Trayvon

SORROW, ANGER AND SONGS: The reverberation of George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin could be felt everywhere in the culture this weekend. But for several high-profile artists, the moment was expressed in music as well as mourning. Beyonce paused during her Saturday night concert in Nashville after the verdict was announced, dedicating a moment of silence to the slain teen, then singing a chorus of “I Will Always Love You” and a highly charged version of her own song “Halo.” Wyclef Jean released a new song, “Justice (If You’re 17),” which nods to the consciousness-raising anthems of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh; the tune’s accompanying video dramatizes the killing. Nas led the crowd in chanting "Trayvon" at London's Yahoo Wireless fest. And rapper Young Jeezy released the track “It’s a Cold World (A Tribute to Trayvon Martin),” the title of which refers to Jeezy’s prior release “It’s Tha World.” Meanwhile, commentary from high-profile artists (a sample of which appears above) ranged from outraged to sorrowful. (7/15a)