new music: activist and poet linda labeija teams up with byrell the great for trans justice anthem ‘urgency’ #soundcheck

We’re barely a week into 2017, and the epidemic of violence against trans women of color has already taken 2 lives. With an incoming administration that seems outright hostile to the very idea of queer rights, the situation is urgent. Activist and poet Linda LaBeija’s new single “Urgency” addresses the crisis head on. The song blends Linda’s impassioned poetry with a cloudy beat from Byrell The Great for something simultaneously contemplative and propulsive. It’s a passionate plea for understanding and humanity in a time when compassion and humanity seem to be in short supply. This song is what we need right now.



Linda LaBeija explains:

“This song is a reminder to everyone and myself that we are all responsible for the murders of trans women. We are all responsible for trans suicides. I hope that this song inspires folks to think differently about what they can do or say to impact change or increase awareness of this issue. It is the first song completed that will be apart of a larger body of work which will speak to the black trans experience as I see fit.”




By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK contributor