BLACK SONGS MATTER #40-31. 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. 

40

ALRIGHT

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly” resonated with critics and the public. One track in particular – “Alright” - struck a chord and has evolved into a social justice anthem. Its message is that despite all the turmoil in the United States today, in the end, everything will be alright.

 

39

SOMEDAY WE’LL ALL BE FREE

Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway’s soothing voice appears to be coming from a heavenly place, reassuring us that the future will be bright for all of us on this 1973 recording. Many civil rights anthems hit hard. “Someday We’ll All Be Free” is calm, tender and spiritual.

 

38

MISREPRESENTED PEOPLE

Stevie Wonder

A history lesson delivered by Stevie Wonder on the ‘Bamboozled’ soundtrack album. The Spike Lee film premiered in 2000.

 

37

WE ARE NEIGHBORS

The Chi-Lites

A 1971 song taking aim at the discrimination faced by dark skinned citizens in society. The Chi-Lites argue that despite our differences, we are neighbours and the sooner that is accepted, the better.

 

36

PROUD TO BE BLACK

Run- D.M.C.

The 1986 album ‘Raising Hell’ was a major milestone for rap and the group Run-D.M.C. Among its potent tracks is “Proud To Be Black”.

 

35

MESSAGE FROM A BLACK MAN

The Temptations

The message delivered by The Temptations is that unity is the only way forward on this 1969 track on the ‘Puzzle People’ album.

 

34

AND BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

Nickie Lee

A 1969 single co-written by. Nickie Lee that promoted black pride.

 

33

CHANGES

2Pac

Built around a sample of Bruce Hornsby & The Range’s “The Way It Is”, 2Pac’s 1998 track “Changes” deals with various issues including police brutality.

 

32

WHEN THE REVOLUTION COMES

The Last Poets

The Last Poets delivered “When The Revolution Comes” in 1970. The track has been described as “black jazz” and is regarded as a precursor for rap.

 

31

FREE AT LAST

Jackie Day

Issued in 1969, “Free At Last” serves commentary on the lot endured by many African-Americans at the time, including lynchings.