Over the past two weeks, artists of all stripes have taken to the streets, their studios, social media and elsewhere to fight the good fight. And musicians are no different, as a bunch of bands, singer-songwriters, rappers and others have recently released—and in some cases, created—music that benefits Black Lives Matter, bailout funds, Black LGBTQ+ rights organizations and a host of other admirable initiatives. We’ve compiled our favorite songs and albums that do just that below. If you'd like to do more, check out our primer on how to support racial equality wherever you are.
Run the Jewels
Killer Mike and El-P’s latest of-the-moment opus, RTJ4, dropped last week. It’s a pay-what-you-wish release, with all proceeds going to the Mass Defense Program. Listen and buy now.
Fruit Bats
Eric D. Johnson & Co. just released a wonderful, warm live album, Found a Round Stone: Live in Portland, which was recorded last year. All proceeds benefit Black Futures Lab. Listen and buy now.
Dua Saleh
The Minneapolis multi-hyphenate’s single, the timely “body cast,” debuted on May 30, with all proceeds going to the Black Visions Collective. Listen and buy now.
Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire
All profits from the Brooklyn rapper’s George-Floyd-inspired single “Bootlicker (Burn Baby Burn)” go to The Bail Project. Listen and buy now.
Martin Courtney
The Real Estate frontman recently unveiled The Demos, which has two early renditions of songs from the band’s most recent LP, this year’s The Main Thing. All proceeds go to a split-donation between 70-plus bail funds, racial-injustice organizations and more. Listen and buy now.
cupcakKe
The Chicago rapper just dropped her latest single, “Lemon Pepper,” and half of its proceeds go to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Listen and buy now.
Ty Segall & Cory Hanson
Yesterday, Drag City made the pair’s five-year-old collabs, “She's a Beam” and “Milk Bird Flyer,” available online. All proceeds benefit Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. Listen and buy now.
The Clientele
Last Friday, the gentle British-rock mainstay released a cover of Mick Head’s “Closer.” All proceeds benefit Black Lives Matter. Listen and buy now.
Shygirl & Arca
The two team up in the newbie “unconditional,” and all of the song’s proceeds go to Black Lives Matter and INQUEST. Listen and buy now.
Citrus City Records
All proceeds from the Richmond-based indie label’s output will go to LGBTQ+ initiatives like Black Visions Collective and the Okra Project through June 19. Listen and buy now.
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