Review Fix Exclusive: Darrell Kelley Talks ‘Police Brutality’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Darrell Kelley about his new track, “Police Brutality” and more.

Review Fix: What specifically inspired “Police Brutality”? 

Kelley: When I saw what happened to George Floyd on CNN, my heart immediately felt hurt and pain, so I just started processing my feelings and the song emerged three days after watching it.  It just flowed out. When you have three officers standing around while the other just had his knee on George’s neck as he screamed for his deceased mother, that’s police brutality. They took his breath away and killed him. Everything was right there for the world to see. But in my mind, it wasn’t just police brutality. It was also murder. 

The lyrics to the song speak for themselves. When I write the words, I don’t know how the melody will end up until I get in the studio. But everything I sang came from the heart. Sometimes you can’t control the anger you feel in such a moment, but in the song, I feel like I’m biting my tongue as far as expressing my rage because I know thousands and potentially millions of people will listen. I’ve gotta watch myself as far as saying hateful things or even cursing. My goal is to send a message, but I don’t want anyone to get the idea that I have any violent intentions, or that I’m some crazy guy spouting off, so I keep my rhetoric on point. I want people to understand how I’m feeling while also conveying a very serious message. 

Review Fix: You performed the song in Minneapolis right after you recorded it? How did that come about?

Kelley: I felt like I couldn’t write a song based on the George Floyd murder if I didn’t fully understand or feel it where it actually happened. I felt compelled to fly there right after I heard Don Lemon on CNN ask rhetorically, “Where are all of our leaders and celebrities?” He was suggesting that prominent voices should come out of hiding and address this. “Police Brutality” was just getting out there, but I realized I can’t be inside if I’m a so-called celebrity or leader. Being a socially conscious artist comes with responsibility. I like to say that Mr. Lemon pulled me out of the house! When I arrived at the site, some people around the memorial noticed who I was. I left a picture of myself at the memorial so George and his family would know I came out for him. Many people greeted me and thanked me for coming. I just walked in the middle of the crowd, took my mask off briefly, had someone turn on the musical tracks and sang “Police Brutality” and my previous song about a black man’s murder, “Ahmaud.” 

I felt George Floyd’s presence, and the pain in people’s eyes as I sang. They all felt what I was feeling. It was awesome to have all their encouragement but it was a hurtful moment at the same time.  I took the initiative to perform because I felt the need to show people that I can’t write about it if I was not going to be about it. I also felt compelled to go to Houston to pay my respects the day before George’s funeral. It was inspiring to see so many people from all walks of life that came out to do the same. While I was there I felt it was the time to shoot the videos for both “Ahmaud” and “Police Brutality.” I was also grateful for the opportunity to share my views on several TV interviews, including on Al Jazeera and French television. The scope of this outpouring was truly international. 

Review Fix: How does ‘Police Brutality” differ from your other tracks?

Kelley: At first I didn’t think it was all that different. I treat my music all the same, but at the same time, I know that the song is part of a movement, a significant spirit change in how we are dealing with racism, and I hope it can add to the conversation. What started out as police brutality and the death of one man has led to meaningful action, including Confederate statues coming down and a reconsideration of how we view the darker side of American history. I had written songs about specific incidents before, but never in the wider context of realizing what my ancestors had been through. These protests really opened my eyes to the fact that racism still exists in America and the only way to stop it is if we come together as one. I know some don’t like the phrase, but I am truly a supporter of the reality that All Lives Matter. 

I’m using my music as a platform to start a positive movement of love, unity and acceptance. Black Lives Matter will not be effective if we keep seeing videos like the one where black folks are beating up a Caucasian woman in a convenience store. As we talk about police brutality, racism, injustice and inequality, we should also address all kind of race-motivated hate and discrimination. How can we make a change if the younger generation is doing what the president is – dividing and separating? You can’t stand for a movement yet overlook hate and discrimination. I think “Police Brutality” is different from some of my other songs because it addresses a systemic issue. Ahmaud’s murder happened because of individual racism. A veritable lynching in broad daylight is hurtful, but when police do it…when those who we hire to serve and protect us – that’s another thing entirely. Like, who can we trust? 

Review Fix: What are your favorite lyrics in “Police Brutality”?

Kelley: The first line that comes to mind is “This racist cop wouldn’t remove his knee.” Because there shouldn’t be that much hate in anyone to kill a person that way. When you ignore someone who is pleading for his life, you have to be racist. When I sing that, I’m actually saying that this racism still exists and it cannot continue. Another line I like is my question, “Is young African Americans safe while minding their own business on the street?” Because we never know when something is going to happen. Are we going to be arrested for essentially doing nothing? Are they going to plant drugs in our cars, or escalate incidents that could be contained? I’m addressing the corruption that leads to tragedies like George Floyd. Well, I’m sorry to say, after what they did to this black man, I don’t think any of us are safe from racist white police. That said, I want to make it clear that I realize there are also racist black people in this world too. And I want to urge young black people to not give anyone a hard time. If you are rude to a police officer, they’re going to react badly. It’s you vs. his gun and his badge. You’re not going to win that fight. Even if you feel singled out, take that ticket and fight it later. 

Review Fix: What prompted you to create the vocal texturing featuring the repetition of “We Want Justice” and “Police Brutality” over the main flow of the song?

Kelley: I put that there because it captures what I am trying to convey. It’s like what George Floyd’s brother said, “Let his name ring.” Words and phrases resonate. The bottom line is, we want justice. I included that in “Police Brutality,” “Ahmaud” and a new Black Lives Matter themed song I have not released yet. You can protest all you want but you have to know what you are protesting for. You have the right to have demands. Singing that line over and over was my way of letting people understand the underlying message of what we all ultimately want. Whispering “police brutality” throughout is also an effective way of getting the main point across. 

Review Fix: What are your goals for “Police Brutality”?

Kelley: I want it to be a platform and focal point that allows me to get out and speak about these issues on the local and national news. I want to do my part to address what’s going on and what we need to do to change America. It occurs to me that America itself is not racist. “Miss America” is a very beautiful woman. It’s just some of the people who live here that are prejudiced and perpetuate racism and hateful rhetoric. I am seeking opportunities wherever I can be of service. The song is playing a lot in Ohio, and I have been invited to do a live concert stream from there on Election Day. That coincides well with my next single about the election, “Vote Him Out.” I also want to go out and perform little concerts where people can gather safely. The ultimate win is when I hear that people are responding positively and taking action because of what I have written and sung. I want people to remember what happened to George Floyd because we never want to see it happen again. 

Review Fix: How would you like “Police Brutality” to be remembered?

Kelley: I want it to be remembered as a song where I didn’t bite my tongue but told the truth and stood up for what I believed in, while letting no one intimidate me. I want it to be remembered as part of the BLM movement because I agree with that movement 100 percent. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Kelley: My full-length album The Audacity came out in June, and it’s next single “Vote Him Out” will be released in September to coincide with the run up to the election and express my displeasure with the current president. Like so many other Americans, I am praying for better government and leadership as a result of this election. That ties in with our collective goal of stopping racism, police brutality, inequality, discrimination and hate – as well as the need to better protect ourselves for future pandemics. American lives are more important than politics and money, and we can’t replace human life for the sake of some people’s economic views.