MADE Magazine Tastemakers Issue 7 | Page 39

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