Colin Kaepernick has been without a job for the last 139 days. He’s already explained why. Any pretense that he is not being punished and silenced by the NFL for speaking out is an outright lie — even his old coach denies that he was ever a “distraction” from the game of football for his teammates.
While Kaepernick has gained supporters left and right as the situation becomes increasing untenable for his would-be employers, he gets a boost today from an unexpected source.
Saint Cassius — born Khalil “Cassius” Walton — has won a Grammy (for co-writing “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars), but you’ve probably never heard of him. He’s also played an integral role in the publishing of records such as “No Role Modelz” by J. Cole, in addition to songs from Fabolous, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz, and Bryson Tiller, always in a behind-the-scenes role. Today he steps out of the shadows as a solo artist with his debut single, “Take A Knee,” from his forthcoming album, due out in November with production from legendary hitmakers like DJ Toomp, The Hitmen, and Needlz.
Conceived at a Thanksgiving table and inspired by Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the singing of the National Anthem, “Take A Knee” is Cassisus’ first foray into the limelight, and a highly risky one — if Kaepernick still can’t get a job as an established performer, Cassius introducing himself to the world through a track showing solidarity with the beleaguered athlete is certainly a precarious way to get his foot in the door.
Yet, the first song he ever wants to be heard is one that addresses police brutality, America’s history of racism, and the protest of one athlete who just wanted to be the change he wanted to see in the world. Keep an eye out for Cassius; he’s not done yet, and he’s got plans to do the same.
