Inspectah Deck, Kool Keith & Headkrack Demand Justice For Unarmed Black Men (Premiere)

Three Bronx, New York MCs unite to speak on very pressing and sensitive issues in American society. Kool Keith, Inspectah Deck, and Headkrack decry the excessive force used by some law enforcement. These incidents, particularly over the last five years, have resulted in the increased death-count of Black men and boys.

On “Black Men (Unarmed),” the Wu-Tang Clan and Ultramagnetic MCs members join Headkrack in questioning whether America is really “the land of freedom.” The trio encourages listeners to examine the facts behind these murders (and others), before demanding justice. The Big Giz-produced song shows a different side of MCs often more recognized for innovative wordplay and advanced rhyme-patterns. However, seasoned Heads know that both Keith and Rebel INS have made strong strides covering issues of race and pride in their decorated discographies.

In this 2015 moment, the three MCs mourn the murders of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and the most recent casualty, Freddie Gray. “Black Men (Unarmed)” is definitely a call to question authority, take action and stand up for your rights—and the rights of others.

Kool Keith said the following to Ambrosia For Heads in making the song: “We just used the pen to express our feelings about the police brutality against Blacks that go way before there was color TVs. You would think cops would chill now that cameras are everywhere, but it’s like they’re auditioning for ‘NYPD Blue’ or ‘New York Undercover.’ They don’t give a fuck. Shit gotta stop.

Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest), J. Cole, Killer Mike and Kendrick Lamar are among many of Hip-Hop’s influential voices to reflect on this issue. Yesterday (May 10), Prince hosted “Rally 4 Peace” in Baltimore, Maryland, a response to Freddie Gray’s murder, and subsequent protests.

Related: Kool Keith Officially Supports This Limited Edition Dr. Octagon Action Figure