"I Can't Breathe"
A raised fist can be seen amidst a Black Lives Matter protest, with various Melbourne landmarks in the background
Single by Jerome Farah
Released26 June 2020
Recorded2020[1]
Genre
Length2:34
Label
Songwriter(s)Jerome Farah
Producer(s)Jerome Farah
Jerome Farah singles chronology
"Hoodlum"
(2018)		 "I Can't Breathe"
(2020)		 "Mikey Might"
(2020)

"I Can't Breathe" is the debut single by Australian rapper Jerome Farah, released on 26 June 2020 through Sony Music Australia.[2] The song discusses racism and police brutality.[2]

All proceeds from Australian sales of the song go towards the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. Sony Music Australia committed to matching each contribution.[3]

Background

"I Can't Breathe" is Farah's debut solo single, after previously co-writing songs "Marryuna", "Mr La Di Da Di", "Meditjin", and "Waiting" for artists Baker Boy and Kian, respectively.[1][2]

The track was written in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by a police officer, as well as other victims of police brutality, Eric Garner and David Dungay Jr.[1]

Recording and composition

"I Can't Breathe" is primarily a neo soul, hip hop, and R&B song.[4] The song discusses Farah's personal experiences with racism in Australia, the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement and his Zimbabwean heritage. The song additionally contains lyrics criticising negative dialogue regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, the "#AllLivesMatter" slogan and white privilege.[4][5]

Artwork

The artwork depicts a raised fist at a Black Lives Matter protest, with various Melbourne landmarks shown in the background.[6]

Music video

The music video was released on 25 June 2020 and was directed by Ryan Sauer.[2][3] The video shows Farah rapping in a warehouse whilst getting his afro braided, interspersed with scenes where fellow Zimbabwean Australians of various ages stand behind him in a statement of solidarity.[7]

Live performances

Farah performed the song live on Australian live music program The Sound on 19 July 2020.[8][9] Prior to his performance, Farah said of the song:

"The reason I chose this song is, for one, it's the only song I've got. And two, it means a lot to myself and for my people as well. I've protested, signed petitions, done everything I could, and I still felt like it wasn't enough. So I believe I should use what was gifted to me and that is my music, my talent – the only thing I'm really good at. So, I used that to write this song. I hope you enjoy it."[9]

Critical reception

"I Can't Breathe" received widespread acclaim from critics upon release.[2][10][5] Al Newstead of Triple J said: "Flexing both bars and his gritty set of singing pipes, 'I Can't Breathe' threads attitude with artistry", and stated that the song would appeal to fans of Anderson .Paak and Childish Gambino.[1] In an article about his follow-up single "Mikey Might", The Partae described "I Can't Breathe" as "a compelling, politically-charged fusion of neo soul, alternative rap, and R&B that [speak] to issues of police brutality and racism",[10] and additionally described it as "a powerful opening statement of intent."[10]

Acclaim Mag found the song "[blends] musical styles" and labelled it "hard-hitting and straight to the point".[5] The Local Frequency dubbed the song "a politically charged anthem", and stated Farah "showcases his dexterous artistry with a radiant cadence and fierce wordplay."[11] Emma Jones of Purple Sneakers found the song "infectiously good to listen to" and called Farah's rapping "blistering".[3]

Release history

Release formats for "I Can't Breathe"
Region Date Formats Label Reference
Australia 26 June 2020 Alternative radio Sony Music Australia [4]
Worldwide Jerome Farah / Sony Music Australia [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Newstead, Al (26 June 2020). "Baker Boy, KIAN hit-maker Jerome Farah steps out with solo debut 'I Can't Breathe'". Triple J. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Gallagher, Alex (26 June 2020). "Jerome Farah releases searing debut single 'I Can't Breathe'". NME Australia. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 Jones, Emma (26 June 2020). "Jerome Farah's new hard-hitting single, 'I Can't Breathe', is a must-listen". Purple Sneakers. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 Newstead, Al (26 June 2020). "Baker Boy, KIAN hit-maker Jerome Farah steps out with solo debut 'I Can't Breathe'". ABC (Triple J). Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 "Premiere: Jerome Farah pulls no punches on 'I Can't Breathe'". Acclaim Mag. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  6. 1 2 "I Can't Breathe – Single by Jerome Farah on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  7. ↑ "Jerome Farah – I Can't Breathe". 25 June 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020 – via YouTube.
  8. ↑ "Lowest figures for The Voice finale, The Sound launches on ABC TV". The Music Network. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  9. 1 2 Radas, Zoë; Chrisfield, Bryget (19 July 2020). "Two gals on 'The Sound': A brief, candid review of ABC's new live music show". Stack Magazine. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 "Jerome Farah shares second offering 'Mikey Might'". The Partae. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  11. ↑ "Jerome Farah confronts police brutality and racism on his fierce debut single 'I Can't Breathe'". The Local Frequency. 27 June 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
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