Large record labels have said that they will mark "Black Out Tuesday" by suspending business and working with communities to fight racial inequality on Tuesday.
Sony Music said that it would not release any new music this week.The move comes after protests erupted in the United States following the death of an African American man, George Floyd, in police custody.
— Universal Music Group (@UMG) June 1, 2020
"The music business at WMG will not go on as usual," Warner Records wrote on its account, referring to Warner Music Group. It said it would contribute to Black Lives Matter and other groups fighting "racial injustice".
Sony Music made a similar announcement, it said it would release no new music this week.
— Sony Music (@sonymusic) May 31, 2020
Columbia Records also released a statement on Twitter expressing their solidarity:
— Columbia Records (@ColumbiaRecords) May 31, 2020
Many well known artists have spoken out in the last number of days against the death and demonstrations have taken place across the United States in response, some of which have turned violent.
Lionel Richie commented:
We have to open our eyes and see the truth... if not now? when?https://t.co/jRPsay6kn0
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) May 31, 2020
Rihanna said:
If intentional MURDER is the fit consequence for "drugs" or "resisting arrest"....then what's the fit consequence for MURDER???! #GeorgeFloyd #AhmaudArbery #BreonnaTaylor pic.twitter.com/iK9SYkaAGb
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 30, 2020
Ice Cube added:
It's our duty to ourselves to never forgot about Mr. Floyd. https://t.co/r0jxhrzwrY
— Ice Cube (@icecube) June 1, 2020
Beyonce said:
