In the wake of the police shooting that left African-American teenager Michael Brown dead, J. Cole responds by penning a powerful and emotional plea. Over a bare bones beat, the Roc Nation MC cries out for freedom and justice.

“All we wanna do is take the chains off / All we wanna do is be free,” sings a grief-stricken Cole.

“Rest in Peace to Michael Brown and to every young black man murdered in America, whether by the hands of white or black,” said Cole. “I pray that one day the world will be filled with peace and rid of injustice. Only then will we all Be Free.”

Listen to him stand his ground.

UPDATE: Cole has changed the artwork out of respect for Brown’s family.

“We were unaware of Mike Brown’s mother’s request to not use that picture,” he said of the original photo. “Art has been changed out of respect for her wishes.”