Via Getty Images.
This morning, Prince released “Baltimore,” his tribute to the people and city of Baltimore in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death while in police custody, and the subsequent protests.
Prince teased the song, which was recorded at his own Paisley Park studios, last week on social media. He said the song “addresses the unrest in Baltimore and the socio/political issues around the country in the wake of a slew of killings of young black men.”
Prince played all the instruments on the song, with addition vocals by Eryn Allen Kane. In the press release for the song, he adds: “Please know that all involved in this project never take for granted the privileges we have in this country. Let’s all continue to fight the good fight and confront inhumanity on every level until the day it is no longer.”
On Sunday, Prince and 3rdEyeGirl will perform a “Rally 4 Peace” concert at the Royal Farms Arena in West Baltimore, just a few miles from where Gray was killed. Audio from the benefit concert will be streamed on Tidal. The stream will feature buttons that allow listeners to donate to Baltimore youth charities, as well as the Baltimore Justice Fund, which at least somewhat addresses some of the concerns locals have had about the exorbitant ticket prices.