To celebrate the progression and resilience of Black people, these black artists have highlighted Black excellence in the form of music! The music may sound celebratory or may inspire you to dance, but the magic within these songs are the lyrics.

 

Fight The Power – Public Enemy

Ever seen Spike Lee’s film ‘Do the Right Thing’? If so, you’re probably aware of the powerful anthem by Public Enemy, which brought awareness and attention to the discrimination Black people feel daily. This song was specifically requested by Spike Lee, as his theme song for his controversial and iconic film. Public Enemy stepped out on the scene as a voice for the unheard, and this song goes right along with their narrative and message.

 

 

Don’t Touch My Hair – Solange

Solange has transitioned from being known as Beyonce’s younger sister, to a spokesperson for specifically Black women everywhere, raising awareness to the micro-aggressions black women face on an on-going basis. ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ is a song off of Solange’s album in 2016′ ‘A Seat at the Table’. This song is a message to society that pinpoints the ignorance of non-black people, who sometimes place pre-conceived notions on Black women that aren’t necessarily true. It highlights the topic of hair, which is a very special subject for Black women, but is not solely dedicated to that one detail. Solange spoke about the meaning of ‘DTMH’ on her website, ” the song is as much as what it feels like to have your whole identity challenged on a daily basis, although physically touching the hair is extremely problematic!”

 

 

Alright – Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar has been a representative of the Black community since his first studio album, “Good Kid Madd City”. His music tells a story, which usually deal with the everyday struggles Black people have no choice but to go through. The song ‘Alright’ is from his 3rd studio album “To Pimp a Butterfly”. The lyrics spotlight the dangerous state Black people are constantly in due to blatant racism, but offers a message in the chorus that highlights the resilience that is embedded within Black culture. With lines like ”  Wouldn’t you know, We been hurt, been down before, When our pride was low, Lookin’ at the world like, “Where do we go…But we gon’ be alright”, that message is clear. Upon release, ‘Alright’ became associated with the BLM Movement as the chorus could be heard during protests against police brutality.

 

 

Mississippi Goddam – Nina Simone

 

Mississippi Goddam speaks on a specific incident in Mississippi – the murder of Medgar Evers, along with the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Alabama. It details the injustice of both events, but more so focuses on her response towards the matter, and what needs to change in order for justice to occur. Nina broadens her message by highlighting how the United States as a whole has been hypocritical in their treatment towards Black people. She demands answers and change within this anthem, and leaves listeners informed and frustrated.

 

 

Freedom – Beyoncé ft Kendrick Lamar

Beyoncé emphasizes racial injustice and systemic racism in “Freedom” featuring Kendrick Lamar on her 6th studio 2016 album “Lemonade”. With lyrics like, “Freedom! Freedom! I can’t move/Freedom, cut me loose!/Singin’, freedom! Freedom! Where are you?/Cause I need freedom too! Hey! I’ma keep running/Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves”, similarly to “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar, the main message in this song is about overcoming the strife, and uplifting the Black community.