Today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Willie Jones shares his poignant, powerful new song “American Dream.” Penned by Jones, Josh Logan and Jason Afable, who also produced the track, with additional production by Alex “Lex” Goodwin (Nelly, Jason Derulo), “American Dream” is a patriotic protest against the racial injustice that continues to plague the world. It recognises civil rights leaders such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those making an impact in the Black Lives Matter and current social justice movements.
“When I saw the final edit, I knew this was my most important statement to date as an artist,” said Jones. “It’s going to make people think and also understand how I see our country, our collective past, and futures. It was captured perfectly: the emotion, the creative use of anime, the message being relatable to so many. I felt relieved and inspired. No joke, I got chills.”
Jones’ video paints the American Dream: as a superhero, something for people to look up to and work towards, while also putting a spotlight on police brutality and racism and paying tribute to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Rayshard Brooks, Daniel Prude, Sandra Bland, Aura Rosser, Botham Jean and many others.
Watch ‘American Dream’ in this patriotic protest video direct by Jamal Wade of Dreambar BELOW:
Along with the song and video, Jones launches his #IHaveAnAmericanDream challenge initiative in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAN), which opens today (1.18). The initiative asks individuals to share their dream for change in America and encourages donations to the museum by texting ‘AMERICANDREAM’ TO 707070.
Jones debut album ‘Right Now,’ is available this Fri., Jan. 22 via The Penthouse/EMPIRE.
Be the first to comment