Black Men United (B.M.U.) was a collaboration of many African American male R&B, neo soul and soul music artists. Its sole song “U Will Know”, written by a young D’Angelo, was released in 1994. It was featured in the movie Jason’s Lyric and on the movie’s soundtrack.
Many artists contributed to this effort. They include: Aaron Hall, After 7, Al B. Sure!, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Christopher Williams, D.R.S. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, D’Angelo (songwriter), Damion Hall, El DeBarge, Gerald LeVert, H-Town, Intro, Joe, Keith Sweat, Lenny Kravitz (guitar), Joe N Little III Lil’ Joe from The Rude Boys, Portrait, R. Kelly, Silk, Sovory, Stokley Williams lead singer of Mint Condition, Tevin Campbell, Tony! Toni! Toné! ((Raphael Wiggins)) (bass) and ((Dwayne Wiggins)), Usher.
“Hands” is a charity single recorded by various artists for the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting. It was written by Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, and BloodPop, and produced by the latter and Mark Ronson. All of the song’s proceeds benefit the families affected during the shooting, and will help cover medical costs and counseling efforts. The song was conceived by Tranter, the day after the United States’ deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman occurred.
Approximately 24 artists assisted in the making of “Hands”, which was released as a digital download on July 6, 2016. Interscope Records handled the release, allowing artists to use their studios most convenient to them. In addition to Tranter and Interscope, GLAAD also helped with the single. Proceeds from the song will be donated to the Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.
Artists included: Justin Tranter, Julia Michaels, Imagine Dragons, BloodPop, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Mark Ronson, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Juanes, Pink, Mary J. Blige, Halsey, Troye Sivan, Ty Herndon, Adam Lambert, Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, MNEK, Alex Newell, Mary Lambert, Prince Royce, Jussie Smollett, Nate Ruess, RuPaul.
“That’s What Friends Are For” is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. It was first recorded in 1982 by Rod Stewart for the soundtrack of the film Night Shift, but it is better known for the 1985 cover version by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder. This recording, billed as being by “Dionne & Friends”, was released as a charity single for AIDS research and prevention. It was a massive hit, becoming the #1 single of 1986 in the United States, and winning the Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year. Its sales raised over US$3 million for its cause.