Trey Songz unveiled his new single “2020 Riots: How Many Times” on Friday (June 5) in honor of the Black Lives Matter protests currently erupting across the country. Songz stated in recent interview that protesting on the streets in the wake of George Floyd’s death inspired him to write the song.
“Three or four nights ago I woke up in the middle of my sleep. I couldn’t sleep. My chest was hurting. I got up and called my producer, Troy Taylor, and I said, ‘We’ve got to make music that really touches the soul, that really addresses what the world is feeling right now. Especially our people. So we came up with ‘2020 Riots: How Many Times’. With the words in this song I just wanted to speak to everyone’s hearts and acknowledge the pain and anguish everyone is going through right now. I know this ain’t usually my message and you’re not used to hearing this from me, but this is the person I’ve always been.”
The song acknowledges the pain and anguish of many in the black community while mourning the unnecessary killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many others. A beautiful gospel choir-backed chorus really touched everyone hearing the angelic voices preach for peace and unity.
A portion of the proceeds from the release of the single will directly benefit both Black Lives Matter and the Community Justice Exchange’s National Bail Fund Network.
Listen to the powerful protest anthem below.
