Can I Kick It? — Black Music UX
Defining the levels of the Black experience through music.
Music is a universal language that has always been understood regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status. It is one of the few things in the world we have that transcends us through the strum of a guitar, or beat of a drum or stroke of a piano key. Music tells stories, defines generations, can change demeanor and even outlooks on perceptions of life. Music has the power to turn pain into pure beauty.
I have always been a huge fan of ALL music, listening to everything from Van Halen to Sade as a child with my father riding home from elementary school is one of my fondest memories. To this day if I hear specific songs and close my eyes it will take me back to specific moments in my life, whether they were happy, sad or once in a lifetime experiences. I will choose music over tv any day and often weeks go by and I realize I have not turned my tv on to watch a thing, but please believe my iTunes ‘Recently Added’ playlist stays fully loaded.
Even though the genres of Hip hop, R&B, Blues and Jazz is heavily centered in Black American Roots, these same musical tones have weaved their way into all facets of life and created some of the most impactful responses to change and human connection that we have all faced. The power that this has is unmatched.
No matter our background or walks through life, listening to certain songs can capture and convey the true essence of an experience or what it’s like to be Black in America. Through our trials, tribulations, accomplishments, socioeconomic status and climb to aspire to build our versions of the American dream. I present to you a list of songs to help navigate the many layers of what it is to live and die Black in America, from my perspective.
How We Are Treated
Discrimination
These songs speak to the racial undertones often experienced by Black people in America, especially those attempting to overcome notions or status previously understood to be held only by others of a certain background.
Speaking to the pain and acknowledgement of discrimination within our history, each of these songs share this common theme and if the listener pays close attention to the stories these songs speak to, they can begin to understand a little of what it is like to be Black, when it isn’t easy.
Strange Fruit- Billie Holliday (honorable mention Kanye West, Blood on The Leaves)
I Can’t Breathe- H.E.R.
A Change Is Gonna Come- Sam Cooke
If I Was President- Wyclef Jean
New Slaves- Kanye West
J Cole- Neighbors
Somedayz- Big KRIT
Introspection
These songs examine what we can do to reflect inwardly and hold ourselves accountable to contributing to the change in treatment, that we so deeply preach about wanting from others.
What’s Going on- Marvin Gaye
Living for the City- Stevie Wonder
Sign’O’ The Times- Prince
Changes-2Pac
Segregation
I googled the difference between Discrimination and Segregation as the two are often grouped together. While Discrimination is more so centered around restricting access, rights and allows preferences for no other reason that race, religion, sexual orientation, age, etc. Examples include: gays in many countries are discriminated against by not being allowed to marry. In the past, black children were discriminated against (and somewhere, perhaps they still are) by automatically placing them in non-college prep classes in school. Refusing to hire someone merely based on race, religion, age, etc., regardless of qualifications would be another common example.
Segregation keeps things or people apart. Most people generally think of this in terms of past policies such as the so-called separate but equal — separate drinking fountains for blacks and whites, making the former sit in the back of the bus or in a separate section of the movie theater, redlining regions and neighborhoods. (Source: https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/105372/discrimination-vs-segregation)
These songs below speak to the often harsh living conditions or perceptions associated with non whites attempting to move into PW communities and the bias and judgements they experience, simply because of the color of their skin.
In the Ghetto- Busta Rhymes
We Don’t Care- Kanye West
The Story of OJ- JayZ
Kick Push-Lupe Fiasco
Inner City Blues-Marvin Gaye
Spaceships-Kanye West
Police Brutality/Injustice
While this theme is nothing new for those of us who have witnessed or been victims of racial profiling or police treatment; 2020 shed new light to a broader audience to show the true racial disparities that occur between minorities and law enforcement. Whether telling specific stories about individuals or speaking to common themes that Black Men experience at much higher rates in the US these songs help capture a glimpse of what it’s like when police and a minority cross paths in the wrong moment.
Cops Shot the Kid- Nas ft Kanye West
They Don’t Really Care About Us- Michael Jackson
Straight Outta Compton- NWA
This Is America- Childish Gambino
Fight the Power- Public Enemy
How We Respond To This Treatment
Resilience
While a lot of these themes seem bleak or paint the Black Experience as a tragic oppression these groups are constantly having to progress through, there is light on the other side of this spectrum. These songs provide breakthroughs and release the chains that have often held us back. Music in itself is a release of stress and frustration. Being able to express oneself especially during moments of despair can lead to beautiful works of art. Which is exactly what each of these songs does in their own unique ways.
Umi Says- Mos Def
Freedom- Beyonce
Almeda- Solange
Feel No Pain- Sade
Chanel- Frank Ocean
Eve- Rhapsody
Empowerment
These songs remind us and everyone who listens to them that we are not our pasts, we are still breaking barriers, crushing glass ceilings and exhibiting excellence with everything we do. These songs remind us that we are strong, proud and gifted.
I’m Black & I’m Proud - James Brown
NICE - The Carters
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
Flawless - Beyonce
Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Brown Skin Girl - Beyonce
Keep Ya Head Up - 2Pac
Alright - Kendrick Lamar
My President is Black - Jeezy
I Can - Nas
Don’t Touch My Hair - Solange
Smile - Kirk Franklin
DNA - Kendrick Lamar
QUEEN - Janelle Monae
U.N.I.T.Y - Queen Latifah
It Was A Good Day - Ice Cube
One Man Can Change the World - Big Sean ft. Kanye West and John Legend
Black Joy
While there is a lot of tumultuous history automatically associated with historical treatment and misfortune that can be assumed just when seeing someone who is black. These songs are a break from racial undertones and are just simply moments of joy. Not political, not tragic, not lessons to be learned, just simply fun songs to kick back and vibe on.
Can I Kick It? — A Tribe Called Quest
Electric Relaxation- A Tribe Called Quest
Summertime- Will Smith
Brighter Day-Kirk Franklin
Black Boy Fly- Kendrick Lamar
Just Fine- Mary J Blige
Summer Madness- Kool & The Gang
While this list is hardly a drop in the bucket to what other amazing artists and songs that are available regarding these themes, it is a good start. I’ve listened to each of them many times within my life but something about hearing them in playlists sent me to a different place, several of them, actually.
Even though many of these situations or stories may not be something that many or all of us can personally relate to, I hope at minimum, they will resonate with you. And if nothing else, at least after listening to these playlists you’ll know the answer next time should someone ever ask you “Can I Kick It?” and as long as you love music half as much as me; you always can. Be great. My final advice, Don’t just listen to songs to memorize lyrics, listen to learn the stories they’re telling.
