They Don’t Listen by Nasty C featuring T.I. (2020)
They Don’t Listen released on June 6, 2020 addressing racial injustices due to police brutality in the United States and similar incidents in South Africa. [1] The hip hop song was produced by Gemini Major. [2]
Key Lyrics
They don't want me to win, they don't want me to eat
They don't want to see a young black man succeed
They don't want to see me take my brothers out of the streets
They don't want me
They don't want me to sleep, they don't want me to dream
They don't want to see my people livin' good and at ease
They wanna lock 'em all up and then get rid of the keys
We ain't never free
I'm grateful for life and the prize I reap
Every day and every night, I get on my knees
And I pray for my guys and they families
Hope the Lord hear me
I can only imagine the pain and the grief
From the innocent mothers with all the shit they had to see
When you lose the ones you love to the fuckin' police, it cuts deep
When Heaven calls and the angels do they job
We start to question God like we could play His part
It gets so fuckin' hard, we can't escape the dark
There's hatred in my heart for the ones who left this scar
But everything will be alright soon
I just wanna let you know ain't nothin' like you
We live and die, that's always been the cycle
I promise it wasn't about you
When you make it to Heaven, give me your eyes, dude
Watch over me closely 'til it's my time too
The only thing I can do is turn to the Bible
And do my best to help your family 'cause they're mine too [3]
Black Empowerment
They Don’t Listen is a song addressing racial injustice and police brutality, proceeds from the single go to Until Freedom and Solidarity Fund. [4]
Both Nasty C and T.I. are splitting the proceeds to two worthy organizations for fighting against racial injustice in both of their countries. The US-based UNtil Freedom, focused on addressing systemic and racial injustice. Investing in those who are directly impacted by poverty, inequality, and violence. South Africa’s Solidarity Fund provides food and shelter, for those whose lives disproportionately affected by COVID-19. [5]
The lyrics also referencing the death of George Floyd “How you supposed to serve and protect/With your knee on my neck?” Many artists including Meek Mill, Tee Grizzley, Terrace Martin and more released tribute and protest songs of George Floyd’s killing. [6]
References
- ↑ They Don’t Nasty C & T.I.. genius.com. Retrieved January 25, 2021
- ↑ [https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/06/08/listen-to-they-dont-by-nasty-c-featuring-t-i/ Listen to “They Don’t” by Nasty C featuring T.I.]. June 8, 2020. pmnewsnigeria.com. Retrieved January 25, 2021
- ↑ They Don’t Nasty C & T.I.. genius.com. Retrieved January 25, 2021
- ↑ Muhammad, Latifah. https://www.etonline.com/15-powerful-songs-that-embody-and-support-black-lives-matter-movement-147773. July 2, 2020. etonline.com. Retrieved January 25, 2021
- ↑ Sophie, Smith. Hear Nasty C And TI’s Powerful Collaboration ‘They Don’t’. July 5, 2020. udiscovermusic.com. Retrieved January 25, 2021
- ↑ Strauss, Matthew. https://pitchfork.com/news/ti-and-nasty-c-share-new-song-they-dont-listen/. June 6, 2020. pitchfork.com. Retrieved January 25, 2021