A classic of underground hip-hop. Dark and innovative musical production with lyrics that feature gritty realism. The album is also an early showcase of the production and rapping skills of El-P who would find greater fame as one half of Run The Jewels.
The solo debut of riot grrrl pioneer Kathleen Hanna, recorded under the moniker of Julie Ruin. A departure from the aggressive punk of Bikini Kill, it is a lo-fi bedroom recording that experiments with different electronic sounds. Even though it charmingly addresses mundane topics like crocheting and aerobics, it also addresses serious issues of feminism and police brutality.
The Canadian post-rock band’s official debut effectively employs samples and field recording to create a haunting apocalyptic soundscape. It is one of those albums that immediately seems political even if you can’t entirely pinpoint the politics of the message. What is indisputable is that it is a gorgeous masterpiece.
The debut album by the confrontational and controversial hardcore band mixes extreme music with explicit politics. It addresses systemic racism and exposes exploitative systems. The band also featured bassist Pete Wentz and drummer Andy Hurley, who ended up being part of the much bigger and far less political band, Fall Out Boy.
Nora Guthrie, the daughter of the legendary Woody Guthrie, approached UK singer-songwriter Billy Bragg about writing music for some of her father’s unused lyrics. Bragg recruited alt-rock pioneers Wilco, which resulted in this brilliant album. It is an important archival project which showcased Woody’s ability as a skilled social commentator.
The debut by the Armenian-American metal band features their trademark eclectic musical arrangements and politically direct lyrics that they would perfect on subsequent releases. An excellent starting point.
This may be Hill’s only solo studio album, but that was more than enough to establish her lasting legacy. One of the most important albums of all time, it is another example of the personal being political. The lyrics also explore themes of spirituality, exploitation, and systemic social ills. She skillfully articulates the struggles she faced as a Black woman, and her resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
This album by the socially conscious rap duo of Mos Def and Talib Kweli is one of the landmarks of alternative hip-hop. The album features critiques of black cultures, including stereotypes and violence within hip-hop.
The Swedish hardcore band was always unapologetically political, but their third album was a musical departure. The uncompromising band decided to experiment with different sounds such as jazz and techno. The band broke up shortly after due to a failed US tour and apathetic critical and commercial response to the album. Shortly after the breakup, the album started to garner attention and within a few years, it was starting to be viewed as a modern-day classic. It is an exceptional album that perfectly blends radical politics with radical music.
An overlooked dub masterpiece that impeccably fuses different styles with insightful social conscious lyrics. The original release isn’t readily available, but it was reissued and remastered in 2005 with a couple of additional tracks.
The third full-length album by the political hip-hop group features the radical lyrics and satirical wit of Boots Riley. Gripping storytelling and funky grooves make for an exhilarating listening experience.
Because of their current role as Jimmy Fallon’s backing band, it is easy to overlook their impact as a socially conscious hip-hop band. Their fourth album was their breakthrough and it is a prime exhibit of the band’s gifts musically and lyrically. It still feels timely and timeless.
The only full length by the hardcore band is an excellent album chock full of anti-conformist tunes. The dark but energetic musical attack is the perfect backdrop for lyrics that expose government corruption and religious hypocrisy.
After releasing the Black Star album with Talib Kweli, expectations were high for his solo debut. He succeeded in creating a socially conscious and musically eclectic masterpiece. Covering a wide range of topics from environmental destruction, cultural appropriation, and sociological statistics, it is an engaging listening experience.
Before releasing his solo debut, Monch already established himself as a well-respected and influential rapper as one half of the underground rap duo Organized Konfusion. This album is a musical departure, featuring a heavier sound, but Monch’s exceptional lyrical flow is on full display. He also offers up insightful social critiques.
The self-titled debut album of Kathleen Hanna’s dance-punk project may be a musical departure compared to her previous work in the pioneering riot grrrl band Bikini Kill, but the increased pop sensibilities don’t dull the impact of the message. The band promotes feminism and progressive activism while rallying against misogyny and Rudy Giuliani. It is proof that resistance tunes can be catchy and fun.
This album finds DiFranco taking a more experimental approach musically. Even though she has never shied away from political statements, this album is even more direct than previous releases. She addresses serious topics such as gun violence and abortions, but she does so in a palatable way that elicits an emotional response.
Bands don’t get much more political than RATM, especially among those that manage to achieve mainstream success. Their third album (and last album of original material), finds the band raging harder than ever, attacking both sides of the political aisle.
This obscure gem is the only full-length album by the anarcho-punk band. It is musically and politically heavy, featuring excellent male and female alternating vocals. The female vocals are courtesy of the talented Taína Asili, whose solo music took a different direction musically, but lyrically just as political.
As the drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti’s backing band Africa ’70, he was a key figure in the development of afrobeat. Since parting ways with Fela, he pioneered a new hybrid genre that he dubbed as afrofunk. The funk is on full display on this album, which also successfully blends electronic elements that further enhance the grooves. The unifying and empowering message of the tunes continues to resonate. Sadly Allen passed away on April 30, 2020, at 79 years of age.
Below is a playlist featuring tunes that appeared on the albums on this list.