Keeping in mind the notion that “art imitates life,” soul singer Lalah Hathaway sets out to tackle one of today’s most poignant issues affecting people of color for her new album.

Taking cues from her famous father, Lalah beautifully covers Donny Hathaway’s '70s classic “Little Ghetto Boy” for Lalah Hathaway Live. The song, which so eloquently captured the disparity felt from communities affected by the racially motivated injustices of that period, sadly resonates just as strongly today. Hoping to add a very authentic voice to such an important story, Lalah took the video for the track to the Los Angeles streets, shooting everyday men of all different ages.

Directed by Ali Leroi (Everybody Hates Chris), the video follows Hathaway as she drives through the city simultaneously telling the stories of all the men she encounters along the way. Addressing the importance of the track, Ali explains, “On the one hand you have to address what is wrong. What is happening to our people, what is happening to our kids, what is happening to our boys and our girls. And then on the other hand you have to find a way to work your way through it.”

Well said.

Stopping through to show Lalah some love was LA’s very own Uncle Snoop, comedian Affion Crockett and a host of others.

Check out the video for the emotional song here and watch the exclusive behind-the-scenes video below.

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(Photo: eOne Music)