Mary J. Blige has been a staple in my gay nights out for quite some time, I think ever since I've been out in the mid '90s. She's an institution, an inspiration, and an awesome singer. She joined another institution, inspiration, not sure about the singing, in an interview to air in three days. That person is presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
In the new teaser of The 411 With Mary J. Blige via Apple Music, debuting Sept. 30, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul sits down with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
The teaser, which debuted after the first presidential debate with Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump on Monday night, featured the R&B veteran in the interviewer's seat, asking Clinton, "A lot of people in my community think Barack Obama was blocked in Congress because he was black. How are you going to do what he wasn't able to do?" – billboard.com
If an officer stops you, promise me you'll always be polite
And that you'll never ever run away
Promise Mama you'll keep your hands in sight
Is it a gun (is it a gun), is it a knife (is it a knife)
Is it a wallet (is it a wallet), this is your life (this is your life)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
It ain't no secret (it ain't no secret)
No secret my friend
You can get killed just for living in your American skin
The words are moving and what comes to mind are the recent issues with shootings everywhere with everyone about everything. But we've been here before and the song was sung prior.
[The] songstress is actually singing Bruce Springsteen's "American Skin (41 Shots)." The song was released in the wake of Amadou Diallo's murder by a police officer in February 1999. The 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea was shot at 41 times (he was struck 19 times) in his Bronx apartment by four plainclothes New York City police officers, who were acquitted of all charges in 2000, according to the New York Times. The white cops believed he was grabbing a gun though it turned out to be a wallet.
We thank you Mary for a wonderful rendition of Bruce's song.
We look forward to your interview with Clinton.
And we are sure your message will be one of love, hope, and peace.
h/t: billboard.com