Aloe Blacc, Vic Mensa, and more contribute to socially-conscious compilation album, 'Defund the Sheriff'

by Donald Dominic · July 22, 2020

by: Sophie Bress Jul 22, 2020

As protesters across the nation continue to take to the streets to take a stand against police brutality and systemic racism, many celebrities and musicians are also using their platforms to support the ongoing movement. One of the latest statements from the music world comes in the form of a new compilation album, Defund the Sheriff (The Album). The LP, which features tracks from the likes of Aloe Blacc and Vic Mensa, is part of an initiative aimed at shifting Los Angeles County funding from the police and incarceration to other public services.

The album was produced in collaboration with JusticeLA, Schools not Prisons, Question Culture, and Reform L.A. Jails. In addition to Blacc and Mensa, Madame Gandhi, Richie Reseda, Aja Monet, and Noelle Scaggs of alt-rock band, Fitz and the Tantrums, contributed to the collaborative project. Reseda was also in charge of executive-producing Defund the Sheriff (The Album), along with Mike de la Rocha.

Listen to the full album below:

Featured image: Amanda Austin

Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Dancing Astronaut pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:

Black Lives Matter

My Block My Hood My City

National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program

Black Visions Collective

Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative

The Bail Project

The Next Level Boys Academy

Color of Change

Committee to Protect Journalists