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Hip-Hop has long been a voice for the voiceless, a platform to bring the struggles and pain of those who felt ignored by the powers that be. In its 5 decades, we’ve had our fair share of artists that utilized the genre to speak out about the actions taken (or lack thereof) to help the community at large.
As we are heading towards perhaps the most consequential election cycle of our generation, we look back at the tracks that made us think and empowered us to be more involved. Here are a few of our favorites.
Public Enemy – “Fight The Power”
Of course, we gotta kick it off with a group known for their politically-charged rhymes. Considered by many as the greatest protest song in Hip-Hop history, the hit single from the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing is a battle cry against racism, elitism, and the silencing of Black voices. Over 30 years later, and we’re STILL fighting the powers that be.
N.W.A. – F*ck Da Police
Before police brutality received nationwide attention with the brutal beating of Rodney King, these gangsta rap icons gave a descriptive view of police relations in South Central L.A. It was brutal, raw, and unfiltered – so much so that it got the attention of the FBI. And yet, it was their truth to tell…and they didn’t give a damn who didn’t like it.
KRS-ONE – Sound Of Da Police
Another iconic telling of police brutality in the hood comes from one of NY’s finest storytellers. “Da Teacha” wove the threads between modern day police relations and the brutal history slavery with a powerful punch. His words rings just as loud and true today as it did back then…unfortunately.
Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love – Ladies First
From Hip-Hop to politics, there has always been an unfortunate trend of misogyny (and, specifically, misogynoir) running rampant. These two iconic “femcees” took it upon themselves to let the masses know that Black women are to be respected and honored. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and these two inspired the sistas to wear their crowns with pride.
Stop The Violence Movement – Self-Destruction
A “Who’s Who” of East Coast rap legends (KRS-ONE, Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Ms. Melodie and many, many more) linked up for a movement to encourage unity in the urban community. Forming in response to a tragic incident at a Boogie Down Productions/Public Enemy show in 1988, as well as the murder of BDP member Scott LaRock, this supergroup reminded us that fighting amongst ourselves is never the way to go.
West Coast Rap All-Stars – We’re All In The Same Gang
Much like the Stop The Violence Movement on the East Coast, a collective of best from the West (including Ice-T, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Hammer and more) linked up in this anthem in an effort to curb the gang-related violence in California. It is yet another sobering reminder that fighting your own brothers and sisters lead to tragic consequences for years to come.
Eminem – Mosh
On the eve of the 2004 presidential election, Slim Shady released this brutal track to take on the presidency of George W. Bush and his mishandling of the War on Terror and the issues facing many at home. Today, as we are facing another heated presidential election, the message is just as clear now as it ever was: Voting matters.
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