Don't Shoot

Album: Single Release Only (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On August 9, 2014, an unarmed 18-year-old black youth, Michael Brown, and his friend, Dorian Johnson, were walking on the 2900 block of Canfield Drive in Ferguson, Missouri. A white policeman, Darren Wilson, ordered the pair to move off the street and onto the pavement. An altercation took place and Wilson fired six shots at Brown, fatally wounding him. The tragedy prompted a series of stand-offs between activists, Ferguson locals and cops as well as much coverage and debate in the United States media.

    The Game penned this protest song dedicated to Michael Brown, in the wake of the shooting. He was joined by Diddy, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Diddy, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharaoh and the R&B super-group TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank). "The issues in Ferguson really hit home for me, and I feel compelled to use my musical platform to address this," Game told Rolling Stone. "I am a black man with kids of my own that I love more than anything, and I cannot fathom a horrific tragedy like Michael Brown's happening to them. This possibility has shaken me to my core. That is why this song must be made and why it was so easy for so many of my friends to come together and unite against the injustice."
  • All the proceeds from sales of the song went to the Michael Brown Memorial Fund.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."