The music video is an unflinching mix of disturbing archival news footage and the artist’s gritty street performance. And with an angst-driven sound that recalls NWA and Public Enemy, all the anger and emotions fueling the nationwide protests come screaming to the surface.
"Where we come from, we look at the police as a danger versus providing safety,” says Truf. “No police officer has ever saved me or mines from harm's way. Instead, they’ve only taken, damaged and destroyed our families -- for decades. And this shit has gotta stop. We aren’t targets at the shooting range. We’re living breathing people just like them.”
Though the song and video capture the anger and aggression of centuries of oppression, the artists aren’t condoning violence against the police. Rather, “Tear It Down” holds up a mirror, forcing us to face our past and present in hopes of exacting a lethal blow to the status quo. It’s a bold mission, but if history is any lesson, never underestimate the power of music to advance culture.