Houston-based activist, community leader, and rapper Trae Tha Truth has partnered with fellow change-maker and independent hip-hop artist Mysonne “The General” to release a social justice inspired collaboration entitled If You’re Scared Stay Inside.
Endorsed and released exclusively by WorldStarHipHop, the project strives to keep reform top of mind while being voices for the unheard and underrepresented. In preparation for the upcoming album launch, WSHH dropped exclusively two compelling visuals for singles “You Know How We Coming” and the chilling, extended animated video, “Time for Change”.
Moved by the tragic murder of Breonna Taylor at the hands of Louisville Police, the artists both uprooted themselves and relocated from their respective hometowns to Kentucky last year to protest the beloved essential worker’s death.
While in Louisville, Trae and Mysonne decided to use their talents to capture the momentum of the movement through a collection of protest-motivated anthems. Recording the project, however, was no easy feat as the fight for justice lingered on for weeks with both Trae and Mysonne being wrongfully arrested twice, for simply peacefully protesting.
If You’re Scared Stay Inside consists of 14 songs including; “You Know How We Coming”, “Difference”, “Lyrical Cypher” and “Time for Change” featuring Styles P, Bun B, Ink, TIP, Anthony Hamilton, Conway, Krayzie Bone, E-40, and David Banner.
Each piece of the collective acts as a unique reflection of the current social climate, the on-going work being made to enact reform, and the sentiments of foot soldiers like Trae, Mysonne, and the others committed to seeing it happen.
“As long as people in this country are subjected to systematic racism, inequality, and criminal justice disparities, our work is not done,” says Trae Tha Truth. “I am even more dedicated to using my voice and the platform I have as an artist to echoing the voices of the people and protecting their rights and liberties.”
No stranger to activism Trae is noted for being a prolific figure in the Houston community. In the past year alone he has donated to COVID-19 relief funds, held voter registration drives, and provided essential items for natural disaster victims, he jointly organized a peaceful march of over 80,000 people for George Floyd, and spearheaded a Juneteeth Ride for Justice. He was recently honored and recognized for his work at the BET Hip Hop Awards. He has also helped out his Texan natives who has suffered from the bitter winter storm that has recently passed through the Southern state.
Bronx native Mysonne “The General” splits his time between spitting introspective, brutally honest, and socially conscious lyrics and working to change the social and economic conditions of impoverished communities. He is the co-founder of the intersectional social justice organization Until Freedom, an avid community organizer, and frequently dedicates his time to speaking out against biased policing and inequity in the criminal justice system.
“This project speaks directly to the work we’ve done and are doing to right the wrongful deaths of Breonna, George and the countless others who have had their lives cut short at the hands of law enforcement,” adds Mysonne. “We hope that our music can act as motivation and battle anthems for those who are dedicated to justice being upheld in our communities and beyond. This Black History Month in particular we’re reminded that though we’ve come far, we still have much further to go.”
Shamika Sanders-Sykes
