Kathleen Hanna and Ad-Rock have contributed a cover of Justin Bieber’s 2015 hit “Let Me Love You” to the upcoming Contra–ICE benefit album. Curated by Build Art Make Change (BAMC) founder Dali Colorado, the compilation brings together exclusive, unreleased tracks from more than 30 artists to support grassroots immigration organizations and amplify immigrant voices.
The star-studded benefit project, slated for release on October 2, unites a diverse community of musicians, comedians, and spoken-word performers. Alongside Hanna and Ad-Rock, the record features contributions from Tom Morello, Fred Armisen, Money Mark, Fredo Ortiz, and Frank Figueroa. Physical copies of the compilation are currently available for pre-order via Bandcamp and the SoundsGood store.
Speaking about the ideological foundation of the project, Dali Colorado described the compilation as a piece of cultural infrastructure rather than a standard record. According to a statement issued ahead of the release, Colorado emphasized that the initiative aims to support frontline organizations while challenging state policies. “Contra-ICE is not only an album. It is not only a collective, it is a cultural infrastructure built to support frontline organisations, amplify immigrant voices, and mobilise creatives who believe that love is not passive; it’s organised,” Colorado stated.
The album’s production roster features notable names, including Beastie Boys collaborator Mario Caldato Jr., who helmed Hanna and Ad-Rock’s rendition of the Bieber track. Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration in a statement regarding her involvement with the grassroots effort. “It’s not often you get to play music with your favourite people while working with a grassroots organisation like Contra-ICE,” Hanna noted. She added that the organization is actively fighting fascism and white supremacy, calling her collaboration with producer Mario Caldato Jr. a dream come true.
Artist Activism and the Movement Against ICE
The release of the Contra–ICE compilation arrives amid a broader wave of political activism within the music community directed against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Numerous high-profile artists have used major public platforms this year to voice opposition to the agency and its enforcement practices.
At the Grammy Awards earlier this year, pop artist Billie Eilish used her acceptance speech for Song of the Year—awarded for her track “Wildflower” from the album Hit Me Hard and Soft—to condemn the agency. Wearing a pin emblazoned with the phrase “ICE OUT,” Eilish delivered a blunt message to the audience. “Fuck ICE,” she said from the stage, before adding, “As grateful as I feel, I honestly don’t feel like I need to say anything but that no one is illegal on stolen land.”
Other prominent musicians have similarly released protest-inspired material in response to immigration policies. Bruce Springsteen penned a new song titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” joining artists such as Tom Morello, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny in vocal opposition to the escalating enforcement actions carried out by federal authorities.
Project Scope and Release Details
Organizers have structured the Contra–ICE compilation to guide listeners through a deliberate emotional and political arc. According to Colorado, the project weaves together music and spoken-word pieces to help audiences process grief, anger, and resilience while motivating them toward direct action. The tracks respond directly to the political climate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.
Fans and supporters can secure physical copies ahead of the official October release date through digital music platforms like Bandcamp. As grassroots groups continue to mobilize against federal immigration policies, projects like Contra–ICE aim to sustain both financial support and cultural resistance through community-driven art.
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