyBD Concerts

Janelle Monae's Wondaland Records released 'Hell You Talmbout' in protest of anti-black violence. One by one, the artists chant names of black people who've been killed, or who have died in police custody. The list of names includes men, women, and children; people killed by police and those killed by others, some recently and others in years before.

View the story "Janelle Monae's anthem of protest hits a nerve on indifference to black lives" on StorifyJanelle Monae's anthem of protest hits a nerve on indifference to black livesJanelle Monae receives praise for 'powerful' anthem, criticism for 'co-opting #SayHerName'.Storified by The Stream· Fri, Aug 14 2015 18:47:41 Named in the song are: Walter Scott, Jerame Reid, Phillip White, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Sean Bell, Freddie Grey, Aiyana Jones, Sandra Bland, Kimani Grey, John Crawford, Micheal Brown, Miriam Carey, Sharonda Singleton, Emmet Till, Tommy Yancy, Jordan Baker, and Amadou Diallo. Hell You Talmbout by Wondaland RecordsFeaturing Janelle Monáe, Deep Cotton, St. Beauty, Jidenna, Roman GianArthur, and George 2.0.The fire. The heart. The drums. The names. Thank you, @JanelleMonae, @Jidenna + the Wondaland family. #heatonrepeat. https://t.co/URMGnxeBc7Ava DuVernay(w/ FURY) Tamir Rice Say his name Tamir Rice Say his name Tamir Rice Say his name Won't you say his name. https://t.co/JKpBlUk9z0Shaun KingAll in all it was an amazing show with a powerful message #HellYouTalmBout. Artists are SUPPOSED to reflect the times. Thanks @wondalandToniaIn addition to strong support, the song also received criticism for co-opting #SayHerName, a hashtag started to provide visibility for Black women specifically, who are frequently victims of violence but are often overlooked. It's clear that the Wondaland crew didn't know the origins of #SayHerName. Devoid of proper context led to offense. #SayHisName is offensiveCharles WadeThat's awesome! Please don't do "Say a name" ever again though. It's #SayHerName for a reason. https://t.co/iJHYK4BtaqjamilahI'm glad "Hell You Talmabout" exists. It's powerful. But it's certainly not the best protest song for black women and girls. @JanelleMonaeCrystal FlemingI want to vibe to janelle monáe's new freedom song "hell you talmbout" so badly, however...kush thompson....I cannot vibe with the appropriation and male occupation of the #SayHerName movement.kush thompson.Before this is framed as an attack on @JanelleMonae, let's be clear that it's a critique on Black women's erasure.Nessa.Prior to its release, Janelle Monae reflected on Instagram about the intent behind the song: @janellemonae: "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. 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?" Watch the group perform the song on their tour's first stop in Philadelphia: Janelle Monae & Wondaland - Hell You Talmbout (Eephus Tour Philadelphia 8-12-15)