Power couple Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock have recorded a cover of Justin Bieber’s hit with DJ Snake, “Let Me Love You,” which is the first single from the upcoming benefit compilation, Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT, out October 2nd via SoundsGood Records. Stream it below.
Curated by Build Art Make Change (BAMC) founder Dali Colorado, the album contains exclusive, unreleased tracks from over 30 artists, including Tom Morello, Jello Biafra, Fred Armisen, Ozomatli, Fishbone, Money Mark, and David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets).
Compilation Details
“Contra-ICE is not only an album. It is not only a collective,” Colorado said in a statement. “It is a cultural infrastructure built to support frontline organizations, amplify immigrant voices, and mobilize creatives who believe that love is not passive; it’s organized. Music has always been my first language. Justice has always been my inheritance. Contra-ICE is where those two lineages meet, urgently, unapologetically, and with LOVE OVER FEAR.”
He continued, “Every track, transition, and voice serves a purpose, inviting listeners to move through moments of grief, anger, resilience, hope, and ultimately, action… From beginning to end, it tells a story, weaving together music, comedy, and spoken word from a diverse community of artists responding to the inhumane treatment perpetuated by today’s fascist ICE state.”
Single Release
Produced by Beastie Boys collaborator Mario Caldato Jr., Hanna and Ad-Rock’s version of “Let Me Love You” also features contributions from Money Mark, Fredo Ortiz, and Frank Figueroa. The cover brings live instrumentation to the 2016 tropical house hit, with the Bikini Kill singer handling the vocals and giving the lyrics a different feel 10 years later.
Whereas the original is Justin Bieber pleading with a lover to stay, lines like “Don’t fall asleep/ At the wheel, we’ve got a million miles ahead of us/ Miles ahead of us/ All that we need/ Is a rude awakening to know we’re good enough,” now feel like a call to mobilize.
Artist Statements
“It’s not often you get to play music with your favorite people while working with a grassroots organization like Contra-ICE,” Hanna said in a statement. “They are passionately fighting against fascism and white supremacy, which is something none of us can afford to ignore. Mario Caldato Jr. produced our song which was a dream come true for me. Thank you so much to Contra-ICE for making this happen and allowing me to represent what we collectively stand for.”
Read more about Contra-ICE and pre-order physical copies of the ICE OUT benefit compilation at Bandcamp or the SoundsGood store.
In conclusion, the upcoming benefit compilation Contra-ICE Vol. 1: ICE OUT is a powerful statement against fascism and white supremacy, featuring a diverse range of artists and exclusive tracks. With the release of Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock’s cover of “Let Me Love You,” the album is sure to make a lasting impact and bring attention to the important work of Contra-ICE.
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