Baltimore is in a state of emergency following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American man who was killed while in police custody. We’ve seen rioting, protesting and plenty of arrests in the wake of the wake of this tragic event.
There are those who have criticized the media coverage for not giving a fair and balanced portrayal of what is actually taking place, but members of the music community are taking to social media to share their views and offer their support to the protesters. Read on to hear from Chuck D, Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Big Boi, Vic Mensa, Beyonce, and more.
Beyonce
Russell Simmons
To law enforcement in Baltimore, remember these are not just our children, they are your children as well. PLS show constraint + be peaceful
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 28, 2015
Rihanna
Chuck D
HBO pimped that 1-sided view of BMORE in THE WIRE. Show & spread it across the USA , and 15 years later ((((BOOM))))
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) April 27, 2015
Kelly Rowland
Praying for Baltimore. #PrayForPeace #DC http://t.co/raOdytl4u5 pic.twitter.com/nHEEvOF3av
— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) April 28, 2015
YG
Baltimore doing what they suppose 2 be doing
— YG (@YG) April 27, 2015
Big Boi
K.Michelle
On a plane now, really in shock about what's going on in Baltimore! Prayers up https://t.co/eTZrl5ZyuB
— K. Michelle (@kmichelle) April 28, 2015
Freddie Gibbs
#Baltimore standing strong for #FreddieGray much love and respect for this one. We gotta show more… https://t.co/T60Cy4yxnz
— Freddie Gibbs (@FreddieGibbs) April 28, 2015
Benzino
Killer Mike
Vic Mensa
BALTIMORE STAY STRONG.
— VIC MENSA (@VicMensa) April 28, 2015
Don't you understand? We're tired of being murdered in the street like dogs. How many times can you be shot at before you shoot back?
— VIC MENSA (@VicMensa) April 28, 2015
Maybe the aggression is misdirected. But you can't say it's unwarranted.
— VIC MENSA (@VicMensa) April 28, 2015
And I'm sorry but I don't need to see anyone not black saying how the fuck we should or shouldn't feel. It's just not your place.
— VIC MENSA (@VicMensa) April 28, 2015
I'm not forgetting Latinos. My brother was attacked with rubber bullets and tear gas in Baltimore. he's Mexican. he knows that pain.
— VIC MENSA (@VicMensa) April 28, 2015
Mimi Faust
Sending my love and prayers to Baltimore.
— Mimi Faust (@MimiFaust) April 27, 2015
Bun B
Damn. Baltimore is getting outta control. I understand protests. I don't understand looting CVS. That's not honoring Freddie Grey.
— Bun B (@BunBTrillOG) April 27, 2015
Dev Hynes
No black man has ever been tried by a jury of his peers in America. And if that is so, and I know that is so, no black man has ever received
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) April 27, 2015
…a fair trial in this country. Therefore, I’m under no illusions about the reason why many black people are in prison. – James Baldwin
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) April 27, 2015
UPDATE: 5/11 10 A.M.
Prince put on a Rally 4 Peace concert in Baltimore on Sunday night for a “night of healing and celebration” in remembrance of Freddie Gray. Prince, who hadn’t played Baltimore in 14 years, played his hits for two and a half hours. He had asked the crowd to wear gray in honor of the event, which was streamed on TIDAL. Beyonce, Jay Z, Tina Knowles-Lawson, and Alicia Keys were among those in attendance, and Bey, Tina, and Alicia posed with Michael Brown’s mother for the following picture:
Prince also released a track this weekend titled “Baltimore” about the public disharmony currently plaguing the city. Hear “Baltimore” via SoundCloud below.