Songs about Racism
Zayne Nink
Racism is a pressing issue that has been addressed in many genre of songs and by many different artists. Artists express their feelings toward this social injustice so often because it infringes upon the basic principal of judging on true content rather than appearance. Judging an individual on skin color is unjustifiable, and that's why I chose racism as my topic.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - A Wake ft. Evan Roman
*uncencored video not available*
Being white and in the rap industry, Macklemore experiences racism all the time. In this song he particularly brings up Trayvon Martin, and the news his murder received. He stated he would not add to the hype via social media because he believes the hype was created, by most, with racial outlooks.
Fact
Genetic similarities and differences have absolutely no correlation with race.
Chains, Usher, 2015
Chains
The main theme of this song is racism with references such as the one made about historical icon W.E.B Dubois. The artist, Usher, portrays the insecurity that racism results in.
Fact
After being arrested, Africans are 33% more likely than whites to be detained while facing a felony trial in New York.
Changes, 2pac, 1998
2Pac - Changes - Clean
In this song, 2pac states that he believes racism is just an occurrence that will not change. He thinks racism is an inevitable misplacement of hate, and "That's just the way it is.".
Fact
The U.S. sentencing commission reported that African Americans receive a 10% longer sentence whites in the federal system for the same crimes.
New Nathional Anthem, T.I., 2014
T.I. - New National Anthem (Featuring Skylar Grey)
*uncensored video not availble*
In his song, TI, declares that the dark realities behind racism has shaped what America has become.
Blackbird, Beatles, 1968
The Beatles-Blackbird w/Lyrics!
This song, by the Beatles, pertains to the civil rights movement. The song makes references to the slaves using the night to escape plantations and reach their ultimate goal of freedom.
Fact
In 2012, a poll was taken. Fifty-one percent of Americans expressed anti-black sentiments.
Accidental Racist, Brad Paisley feat. ll cool j, 2013
Brad Paisley Feat LL Cool J- Accidental Racist (With Lyrics)
Brad Paisley explains in his song that racism is something we should move past in a new generation. He says that isn't possible to fully understand something from someone else's perspective but we should all try. Even in the south, race should not be judged.
Fact
Slavery was abolished by the 13th amendment in 1865.
We Shall be Free, Garth Brooks, 1992
We Shall Be Free
Garth Brooks's song shows the way the world is moving away from prejudice. He believes when people view mankind as a single race, freedom will truly exist.
Fact
The 14th amendment granted citizenship to all individuals born in the United States, no matter the race.
Erase Racism, Kool G Rap DJ Polp Big Daddy Kane & Biz Markie, 1990
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Big Daddy Kane & Biz Markie - Erase Racism
This song addresses racism for many types of people. It acknowledges the negativity of racism and promotes the idea of it's destruction for everyone's well being.
Fact
The 15th amendment of the constitution granted the right for African American man to vote.