BLACK SONGS MATTER #30-21. Continues tomorrow.

A Caffè Lattè tribute…

 

BLACK

SONGS

MATTER

Some remain iconic; some were a call to arms; while others imagined a world where prejudice and injustice ceased to exist. Here are 100 songs by black voices that are the soundtrack to the struggle that continues to this day for equality, respect and dignity. They serve to carry the message that Black Lives Matter. 

 

30

FORMATION

Beyoncé

Some songs take on a life of their own after being unleashed onto the public. This is the case with “Formation” from the 2016 album ‘Lemonade’. Beyoncé proclaims her delight in being black.

 

29

FIGHT THE POWER

Public Enemy

Public Enemy drew inspiration from The Isley Brothers song of the same name, but injected urgency and force in its own “Fight The Power”. The protest anthem was first heard as part of the 1989 ‘Do the Right Thing’ film soundtrack.

 

28

THAT’S HOW I’M LIVIN’

Ice T

Rapper Ice T guides us through the grim reality of life for many African-American youths. “That’s How I’m Livin’” was featured on his 1993 album ‘Home Invasion’.

 

27

I AM SOMEBODY (Parts 1 & 2]

Johnnie Taylor

Along with referencing Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, Johnnie Taylor argues that even the poorest person is somebody on his 1970 single.

 

26

FUCK THA POLICE

N.W.A.

Niggaz With Attitude stirred up controversy with the incendiary “Fuck Tha Police” in 1988. Fast forward to 2020 and African-Americans are still victims of discrimination and brutality during confrontations with law enforcement.

 

25

ABRAHAM, MARTIN AND JOHN

Marvin Gaye

Although this was a cover of Dion’s 1968 hit, Marvin Gaye imbued his interpretation with soul, emotion and authenticity. The song grieves the loss of civil rights heroes Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Gaye’s remake was issued 2 years after the original.

 

24

BUFFALO SOLDIER

Bob Marley & The Wailers

“Buffalo Soldier” was finally released in 1983. The song is historically inaccurate but it deals effectively with oppression. It also serves as a reminder that African-Americans helped build America.

 

23

WOMAN OF THE GHETTO

Marlena Shaw

Social commentary from the perspective of an African-American woman in the ghetto, this Marlena Shaw song opens her 1969 album ‘The Spice Of Life’. Her lyrics are directed to legislators.

 

22

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Stevie Wonder

Despite being used at birthday parties, this song is a tribute to Martin Luther King. Stevie Wonder composed it to promote his campaign to make MLK’s birthday a public holiday in America. The song was one of the hits lifted off the 1980 album ‘Hotter Than July’. Wonder’s campaign succeeded, with January 15 a national holiday to recognize one of the heroes of the civil rights movement.

 

21

WHERE IS THE LOVE

Black Eyed Peas

featuring Justin Timberlake

In 2003, The Black Eyed Peas (and an uncredited Justin Timberlake) delivered social commentary that resonated all over the planet. Its lyrics cover many issues, including the existence of groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and discrimination.