“Marchin’ and screamin’ for justice only get us pushed to religion. Hands up, don’t shoot! We beg to be humans..”
Last month’s tragic shooting of 18 year old Michael Brown has Hip-hop visionary, Dizzy Wright speaking out against the recurrent, yet disregarded injustice through truth and artistic vulnerability in his new music video, “I Need Answers” featuring R&B songstress Nikkiya. The newly released video entrances it’s viewers, inspiring the will to progress as a community and revolutionizing modern perspective. Police brutality, not only highlights the inequalities in society, but also sheds light on the subconscious fear that lies dormant in many officers all around the country. Dizzy Wright flexed his altruistic genius by epitomizing this truth in his new video, where he embodies the essence of unethical detainment and racial cruelty. The video depicts the slaying of an innocent black male during what appears to be an unwarranted arrest. The fear and disconnectedness in the afflicting officer showcases the behavior patterns that lead to an impulsive reaction to “Shoot First and Ask Questions Later”.
“Ya’ll run off adrenaline. How you obey the law by harassing the citizen..”
A gunshot is fired and transitions to a scene with Dizzy behind bars. Bold expressions of resentment and disappointment orchestrate the climax of the video as Dizzy Wright bellows at the arresting officer, demanding answers! The officer’s indifferent demeanor and refusal to acknowledge Dizzy’s outrage was a fine depiction of how as a people, we are not heard! As the video continues to evolve, Dizzy and Nikkiya appear in a church. Due to the church being vacant, I perceive this scene metaphorically, symbolizing the inner-quest for hidden truths. What, in fact, is the reason behind the oppression of the Black population?
The “I Need Answers” video closes with the officer sitting outside a confessional. He’s not shown actually speaking, but his body language holds volumes as “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!” echoes in the background. The voices of the protesters grow, as do the officer’s exhibited signs of remorse, a dramatic shift from his former nonchalance. The rhythmic tale colorfully deflects racial biases, police brutality and the force of combined energy.
