On June 10th, 2020, original members of The Black Panther Party released an open letter to black artists who have interest in their community. “We have chosen to focus this letter on you because our enemies constantly target you to help ‘calm’ the people down. They hope your new class status will outweigh your racial and class analysis. You have a chance to prove them wrong and with your resources and influence you can be crucial to the collective survival of our people.”
The role of black hip-hop artists in the past and in this very moment is absolutely crucial for future generations. These creators help energize and inform the masses, but equally important, their music will convey the true reality of black life in America, leaving history etched in sound.
Back in 2015, Kendrick Lamar debuted To Pimp A Butterfly, an album regarded as a socially relevant microscopic view into black life and culture, it eventually went on to win Best Rap Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards. Kendrick has dedicated his life’s work to enlightening the world on the day-to-day racial inequality and institutional discrimination towards African-Americans in capitalistic United States.
His hit song, Alright, is a mantra of sorts; a soundtrack to brothers and sisters in the trenches holding on to hope. According to HipHopDX, Alright “had a 787 percent increase” in streams during the week of May 26th to June 7th. The spike was most likely influenced by the egregious murder of George Floyd and the global protests that followed.
Public Enemy, an American hip hop group spearheaded by the legendary Chuck D and artists like Flavor Flav and DJ Lord, released the unapologetic pro-black album called Fear of a Black Planet. Originally released in 1990, fifteen years later in 2005 it was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress. It’s revered for vivid criticism of institutional racism and white supremacy, and songs like 911 is A Joke; noting the consistent lack of timely responses from authorities to black communities as opposed to white communities.
One of their most recognizable tracks, Fight The Power, comes at the end of the album and promotes black organization and empowerment. Chuck D screams “Elvis was a hero to most, but he never meant shit to me… I’m black and I’m proud, I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped!” The song’s streams rocketed in the final week of May by 858 percent, once again cementing its place in the category of timeless art that will continue to inspire future generations.
“It is our duty as revolutionary freedom fighters to pass on lessons, wisdom, knowledge and experiences to the next generation of freedom fighters, cultural workers and activists.” Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chuck D are a small percentage of black, new-age freedom-fighters. Some of our favorites also include Noname, Joey Bada$$, Ramaj Eroc, Mavi, J. Cole… the list goes on. Recently, Lil Baby released a new song titled The Bigger Picture, addressing the current awakening of revolutionary movements and influence of systemic racism within impoverished black communities. Unfortunately, this experience is only lived by groups of oppressed people, so it is absolutely vital for black artists to document the commonplace discrimination and injustice that is alive to this day. Finally, The Black Panther Party said it best: “This is all our opportunity to do what’s best for our people and be on the right side of history.”
We want to keep artists creating and putting out their message to the world, especially during revolutionary times. With Uwavee, you create, and we’ll do the rest. If you’re an artist fighting for freedom in the studio or on the mic, check out Uwavee.com where we’re giving away 2 free hours of studio time. You can also talk with us on Instagram, we want to hear your story!
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