Black Music Matters
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. He had been pulled over after a local convenience store employee called the cops on him, and even though he was unarmed, a white police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes until he showed no signs of life.
His final words were “I can’t breathe.”
When footage of this heinous incident circulated, people across the globe quickly became outraged and demanded justice. The murder of George Floyd sparked the resurfacing of the Black Lives Matter movement, shedding light on white supremacy and the police brutality inflicted on black communities, and calling for accountable action.
Over the last few months, among the protests, petitions and donation campaigns, many artists have opted to use their voice to contribute to the conversation. They have used their platform not only to protest, but to heal.
Sharing music is thought provoking, soul-enlightening, and sends a message that screams over the voices of racism. It's the one common ground we can all stand on.
And this isn’t something new - artists have been using their music to speak out about these issues for years. Take Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, Joey Bada$$’s All Amerikkkan Bada$$ and countless other monumental projects.
But I wanted to draw attention to the music released in the wake of George Floyd’s death. As the fight for justice continues, it’s important to take the time to listen to these artists’ words.
Here are 10 songs released by your favorite black artists during this time of radical change.
Black Parade by Beyoncé - Queen B continues to celebrate Blackness with the drop of “Black Parade” in honor of Juneteenth, a pivotal day in 1865 when the last of the slaves in America were emancipated. “Black Parade” features the classic upbeat vibe that Beyoncé continuously delivers while making cultural and historical references to Africa, her ancestral ‘Motherland’, and Black excellence as a form of protest.
I Can’t Breathe by H.E.R. - Following the brutal footage of the killing of George Floyd, H.E.R. debuted “I Can’t Breathe”, also on Juneteenth, to spark conversations about the killings of unarmed black men and women by the police. H.E.R. comments on the systematic racism that America was built on and how this is extremely relevant today. The compelling monologue that H.E.R. shares in the song is the basis of the uncomfortable conversations we must have to confront racism. To sum it up, “We breathe the same and we bleed the same but still, we don’t see the same.”
Sweeter by Leon Bridges ft. Terrace Martin - This track was scheduled to release with the rest of an upcoming album, but Bridges and Martin dropped it early in light of the movement. It’s a track for the heart and soul, expressing a deeply-rooted desire for a sweeter life where they don’t need to fear the color of their skin. Bridges explained that he was previously numb to the racism he has experienced his whole life, but seeing George Floyd’s murder was the straw that broke the camel’s back - he couldnt be silent any longer. George Floyd’s story will forever live on through Bridge’s angelic voice.
The Bigger Picture by Lil Baby - Released in early June, this song confronts the racism-based violence in Atlanta, Lil Baby’s hometown, and the inevitable fear police bring to black men and women in America. Lil Baby promotes voting as a powerful tool for the young, black community, showing solidarity and urging for change. This song is definitely some food for thought.
Otherside of America by Meek Mill - Meek Mill supports “the other side of America”, and after this song dropped in early June, we all should. Blatantly speaking out about racial injustices, Meek Mill shares his experience as a black man growing up in a poverty-struck community and explains how his path was inevitable solely because of his race. The crazy irony of this whole song is that the track opens with Donald Trump asking black Americans what they have to lose if they are already living in poverty with no jobs or adequate schools, as Meek Mill then goes on to comment on the systemic racism that Trump so clearly pointed out.
They Don’t by Nasty C and T.I. - Atlanta-based rapper T.I. and South African rapper Nasty C joined to produce this song after protests struck out in Atlanta. T.I. was watching his city fall to pieces on the grounds of racism and spoke out about the senseless police brutality and violence, while bringing attention to racial injustices as a global issue. This song points out the fact that our society has truly made it difficult for black men, women, and children to effortlessly live in peace.
Lockdown by Anderson .Paak - Anderson .Paak and his band, The Free Nationals, dropped this classic funky groove that elaborates on .Paak’s experiences at recent Black Lives Matter protests. The song’s intricate storyline follows a group of protestors convening at a diner, covering up their physical wounds from a rally. .Paak and the group are reflecting on their battle scars to show just how violent the scenes of protests, and the actual history of this movement, are.
About a month and half later, on August 7, .Paak released “Lockdown Remix” with new verses from J.I.D, Noname, and Jay Rock themed “The People are Rising”. The remix is a reminder to keep the Black Lives Matter movement relevant, and additionally, Jay Rock’s verse brings up his own speculations about the misinformation of COVID-19. This jam is sure to have you thinking.
Let Go by D Smoke and SiR - Brothers D Smoke and SiR released this song to sympathize with the black community, dealing with the pain of George Floyd’s death as well as the pain of their own experiences. This song highlights the constant suffering that all oppressed groups endure living in America, and supports the reformation of our system to protect every human of every color.
June 5 th / QueenZnGodZ by Wale - Add this song to your late-night vibes. Wale dropped EP The Imperfect Storm, and all six tracks are devoted to some form of the Black Lives Matter movement. This song specifically hones in on more recent issues with racism and police brutality, and the second half of the song is devoted to black women who have always been consistent in Wale’s life. Powerful and sweet.
Captured On A iPhone by Dre - Snoop Dogg posted this song by Dre, from duo Cool & Dre, on Instagram with the caption “Music heals all wounds” - so you know it’s good. In direct response to George Floyd’s death, Dre released this eye-opening song touching on our current social climate, including racism, police brutality and the pandemic. He mourns for the black men and women killed by the police when no one was watching. It is truly a message to be heard.
Listen to these songs as well as our other favorites released over the last few months, here.
Written by Stevie Kane, Edited by Emma Barsky
