Songwriter J. Cole Pays Respect To Slain Teen Michael Brown; Releases New Song 'Be Free'

Songwriter J. Cole visited slain teen Michael Brown's hometown of Ferguson to commemorate the latter's life. The rapper also released a new song called "Be Free" in memory of the teen.

Along with the rapper's tribute song was a statement that was posted on his record label's blog.

"That coulda been me, easily. It could have been my best friend," songwriter J. Cole wrote. "I'm tired of being desensitized to the murder of black men. I don't give a... if it's by police or peers. This... is not normal."

On his Soundcloud account, the song "Be Free" is posted with an accompanying text, saying "Rest in Peace to Michael Brown and to every young black man murdered in America, whether by the hands of white or black. I pray that one day the world will be filled with peace and rid of injustice. Only then will we all Be Free."

Cole has used music as a way to talk about his opinions on several matters, according to Vibe. The music video for his song "Crooked Smile" was created in dedication to a 7-year-old Detroit girl named Aiyana Stanley-Jones, who was shot to death by police in her home.

"Be Free" is songwriter J. Cole's response to the shooting of an unarmed African-American teenager, Michael Brown, in Ferguson, Missouri. The incedent sparked controversy and discussion regarding racial profiling.

Other rappers have also been vocal about their thoughts about the shooting, including Killer Mike who posted and essay on his Instagram account, urging people to focus on empathy, saying "No matter how u felt about black people look at this mother and look at this father and tell me as a human being how u cannot feel empathy for them." Meanwhile, Childish Gambino took to his Twitter account to speak of his outrage about the incident.

Listen to the song below: