In these monthly recaps, I am starting to draw a blank in how to introduce it. Lately, it ends up some variance of these are shitty times but at least we have the music. Here is a sampling of some of the socially conscious songs, videos, and albums released during the past month.
Songs/Videos:
Noname – Rainforest
As expected, the latest tune by the socially conscious rapper addresses the revolutionary political ideologies that she has been promoting through her book club and social media. It also doesn’t hurt that musically it has an irresistible groove.
Pink Siifu – NATION TYME!
This short film features an excerpt from Amiri Baraka’s landmark spoken-word piece “It’s Nation Time” along with new music from the experimental rapper.
McKinley Dixon – make a poet Black
This powerful video is for the first single off Dixon’s upcoming album, which is due out May 7. The album is an exploration of trauma and time, themes which are developed by both the tune and video.
Pussy Riot – RAGE
The Russian activist collective continues to use their music to spread their message. This year they are celebrating their tenth anniversary of creating political art and music. The following statement is from the video’s YouTube page: “We demand the release of a Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, Pussy Riot’s Masha Alekhina, and all political prisoners, we ask the police to stop beating the protesters and stand together with us, we ask Putin and his team to leave the Kremlin ASAP.”
Pussy Riot – TOXIC (featuring Dorian Electra)
Here is another provocative video and tune from Pussy Riot. It is a collaboration with Dorian Electra and produced by 100 gecs’ Dylan Brady. The song isn’t as explicitly political as most of their tunes, but Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova noted in a statement: “TOXIC’ is political because personal is political. The single reflects on the importance of self-care, cherishing your mental health and staying away from relationships that poison you.”
Vic Mensa – SHELTER ( Featuring Wyclef Jean, Chance The Rapper)
Mensa’s powerful collaboration with fellow Chicago rapper Chance The Rapper and Fugees’ alum Wyclef Jean, is off his upcoming EP I TAPE due out March 26. The song and video are poignant critiques of systemic injustices.
Gotham – On Mamas
Gotham is a project consisting of socially conscious rapper Talib Kweli and veteran producer Diamond D. Musically it has an old-school vibe. Lyrically it addresses the good and the bad of life in New York. This includes an allusion to Amadou Diallo who was shot 41 times by the NYPD on February 4, 1999.
Damon Locks – Black Monument Ensemble – NOW (Forever Momentary Space)
This is the opening track off the Locks and Black Monument Ensemble’s sophomore album Now, which will drop on April 9. While their exceptional 2019 debut Where the Future Unfolds looked ahead, Now is a contemplative look at the current situation.
Pansy – Anybody Help Me
Pansy is the project of Vivian McCall. More than three years ago, McCall started transitioning, a process that inspired the tunes on Pansy’s self-titled debut album which will be released on April 2nd. The lead single, “Anybody Help Me” addresses the challenges connected to the physical transformation. Lyrically it balances anxiety with a hopeful longing for change (“I take pills every day, save all my money so I can pay, new face, operate between my legs, make someone new, I can’t wait”). McCall skillfully crafts an authentically anthemic tune.
Evan Greer – Back Row
“Back Row’ is off the activist and singer-songwriter’s upcoming album Spotify Is Surveillance which is out April 9. Not as explicitly political as most of her songs, it does resonate amidst the pandemic where we long for the days where we can enjoy the experiences and social interactions associated with live shows. The catchy tune highlights how these human experiences surpass the cold isolation of listening to music through digital streaming platforms.
Greer made the following statement about the album: “I titled the album Spotify Is Surveillance not because every single song is a diatribe about surveillance capitalism or current politics, but because it’s a way to raise these issues every time someone clicks play, even if it’s just on a love song or a song about missing shows.”
Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School of Medicine – Blunder Blubber
Apparently, you are not supposed to speak ill of the dead. No one sent that memo to punk icon Jello Biafra who composed this scathing indictment of the recently deceased Rush Limbaugh.
Vana Liya – Come Away (featuring Half Pint)
This collaboration from emerging island-fusion artist Vana Liya and influential Jamaican dance hall artist Half Pint has a deceptive chill-out vibe. According to Liya: “The song isn’t explicitly about racism, or politics, or any one thing. But it reflects the times that we’re in and the racial violence and political injustice is just something that hit me really heavy.”
Signal Fire – False Reality (featuring The Ellameno Beat)
This collaboration between the roots reggae band and the indie-roots band addresses the current state of political turmoil. Reggie Froom, lead singer of The Ellameno Beat states: “I’m directly voicing my feelings and frustrations about the current state of society. My statements are aimed directly at particular media sources, personalities, political figures, and citizens of this nation who have chosen to follow the lead of baseless conspiracy theory, and abandon any and all truth that does not serve their own self-interest.” Signal Fire bandleader Sean Gregory adds, “Corruption runs deep and always has. I think in the age of social media and information we are just starting to see it surface more.”
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – The Times They Are A-Changin’ (featuring Roseanne Cash, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell, The War and Treaty)
This timely reworking of the Bob Dylan classic features several notable country and root artists.
Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People
This newly released animated video for the 1968 socially conscious classic was released in honor of black history month. The tune continues to be relevant.
Albums:
Femi Kuti, Made Kuti – Legacy +
This double album from the son and grandson of the legendary Fela Kuti powerfully builds upon the family’s considerable musical legacy.
“Different Streets” from Made Kuti was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album
This album is inspired by the film Judas and the Black Messiah which deals with the betrayal of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. The album features several notable hip-hop and R&B artists who provide their takes on Black liberation politics.
Adrian Younge – The American Negro
This powerful album explores America’s long history of systemic racism and the relationship between black and white America.
Chris Pierce – American Silence
This galvanizing collection of folk protest tunes was intentionally released to correspond with Black History Month. Not only does it contain powerful themes of Black empowerment, but it is a pointed reminder to potential white allies that support can’t be silent and passive.
slowthai – TYRON
This solid follow-up to the UK’s rapper excellent 2019 album, Nothing Great About Britain isn’t as explicitly political as its predecessor, but it is still socially aware and topical.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – L.W.
The eclectic Australian rock band continues to be prolific. A dollar from every download will be donated to Greenfleet, which plants native biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand. The band has a goal of 2000 downloads which is enough to revegetate 1,000m2 at Pearsons Block in Central Victoria. Environmental destruction is also an issue topic addressed on the album.
Marlon Craft – How We Intended
The latest offering by the New York rapper is a stirring mix of the political and the personal (and it often intersects).
Nun Gun – Mondo Decay
This debut project featuring members of Algiers incorporates an approach that they describe as “goth & screwed.” The album effectively employs horror movie themes to critique the failings of capitalism.
JPEGMAFIA – EP2!
The latest release by the experimental rapper is one of those albums which take on increased resonance during a pandemic. The tunes are not only deeply personal, but they address serious topics such as body issues, sexual assault, systemic racism, and veteran’s health care.
The Weather Station – Ignorance
This is the fifth album by the project of Canadian singer-songwriter Tamara Lindeman. The gorgeous and contemplative album addresses anxiety over climate change and celebrates the beauty of nature while bemoaning the failings of capitalism.
Mobley – Young & Dying in the Occident Supreme
This six-song concept EP from the Texas base singer-songwriter chronicles the historical developments of social injustices. At times deceptively catchy music is juxtaposed with darker lyrics.
Chill Moody – Voices of Hope (Live From The Belmont Mansion)
This four-track live EP features the socially conscious rapper performing at the historically significant Belmont Mansion, which was a stop on the Underground Railroad. The song deals with Black empowerment and serves as a reminder that learning about Black history should go beyond just one month.
SOUL GLO – DisNigga Vol. 1
This three-song EP was just released and is currently available on Bandcamp. According to the band, it will shortly be made available on other platforms. It is the perfect blend of aggressive experimental punk with politically incisive lyrics. Their previous release Songs To Yeet At The Sun was one of the best protest EPs of 2020.
Kid Kapichi – This Time Next Year
The debut full-length by the UK rock band righteously rages against capitalistic oppression. It is also one of those albums that seems to well articulate pandemic frustration.
The Hold Steady – Open Door Policy
The eighth studio album by the veteran indie rock band blends the anthemic musical vibe that they are known for with some of their most socially aware lyrics. It touches upon themes such as power, mental health, technology, consumerism, freedom, and escape. Even though it was recorded in 2019, it is the perfect quarantine soundtrack.
Below is an ongoing playlist of 2021 protest songs, featuring the music featured on this website.