As hectic as this year has been for America, this week is one of the most important weeks for the country. With the high stakes in everyone’s decision in the election, it feels tense and nerve-racking for millions across. The concern of the country’s direction doesn’t happen every four years. Many artists and musicians have illustrated their feelings and depictions toward politics in America.
These 5 songs are not new but they all hold relevant to the current situation of American politics this week.
Crack Music by Kanye West
Kicking off the playlist is a song from one of the presidential candidates. Before Kanye endorsed Donald Trump and ran for the 2020 election, he was always known for his bold nature and political comments. In 2005, Kanye famously uttered, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” on live television. That same year he released his sophomore album, Late Registration. In the standout track, “crack Music,” Kanye uses his lyrics to comment on the cocaine epidemic, the black community, and Ronald Reagan.
This is America by Childish Gambino
In the summer of 2018, Donald Glover polarized many audiences around the world with his music video for “This is America.” While most of the weight of the song’s meaning comes from the music video, the song by itself holds up as an anthem to many. The bass line, drums, and choir come together to reflect a sense of identity-related to its theme about the violence toward black people in America.
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
With the countless events taking place in the country, it can become difficult to keep up with what’s going on. While many Americans share concerns about the state of the world, this sense of worry could be relieved in sympathy with one another. Even forty years ago, Marvin Gaye voiced his similar uneasiness with politics. Being one of the greatest Motown ballads ever, Gaye’s message that “love can conquer hate” will remain true as a reminder to the world.
Fight The Power by Public Enemy
During the production of director Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing,” he approached Public Enemy to create an anthem that would be played throughout the film. The product was one of the best hip-hop songs that challenged the status quo of the world. The hook, “Fight the Power/ We’ve gotta fight the powers that be,” rings as a call to action. This song encourages people to come together and fight against government corruption. This song is bold in its intentions of tearing down the prejudice that affects millions.
Alright by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar addresses the community in an optimistic reassurance of hope. Despite the many struggles and doubts toward the fights against racial injustices, Kendrick reminds many that things will be better. The repetition of the phrase “we gon’ be alright” plays throughout the song in addressing the hardships of the country.
