The Last Poets release album called The Last Poets with song discussing that black people should resist racism more in songs such as: N**** Are Scared of Revolution and Wake Up N****.[1]
The Last Poets become active on Malcolm X's birthday. The Last Poets pioneered rap and came from an African-American Civil rights movement.[1]
1972
Archie Shepp releases jazz song Attica Blues which was inspired by the prisoners rebellion at the Attica State Correctional Facility in Attica, New York, where 39 prisoners died, many of them being African American. This song brings to light many racial tensions which were occurring at the time. [2]
1974
African American poet Jayne Cortez releases album called Strata East which includes songs raising awareness for a variety of racial issues which took place. One such issue involves the graphic fatal shooting of a 10 year old African American Clifford Glover, in which the police officer was acquitted of all charges. [3]
1980
Peter Gabriel releases progressive rock song Biko which brings attention to the wrongful imprisonment and death of a South American activist named Stephen Biko who was the leader of the black consciousness movement. It includes South American singing with lyric "senzen na" which translates to "what have we done".[4]
1980
Famous reggae artist Bob Marley releases Redemption Song with the purpose to inspire listeners to protest against racism. He sings "Won’t you help to sing, This songs of freedom?" in an effort to persuade the listener to take action against racial issues.[5]
1984
The Special AKA release rock song called Free Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela grew up in South Africa where there was segregation, and a lack of human rights for Black people. He was imprisoned for attempting to peacefully protest against the oppression of Black individuals. The song seeks to find justice for Nelson Mandela.[6]
1989
Public Enemy releases popular rap song Fight The Power in which the group discusses not only racism, but the universal abuse of power that happens across the world. The song appeared in their album Fear of a Black Planet.
1990
Popular rapper Tupac Shakur becomes a victim of police brutality early in his rap career. He was jay-walking down the street and two policemen asked for his ID before violently assaulting him and arresting him for resisting arrest. Tupac was lucky enough to take a picture of the aftermath which he used to sue the Oakland PD for $42,000. [7]
1991
1970
The full album Fear of a Black Planet by Public Enemy was released, selling 1.5 million copies. The album includes the song Burn Hollywood Burn, which discusses the unique but important idea that African Americans are portrayed very stereo typically in Hollywood movies. This song includes rappers Ice Cube, and Big Daddy Kane[8].
1990
Rapper Ice Cube releases hit debut album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted. The title signifies lingering the presence of white supremacist organization KKK. [9]
1992
Tupac Shakur records famous single Changes. The song has a very heavy social justice theme. One of the idea he discusses is the idea that rather than have a war on drugs, there should be a war on poverty, since poverty is the root cause of drug trafficking. The song is a cry for change, he points out many of the problems with society including racism, poverty, drugs, etc. He also states that these societal problems effect everyone regardless of race.[10]
Instead of war on poverty They got a war on drugs so the police can bother me ...... Take the evil out the people, they'll be actin' right ‘Cause both black and white are smokin' crack tonight
2000
Artist Dead Prez releases song Police State. The song discusses the scrutiny of black communities by the police. It also brings up the unique issue of the FBI's unconstitutional spying on the Black Panther activist group. The Black Panthers were a party which fought to end police brutality. Many members of this party were assassinated by police.[11]
Music to Fight Racism
2003
Justin Timberlake collaborates with the Black Eyed Peas to release song Where Is The Love. The song brings up the fact that although the US are trying to fight terrorism overseas, many problems still exist within the USA, such as racism and the KKK.
2015
1996
Tupac 's death shocks the rap-world. Many people are curious as to how Tupac was murdered and the murderer is still not caught. Some say that the case has been handled very irresponsibly by the police department potentially due to the police's prejudice against Tupac, who criticized the justice system throughout his rap career.[12]
1996
Shortly after Tupac's death, his pre-recorded album, The Don Killuminati - The 7 Day theory, which was written and recorded in 7 days, releases. This album includes song White Manz World, in which he discusses the idea of reparations from slavery being due, and that black people still face the consequences of racism. He also proves his deep connection with activist organization the Black Panthers by giving them a vocal tribute at the end of the song. He cites members who were imprisoned while fighting against police brutality. Many of Tupac's family members were part of the Black Panthers.[13]. He uses various vocal recordings from activists in this powerful song.
"The seal, and the constitution, reflect the thinking of the founding fathers, that this was to be a nation by white people; and for white people, Native Americans, Blacks, and all other non-white people were to be the burden bearers, for the real citizens of this nation." - FARRAKHAN recording used in White Manz World
2016
2017
Artist Logic releases song America. Following the 2016 election when Trump came into power, Logic releases this song in collaboration with Chuck D and Black Thought. This song looks at the saying "Make America Great Again", then points out that this old America was full of hate and racism.
Beyonce collaborates with Kendrick Lamar to release Freedom. Following the deaths by police brutality of Philando Castile and others, and the rise of Black Lives Matter, the song Freedom discusses the hardships black communities face with police brutality.[14]
“We are sick and tired of the killings of young men and women in our communities,”
Artist Kendrick Lamar releases Alright. This song released after the death of Michael brown through police brutality. This song was sang by protesters during protests.[15]
"Ni**a, and we hate po-po/Wanna kill us dead in the street fo sho'/Ni**a, I'm at the preacher's door/My knees getting' weak and my gun might blow/But we gon' be alright."
The average Black male Live a third of his life in a jail cell Cause the world is controlled by the white male And the people don't never get justice And the women don't never get respected And the problems don't never get solved And the jobs don' never pay enough So the rent always be late Can you relate? We living in a police state
