RACIAL INJUSTICE AND BLACK POWER
Blacker the Berry, Kendrick Lamar (2015)
If you do not feel any goosebumps on your skin while
hearing this song, listen to it again. Kendrick simply speaks
on the reality and celebration of Blackness - including both
self-hatred and appreciation, the double- consciousness he
highlights which has always existed amongst the
African-American community.
Ready or Not, Fugees (1996)
The Fugees aren’t playing. They’re coming for and will find
whatever is in their way. By the end of this song Wyclef,
Pras and Lauryn tell how the power of selfdetermination will make individuals unstoppable.
Holler If Ya Hear Me, 2Pac (1993)
Spoken by “The Rebel”, we all get a sense in this track that
2Pac is for representing his people and fighting for
justice and peace amongst the Black community. Whatever
it takes, the battle isn’t won until he steps in the ring.
Auditorium, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) (2009)
Yasiin spreads the message of originality, yet with his own
smooth persona. He tells his audience about not only his
sense of realness, but emphasizes why speaking his truth
represents a natural force that will inspire and liberate the
people.
WORLD LOVE AND PEACE
A Dream, Common featuring will.i.am (2006)
Highlighting the reality of world racism and discrimination,
Common’s narrative on these issues place a revolutionary
mindset and theme over it all. May I also add that this song
has a special sampled appearance by the great Martin
Luther King Jr., in which we all hear his legendary “I Have a
Dream” speech blend perfectly with the vocals of will.i.am...
genius.
Where is the Love?, Black Eyed Peas (2004) )
The BEP turn our attention to not only the violence and
hatred that is across the world, but the root of what can
end it all - love. We are reminded that our actions can cause
either peace or harm against each other more rapidly than
what we think, effecting everyone around us at the same
time.
MADE-MAGAZINE.COM
POP
CULTURE
POP
CULTURE
39