Kathleen Hanna & Ad-Rock Cover DJ Snake & Justin Bieber's "Let Me
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Confronting ICE through Sound and Fury
The release of Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE Out, a compilation album featuring Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock, has sparked a much-needed conversation about music’s role in activism and resistance against fascist policies.
At its core, the project is an exercise in creative mobilization, using art to amplify marginalized voices and challenge the status quo. Build Art Make Change (BAMC), the nonprofit organization behind Contra-ICE, has curated a listening experience that raises awareness about immigrant communities’ plight and inspires action.
The diversity of artists involved is striking, ranging from punk rock icons like Kathleen Hanna to hip-hop legends like Ozomatli. Spoken word and comedy pieces sit alongside anthemic protest songs, creating a varied and powerful listening experience.
Contra-ICE’s holistic approach sets it apart from other social change initiatives. By pairing music with policy reform, BAMC empowers frontline organizations and amplifies the voices of those most affected by ICE’s inhumane policies. As Kathleen Hanna noted, “It’s not often you get to play music with your favorite people while working with a grassroots organization like Contra-ICE.”
This collaboration is more than just a feel-good exercise; it represents a concerted effort to build a cultural infrastructure that supports marginalized communities and challenges prevailing narratives around immigration. By weaving together music, comedy, and spoken word, Contra-ICE creates a sonic experience that invites listeners to engage with moments of grief, anger, resilience, hope, and ultimately, action.
The release of Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE Out coincides with a critical moment in the ongoing struggle against fascist policies. The Trump administration’s deportation machine continues to churn out devastating stories of family separation and detention, making it essential that we find ways to resist, mobilize, and amplify the voices of those most affected.
In this context, Contra-ICE serves as a powerful reminder of art’s enduring role in social justice movements. By harnessing music and creativity, BAMC has created a platform for collective action, demanding attention, empathy, and solidarity from all who listen. Dali Colorado, BAMC’s founder, aptly put it: “Love is not passive; it’s organized.”
As we navigate this precarious moment in history, Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE Out stands as a beacon of resistance, inspiring us to confront the darkness with courage, creativity, and collective action. What will you do next? Will you join the chorus of voices demanding justice for immigrant communities?
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE Out is undoubtedly a powerful mobilization of artistic talent, its impact will be truly measured by the extent to which it drives tangible policy reforms. The compilation's success in raising awareness about immigrant communities' plight is laudable, but ultimately, art can only scratch the surface of addressing the systemic issues at play. To make meaningful change, Contra-ICE must demonstrate a clear path forward for grassroots organizations and frontline activists to leverage its momentum and translate it into lasting policy shifts.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock's involvement in Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE Out is undoubtedly a powerful statement against ICE policies, one can't help but wonder about the project's long-term sustainability. Building a cultural infrastructure that supports marginalized communities requires more than just a high-profile compilation album. BAMC needs to focus on developing a robust framework for grassroots partnerships, policy advocacy, and community engagement that extends beyond the life of this particular project. Anything less risks perpetuating the very issue they aim to address – fleeting activism with little lasting impact.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The Contra-ICE compilation album is more than just a protest soundtrack - it's a tactical tool for organizers and activists on the frontlines of the immigration struggle. While the album's varied format and inclusive approach are undeniably effective in raising awareness, I worry that it might inadvertently sanitize the brutal realities of ICE's policies. The collaboration between punk rock legends and hip-hop icons risks co-opting radical energy to appeal to a broader audience. Can we balance artistic outreach with direct action?