Common Addresses Mass Incarceration on Compelling Song ‘Letter to the Free’

Common has been very vocal about the problematic issue of mass incarceration among people of color. Last week, Common premiered his new song “Letter to the Free,” which was recently featured in Ava DuVernay’s informative Netflix documentary, 13th.

The song is a compelling, meditative look on the prison industrial complex and how it disproportionately targets black and brown people. Produced by Karriem Riggins & Robert Glasper, the song features a stomping beat with solemn piano chords and Bilal’s yearning vocals.

Common’s lyrics are potent on the track as he touches on slavery, Donald Trump and police brutality. "Sweet land of liberty, incarcerated country / Shot me with your Reagan / And now you want to Trump me," he brilliantly raps, adding, "Prison is a business, America's the company / Investing in injustice, fear and long suffering."

Meanwhile, Boosie Badass is planning to release his anti-police brutality track called "Hate Song."

“It’s strictly about the police,” he told Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club. “I was mad. It was right after I seen the thing and a lot of it I think I said a little too much. I’m talking about all kind of stuff that I want to happen to the police. I went overboard but that’s how I was feeling in the moment.”

Check out Common's powerful song below.