Music has the power to bring people together in the name of solidarity. There have always been songs to aide in carrying the cries for social justice.
Modern protest music came into mainstream popularity during the Civil Rights Movement; today’s protest music has a different voice.
“Sound of da Police” by KRS-One – Off of the Bronx natives’ debut studio album, Return of The Boombat, “Sound of da Police” takes a hard look at police brutality. Although released in 1993, the song remains relevant. Throughout the song, KRS-One makes comparisons between the police and overseers who would police southern slave plantations.
“One Four Love (Pt.1)” by Mos Def – The second track off of Mos Defs’ Hip Hop For Respect EP released in 2000 is another song centered around police brutality and racially-centered violence. With a hook that sings “My people unite and lets all get down.”
“Changes” by Tupac Shakur – Riddled with commentary on the life of an inner-city black man, “Changes” is a timeless meditation on racial injustice. The song consists of verse after verse calling for change.
“Sunshine” by Pusha T – Bronx rapper Pusha T takes a conscious approach in his 2015 release “Sunshine” telling America that the country is in need of a miracle. Pusha remembers Freddie Gray, a 2015 victim of police brutality and neglect.
“Banned in D.C” by Bad Brains – Well affiliated with the Afropunk movement of the 70s and 80s and regarded by many as the pioneers of hardcore, Bad Brains deliver this rage filled track about racial solidarity.
“Don’t Shoot” by Dave East – Dave East takes a creative approach, altering his voice to reflect on his encounters and experiences with the NYPD through out his childhood, as a teenager, and as an adult. Born and raised in Harlem, Dave East delivers verse after verse detailing life in the city and coming to terms with racism and police neglect.
“Spiritual” by Jay-Z – In 2016, “Spiritual,” was Jay-Z’s first solo release in three years. Penning the lyrics after the shooting of Michael Brown in 2014, Jay-Z said he held onto the release because he knew ” his death wouldn’t be the last” in a statement released with the song. Jay-Z calls out police brutality and the cycle of poverty and depression many in the black community are stuck in.
“Oppressor” By Jesus Piece – East Coast hardcore band, Jesus Piece target the behavior of police in the song “Oppressor” off of their 2015 EP release. Fronted by Aaron Heard, one of the most prominent black vocalists in the current hardcore scene, the song is delivered along with a brutal instrumental.
You can listen to the music, and see some key lyrics at Zac Geddies recent post at our arts and culture reporting partner NYS Music.
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Illustration: “Black Joy Is An Act of Resistance” poster photo by Black Joy Project author Kleaver Cruz.
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