A recap of some of the socially conscious music released in the past week.
Songs and Videos
Gang Shit – Marlon Craft
This provocative new track and video are from Craft’s upcoming new album Funhouse Mirror, which is out June 18. The verses are told from the perspective of three different characters, a racist cop, a Klansman and a black incarcerated gang member. All three are involved in “gang shit,” but only one is behind bars. A powerful examination of the hypocrisy behind systemic racism.
Oodles O’Noodles Babies – Meek Mill
Meek Mill released a potent music video for “Oodles O’Noodles,” a track off his 2018 album Championships (which was one of the best protest albums of 2018). Both the lyrics and visuals chronicle the cycle of mass incarceration that America’s broken prison system is built on.
Ours – The New Buskers
The New Buskers are a UK duo who have been busking and performing for several years. “Ours” is a rallying cry against the powers that be. If enough people raise their voices and take decisive action, change is possible.
Not Another World – Protoje (featuring Lila Iké and Agent Sasco)
The Jamaican reggae artist released a new video for his latest single. The topical tune and video highlight the folly of turning a blind eye towards injustices.
Final Form – Sampa The Great
The video for the political rappers latest single was shot in her native Zambia. The visuals compliment the tune’s message of black empowerment.
Notable lyrics: “Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh / Greatness is in me, you can’t make me feel less / Less hold, I’m not impressed / Best mode, got my afro like an empress.”
How To (Hair) – Esperanza Spalding
“How To (Hair)” appears on the 2019 release of the deluxe edition of the acclaimed jazz musician 2018 album 12 Little Spells. It is a spoken word poem set to a striking musical accompaniment. Both the video and lyrics link empowerment to a black women’s natural hair.
Albums
A Different Kind Of Human (Step II) – AURORA
The sequel to the Norwegian indie-pop artist 2018 album, Infections of a Different Kind (Step I), is a compelling listen. Not blatantly political, but the album covers a wide range of social issues, including ecology, increasing male suicide rates and traditional gender roles.
The New Negroes Season 1 Soundtrack – Open Mike Eagle
The New Negroes is a socially conscious comedy and music series featuring Open Mike Eagle and Baron Vaughn. With the first season completed, the soundtrack of satirical rap music has just been released. It features several contributions, including MF Doom, Lizzo, Phonte and Method Man.