Artist: J. Cole

Track: Be Free

Producer: J. Cole

Album: None (Promo Single)

Last week, Ferguson, Missouri teen Michael Brown was shot to death by an anonymous police officer, apparently for little more than jaywalking. The incident sparked off an ongoing series of clashes between protesters and a militarized police force, leading many to wonder how far America had truly advanced since the pre-Civil Rights era. Shaken by these events, rap heavyweight J. Cole expresses his grief and anger on newly-released promo cut Be Free. Over a self-produced instrumental laced with topical news clips, the Roc Nation emcee/beatsmith foregoes rapping in favor of a sung delivery that's as raw as it is emotionally powerful. This bracing joint is just a loosie but, as always, we'll keep you supplied with the latest from J. Cole.