Anderson .Paak unveils new Juneteenth single, 'Lockdown' [Watch]

by Edward Hopkins · June 19, 2020

by: Jessica Mao Jun 19, 2020

Anderson .Paak has returned with his latest track “Lockdown” in honor of the annual celebration of the end of slavery, Juneteenth. Accompanied by a Dave Myers-directed video, .Paak’s protest single directs an emboldened statement on the civil and social unrest that has engulfed the nation in an amplification of the Black Lives Matter movement, as protests erupt across all 50 states. Joined by Jay Rock who delivers lyrical poignancy on his verse, the Oxnard rapper gives an impassioned commentary on racial injustice, police brutality, the COVID-19 crisis, and unemployment.

The visual follows .Paak and his friends through the aftermath of a protest as they solemnly sit at a diner. Featuring cameos from Jay Rock, Syd, Dumbfoundead, SiR, Andra Day, and Dominic Fike, the video showcases a raw depiction of the emotions, frustration, and anger existent in the police killings of Black citizens against the backdrop of a pandemic—with masks in place and a heavy atmosphere juxtaposed with a groovy beat. Both the video and artwork pay tribute to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Trayvon Martin, and other Black Americans who unjustly died.

Dropping Juneteenth #LockDown pic.twitter.com/7rlgmJ5UYF
— Anderson .Blacked (@AndersonPaak) June 18, 2020

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