Jay Z released a song called “Spiritual” in response to the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, whose deaths sparked another round of nationwide outrage over police brutality.
The rapper revealed on Tidal, the streaming platform the track was released on Thursday, that he “made this song a while ago.”
“I never got to finish it,” he wrote. “Punch (TDE) told me I should drop it when Mike Brown died, sadly I told him, ‘This issue will always be relevant.’ I’m hurt that I knew his death wouldn’t be the last.”
“I’m saddened and disappointed in THIS America – we should be further along,” he continued. “WE ARE NOT.”
Michael Brown was fatally shot by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. His death ignited nationwide protests at the time. Unfortunately, Brown wasn’t the last person to be killed by police.
The hook of the song is:
“I am not poison, no I am not poison
Just a boy from the hood that
Got my hands in the air
In despair don’t shoot
I just wanna do good”
His wife, Beyoncé, also responded to the killings by posting an open letter to her website that called for action.
“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities,” she wrote. “It is up to us to take a stand and demand that they ‘stop killing us.'”
The song was released on Tidal, but is not exclusive to just Tidal members. Listen here.
Massacre in Orlando: A Timeline of Terror (Photos)
Orlando terror suspect Omar Mateen in an undated photo. He is the gunman behind the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which claimed 50 lives.
Orlando Police Department
Mateen entered Pulse, a popular LGBT night club with an intent to kill. Around 2 a.m., he began shooting patrons with an assault rifle.
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About 20 minutes into the shooting, Mateen placed a 911 call pledging allegiance to ISIS and referencing the Boston Marathon bombers. First responders arrived on the scene to find carnage inside and outside the club.
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Around 5 a.m., authorities broke down a wall and exchanged gunfire with Mateen, who had taken hostages. Mateen was killed.
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During a morning press conference, Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer amended the casualties from 20 to 50. Thirty-nine (including Mateen) were found dead at the club, two died outside, and nine died en route to the hospital. Fifty-three were injured.
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Pulse remained an active crime scene Sunday as authorities worked to identify the victims.
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Authorities descended upon Mateen's apartment Sunday afternoon to collect evidence and find a motive behind the shooting.
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A bomb squad was also brought in to sweep for explosives.
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Family and friends of the victims continue to await word. Authorities have yet to notify many next of kin.
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Omar Mateen killed 50 people in the deadliest mass shooting in American history
Orlando terror suspect Omar Mateen in an undated photo. He is the gunman behind the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, which claimed 50 lives.