GRAMMY-winning, mega-hit makers, Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Johnta Austin & Brian Michael Cox have joined forces to rally a lineup of music superstar friends for a new single titled, “CHANGE.” (via So So Def Recordings)
“CHANGE” is laced with guest features from Common, Gary Clark Jr., Eric Bellinger, Rotimi, Kirk Franklin, and more. (see cover art for full list)
“We created the song to call attention to these long-standing issues. Members of the global community are now awakened to issues affecting BIPOC. The global pandemic forced us all to reevaluate everything from our health to police brutality and systemic racism. We are now witnessing a paradigm shift that creates an opportunity for real impactful change,” shared Dupri.
“Sparking a call for positive progress, the mission for ‘CHANGE’ for me is to inspire and uplift, comments Austin. “Throughout the years we have seen music serve as the catalyst that pushes listeners to believe that something beautiful is possible and to see themselves in their fellow listener who shares the same love of music. I hope that with
‘CHANGE’ we can give someone the words to express what they feel, the way that so many songs have done for me.”
Showcasing some of the most influential Black male artists to help affect change through music, “CHANGE” from Jermaine Dupri, Ne-Yo, Johntá Austin, and Friends,collectively counts 35-plus GRAMMY® wins among the group of acclaimed performers. Bringing together musical heavy-hitters across genres from R&B, Hip-Hop, Gospel, Soul, and Blues/Rock, along with influential new voices, Dupri, Ne-Yo, and Austin’s featured friends on the song include: Writer Bryan Michael Cox, British singer/rapper Angel, rapper Big Rube, R&B singer Eric Bellinger, teenage viral singing Gospel/R&B sensation Keedron Bryant, blues-rock-soul musician Gary Clark Jr., rapper/actor Common, “America’s Got Talent” young finalists The Detroit Youth Choir, Gospel star Kirk Franklin, R&B-soul singer Anthony Hamilton, Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris, R&B singer PJ Morton, Gospel singer Smokie Norful, newcomer R&B-soul singer Jac Ross, and singer/actor Rotimi.
“Using their talents on “CHANGE,” they’re giving voice to the ongoing disparities and pains that Black men face today, who are disproportionately affected by the consequences of racism and social injustice. Speaking on their shared mission in the music community to forge a global impact,” stated Ne-Yo “This song is about inspiration, motivation and determination. The current and next generation need to know someone is rooting for them, someone believes in them. This song is that reminder.”
