Issa Bibbins – Hands Up (Please Don’t Shoot)

“Hands Up” is the second release on the project “The Treatment.” This song addresses police brutality and how people of color are victimized at alarmingly higher rates than those of other races. This song looks at the power of perception, bias and racism, and their role in causing unhealthy fear which can sometimes escalate situations and even cause death. The song drips with passion, as the vocalist pleads for the listener to “look me in my eyes.” The hope is that in doing so, his humanity will be seen, valued, and ultimately, his life spared. “Hands Up” is not a position of surrender and powerlessness, but a call for equality and justice.