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LEGACY OF BILLIE HOLIDAY’S ‘STRANGE FRUIT’ ENDURES WITH IMPASSIONED COVER BY ANDRA DAY

Published

8 years ago

September 15, 2017

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LEGACY OF BILLIE HOLIDAY’S ‘STRANGE FRUIT’ ENDURES WITH IMPASSIONED COVER BY ANDRA DAY IN SUPPORT OF THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

Two-time Grammy nominee Andra Day covers iconic song to join Google in support of the Equal Justice Initiative’s “Lynching in America” initiative.

NEW YORK, September 15, 2017 – Andra Day, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, released today a recording and music video for Strange Fruit, the historic song originally recorded by Billie Holiday in 1939. The recording is available on the Lynching in America site (lynchinginamerica.eji.org/strange-fruit) and Andra Day’s YouTube channel. Andra will also be performing Strange Fruit as part of her set at the Global Citizens Festival in NYC on September 23rd.

The goal of Lynching in America, which brings EJI’s multi-year investigation into more than 4,000 reported racial terror lynchings that took place in the United States during the period between Reconstruction and World War II to life, is to spark a national conversation about the connection between America’s painful history of racial violence and the forms of injustice that exist today, including racially-biased capital punishment, excessive sentencing, disproportionate sentencing of racial minorities, and police abuse of people of color.

As part of Google’s focus on Inclusion, the company has given more than $2MM in grants to the Equal Justice Initiative. In addition, Google volunteers have been working with the organization to digitize the Lynching in America research and ensure that as many people as possible have access to the information and content. The Equal Justice Initiative firmly believes that until we face the truth of our past, we cannot heal the deep wounds of our present.

Bryan Stevenson, the Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative says, “In this collaboration between Andra Day, EJI, and Google, we use music to express a painful and difficult truth about our nation’s history of racial inequality. Inspired music has the power to expose and confront injustice differently than research, data and words alone. It can heal and uplift us, it’s critical for human rights. Justice work needs a soundtrack that inspires the struggle, it’s energizing that talented artists like Andra rise to the challenge.”

Andra Day says, “Billie Holiday is one of the greatest inspirations for what I do now. She used her music as her platform and her voice to speak for people who were not able to speak for themselves. I am equally inspired by the work of Bryan Stevenson and EJI and I hope this song ignites new conversations about the connection between our past and present.” In the same spirit of music as activism, Andra also performed Stand Up For Something, the title track off of the upcoming film, Marshall, about Thurgood Marshall, the first African American United States Supreme Court Justice.

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The Rise of STEEZALEO THE GREAT: A Fresh Voice in Hip-Hop

Published

6 days ago

May 29, 2025

Public Relations Agency LLC

In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, new artists continually emerge, each bringing their unique sound and style to the forefront. Among these rising stars is STEEZALEO THE GREAT, an independent recording artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan, who is making a name for himself with his distinctive blend of laid-back luxury and Detroit hustle. As the founder of Steezaleo Music Group, a self-made label, STEEZALEO is pushing the boundaries of real notion with style, purpose, and confidence.

A Sound that Blends Luxury and Hustle

STEEZALEO’s music is characterized by smooth but sharp melodies, cool but calculated lyrics, and a pen that speaks to both ambition and authenticity. His sound is a perfect blend of hip-hop, trap, and motivational rap, making him a standout in the industry. With a vibe that is both smooth and focused, STEEZALEO’s music is designed to uplift and motivate, while still riding hard-hitting production.

Inspirations and Influences

STEEZALEO draws inspiration from artists like Gunna, Future, and Nipsey Hussle, who are known for their melodic rap and motivational lyrics. He brings a fresh voice to the genre, focusing on themes of growth, drive, and forward motion. With his hypnotic flow and polished delivery, STEEZALEO is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Critical Acclaim and Growing Recognition

STEEZALEO’s music has been praised by critics, with 24Hip-Hop calling his project “infectious” and noting his “stick delivery and elevated lyricism.” Fresh ip-to its R&B has also praised STEEZALEO, calling him “a diamond in the rough” and highlighting his ability to “command attention with rhythmic precision and raw authenticity.” This critical acclaim is a testament to STEEZALEO’s hard work and dedication to his craft.

Latest Projects and Releases

STEEZALEO has been prolific in his recent releases, with his latest EP, Motion Talk, featuring standout tracks like “Big Drip,” “Dexter,” and “High Road.” These tracks showcase STEEZALEO’s evolution as a powerful storyteller with purpose, and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with listeners. His latest project, “OCEAN MY CUP JUST DROPPED!”, is a testament to his growing momentum and artistry, with its smooth, bold sound and repeat-worthy beats.

A Bright Future Ahead

With his unique sound, critical acclaim, and growing momentum, STEEZALEO THE GREAT is poised for continued success and recognition in the music industry. As he continues to build his legacy, one thing is clear: he’s a force to be reckoned with, and his music is sure to resonate with fans and critics alike.