Producer/artist Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has spearheaded an all-star cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ “Wake Up Everybody” in hopes it will inspire youths to vote in the upcoming presidential election. The track features Missy Elliott, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Wyclef Jean, Monica, Eve, Musiq, Jamie Foxx, Reverend Run and Russell Simmons.
It is scheduled to hit U.S. radio outlets Monday (Aug. 16) and will be released commercially Sept. 16 via Universal/Bungalo. That disc will also feature such tracks as “Give Peace a Chance” by Yoko Ono, a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” by Ben Jelen, “What’s Goin’ On?” by Marvin Gaye, “Change the World” by Babyface and Eric Clapton and “You’re No Good” by Linda Rondstadt. A 50-minute DVD spotlighting the “Wake Up” recording sessions will also be included.
Proceeds will benefit America Coming Together (ACT), which is mobilizing voters to support progressive candidates in a variety of elections. ACT is also the beneficiary of proceeds from the upcoming Vote for Change tour, which Babyface will play in tandem with John Mellencamp.
“The message of this song is timeless and especially meaningful in today’s world,” Babyface says in a statement “This will be a recording event destined to make history and certain to affect change in the November election.”
Among the other artists lending a hand on the track are Jadakiss, Fabolous, Faith Evans, City High’s Claudette Ortiz, Nate Dogg, Floetry, Bilal, Jon B, MC Lyte, Omarion and Raphael Saadiq.
“I’m excited about the ‘one-ness’ and people becoming less selfish and more selfless,” says Reverend Run. “The more we come together, the more strength we have and I am very excited to see all these people coming together for this great cause.”
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