WATCH: Prince Releases New Video For “Baltimore”

“Peace is more than the absence of war,” Prince sings in his newest song “Baltimore.” The musician wrote the song in his music studio in Minnesota. The brutal force used on Freddie Gray when he was arrested and the shooting of Michael Brown are part of the imagery used in the video that describe the dangers of militarizing the police. So far, six officers have been charged with Gray’s murder and Brown’s killer was found not guilty. The song is a lyric video that the watcher can sing along to when looking at it on social media sites. “I am honored to join Prince in his mission to inspire through the uniting power of music and be able to offer a platform where this moment can be shared globally,” said rapper Eryn Allen Kane who cameos parts of the song,

Recorded in Prince’s Paisley Park Studio and then sung at “Rally 4 Peace” held in Baltimore following the riots on police brutality, the singer shares his view on opposing violence, especially when the violence is from hand of fellow Americans. Portions of the proceeds from the rally were donated to benefit local Baltimore-based youth charities. Singer Eryn Allen Kane also had a part in the lyrical video and was flown to Prince’s studio to record his part as the riots took place. A studio version of the lyrical song was placed on SoundCloud.

The images in the video are pictures posted from newspapers and video captured of people reading about the riots that took place in Ferguson and Baltimore following the public outcry after the police murdered Michael Brown and Freddie Gray in those cities. It captures the powerful desire for change in how police should confront those who are going to be arrested and how terrifying at times the police can appear when they are wearing full military gear.

“Baltimore” has not yet been released for purchase, but the video and live streaming are available on all social platforms that include sharing music. No album artwork has been released for the single, but images of Prince being wrapped by chains may be part of the single’s cover promotional photos. His performances at the local events in Baltimore following riots is not related to his tour for his album Hit and Run.