This week, iHeartRadio held their “Living Room Concert Series,” a weekly set of social distance-friendly concerts that aim to bring “neighborhoods and communities together” during what’s becoming one of the most troubling times that many of us have ever experienced. This week saw a live set from artist-musician H.E.R., who blessed the viewers with 45 minutes of powerful, emotionally charged tunes for fans to enjoy.
H.E.R. kicked off the performance with a new single titled “I Can’t Breathe,” titled after the last words of many Black lives lost at the hands of police brutality — George Floyd, Eric Garner, and more. She explained the song’s creation prior to debuting the track:
“These lyrics were kind of easy to write because it came from a conversation of what’s happening right now, what’s been happening, and the change that we need to see. I think music is powerful when it comes to change and when it comes to healing and that’s why I wrote this song, to make a mark in history. And I hope this song does that.”
She also covered Green Day’s “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams,” unearthed unreleased music and, of course, performed beautiful renditions of her more well-known material. In conjunction with State Farm, H.E.R. and iHeartRadio also promoted the National Urban League, which viewers could donate to through the YouTube app. Fans can also support the cause by heading directly to the National Urban League’s website.
This year has seen a slew of singles from H.E.R., including “Sometimes,” “Comfortable,” and “Wrong Places.” Previous to that, she released her compilation album I Used To Know Her, which saw collaborations with YBN Cordae, Bryson Tiller, and DJ Scratch. She also connected with YG for the chart success “Slide,” and connected with Skip Marley for the duet “Slow Down.”
Press play on H.E.R.’s “Living Room Concert” set below. “I Can’t Breathe” kicks off at around the 1:20 mark.