Breaking beats: Black Power jams
This week in music has been all about Beyonce’s release of “Formation,” an epic Black Power jam set in the south, that’s a major nod to the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The video shows a “formation” of natural-haired black women and admiration of queer people. The day after the release, Queen B played the Super Bowl and completely stole the show from Coldplay–-which is no surprise. A lot of people were raged out about Bey performing a song with a strong racial overtone at the Super Bowl. I guess the Black Panther references are too real for some old white dudes.
While Beyonce is bringing it back this week, she is definitely not the first artist to rep her blackness. This week’s playlist features songs from lots of eras — from J Cole to Marvin Gaye, I got you covered.
Beyonce — Formation
When this track dropped I got texts with links to the video from three of my friends. With lines like “I got hot sauce in my bag” and “He f**k me good, I take his ass to Red Lobster,” it was an instant hit. But it was also filled with moments of celebrating blackness: “I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros. I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils.” Beyonce is one of the most high profile artists to rock her blackness in such a proud fashion. Yes, she swerved on her haters. I SLAY. WE SLAY.
James Brown — Say it Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud
James Brown has a such a distinct swagger. In his 1986 autobiography he wrote, “People called ‘Black and Proud’ militant and angry — maybe because of the line about dying on your feet instead of living on your knees.” Regardless, Brown stood behind the track and many R&B and hip hop artists have mentioned it as a major influence.
Aretha Franklin — Respect
This may be a song about a disrespectful d-bag boyfriend, but it also has meaning in a racial sense. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me” is one of the catchiest hooks of all time.
Marvin Gaye — What’s Going On
This track is a cry for peace in a world of injustice. In 1970, Marvin Gaye was Motown’s top artist, but Detroit was faltering and so was the record label. Remember when all those early 2000s celebs did a cover of this track in protest of the Iraq war?
2 Pac — Keep Ya Head Up
I love how 2 Pac created so many positive songs. The West Coast rap king made a statement about being black in California. Similar to “Changes” this song really tries to question what it means to be institutionalized.
Kendrick Lamar — i
The funky lead single off Lamar’s excellent third album, “To Pimp a Butterfly,” tells the story of staying positive in turmoil. I love the guitar lines on this track.
J. Cole — G.O.M.D.
G.O.M.D. is all about finding yourself and connecting to your roots. J. Cole sings about feeling conflicted by Hollywood’s influence on his life: “Lord will you tell me if I changed? I won’t tell nobody.” This is a modern day black anthem.
Nas — I Can
Nas serves inspirational blackness all over this track.
Jill Scott— My Petition
This song is a sleeper black empowerment classic. The vibe is subtle and tells the story of a lovers’ quarrel, but the artist also sings about feeling disrespected. “You say that I’m wrong and there’ll be quiet consequences too, but I know my rights babe,” Scott laments.
