Ekelle is speaking out about her experience with police interaction and it is time to listen.

After being wrongfully arrested for drug trafficking related charges in 2015, singer/songwriter Ekelle found herself branded by the stigma of having a negative police interaction.

Through watching as those around her began to view her differently following her arrest, the singer began to realize that it seemed everyone “completely [forgot] that you are innocent until proven guilty.”

Now, five years after her arrest, the singer is telling her side of the story through her new single “Dropped.”

Released Tuesday, “Dropped” is a lo-fi pop song that tells Ekelle’s side of her police interaction and the emotional and social fallout that happened after as well as the elation she felt when learning the charges were no longer attached to her record.

In addition to expressing the relief of having her charges dropped and the excitement she felt when she was able to tell her family the good news, the song also touches on the intense presence and power that police officers possess- including their ability to dehumanize those that they target- guilty or not.

“Been a while since I been treated like a human and I wanna keep all together but I’m screaming inside“

As for why she chose to tell her story via “Dropped,” Ekelle shares that she wants others to know that despite going through similar times, they will be okay and that everything will work itself out in the end.

“I want you to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Everything comes to an end,” she shared. “In sharing my story and putting myself out there like this, I encourage you to summon the courage to confront your own problems, no matter what they may be.”

You can stream “Dropped” now, and stay up to date on all things Ekelle via the links below.

Spotify / YouTube / Website / Twitter / Instagram