When I was compiling the list of the 40 best protest albums of 2020, there were several excellent releases I was considering that were technically EPs, so I decided to make a separate list instead. The following is presented in alphabetic order by the artist.
Backxwash – STIGMATA EP
This could be considered a companion piece to the Zambian-Canadian stunning Polaris Prize-winning album God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of It (which was also one of the best protest albums of 2020). Just like the album, it is an intense and compelling listening experience that explores religious themes.
BIG $ILKY – BIG $ILKY Vol. 2
The duo of Psalm One & Angel Davanport released two solid volumes in 2020, but Vol.2 is more explicitly political. These hard-hitting tunes address issues of misogyny, systemic racism, and police brutality. Psalm One also released an excellent EP with Optiks, Before They Stop Us, which could have easily made this list as well.
Bob Vylan – We Live Here
The UK duo has created an exhilarating blend of explicitly political grimey punk. The tunes are no-holds-barred takedowns of systemic racism, police brutality, and governmental corruption.
The Cornel West Theory – By The Time I Get To Minnesota
The veteran Washington D.C. underground rap band has never been afraid to get political. Receiving the approval and support of activist Dr. Cornel West they have always tackled serious topics Their latest release is especially timely, addressing issues of police brutality, not only in Minnesota but throughout the country.
FEVER 333 – WRONG GENERATION
The rapcore trio well articulates the feelings of anger that many are feeling over systems of oppression and racism.
Mickey Guyton -Bridges
We will now change directions musically. As a black woman in country music, Guyton is in a unique position to address topics that are rarely covered. This excellent six-tune EP poignantly addresses issues such as racism and sexism. The fact that in 2020 Guyton can make history by performing on awards shows and being nominated for a Grammy is a sad commentary on slow progress, but she is a talented and important artist.
My Politic – Short-Sighted People In Power
Excellent seven-song political concept EP which resonates in the current climate. To learn more about what makes this release special you can check out the previously posted review. Kaston Guffey of the duo also appeared on episode 20 of the podcast to discuss the motivation behind the seven songs on the EP.
NNAMDI – Black Plight
This year saw an increase of artists releasing music with the expressed intent to support anti-racism organization. With the exceptional three-song EP by the Chicago artist, not only do the proceeds support good causes, but the tunes powerfully address important issues.
Oceanator – Tear The Fascists Down
Another artist using their platform to fight against racism. This EP features three reworkings of classic protest tunes, and the proceeds support the New York affiliate of Survived and Punished, “a coalition of defense campaigns and grassroots groups committed to eradicating the criminalization of survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the culture of violence that contributes to it.”
The EP also features Bartees Strange’s excellent rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “Tear These Fascists Down.” In 2020 Strange released his outstanding debut full-length album Live Forever which has made many year-end best-of lists (excluded from this site’s top 40 list only because it wasn’t a protest album).
Elise Okusami, who performs under the moniker Oceanator, appeared on Episode 14 of the podcast, where she discusses the EP and her stunning debut Things I Never Said. Her debut is also worth the listen and was one of my favorite albums of the year, only excluded from the 40 album list because it doesn’t necessarily meet the definition of protest music (but it is socially aware, and it resonates with the feelings many are feeling during the pandemic).
Lee Reed – Murder Hornet Landlord
The latest release by the veteran Canadian underground rapper is a COVID-19 inspired five-tune time capsule of events that took place during May and June. It is well described on the Bandcamp page as: “Part anti-capitalist analysis and part real life dystopian sci-fi rap opera. Dark rhymes for dark times.”
Ruthless Cosmopolitans – Ruthless
The debut six-song political concept EP runs the gamut from infectious grooves to darker more experimental sounds which are well suited to the impassioned and at times manic vocals and insightful poetic lyrics.
Jon Madof and Eden Pearlstein of the band appeared on episode 29 of the podcast to discuss the EP in more detail.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Born Deadly
This EP by the Canadian indigenous hip-hop duo is a follow-up to their excellent album Trapline (one of the best protest albums of 2019). The five songs combine an energetic vibe with insightful lyrical content. To learn more about why it is worth listening to, you can out the previously published review of the EP.
Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce and Darren “Young D” Metz appear on episode 24 of the podcast.
Soul Glo – Songs To Yeet at the Sun
Clocking in just under 12-minutes the Philadelphia hardcore band packs a lot musically and lyrically over the course of five politically explosive tunes.
Strike Anywhere – Nightmares of the West
2020 was the perfect time for the veteran melodic hardcore band to make their long-awaited return after an eleven-year hiatus. The seven tune EP is the perfect collection of fist-pumping anthems.
Zeal & Ardor – Wake of a Nation
This timely EP from the experimental project of Swiss-American musician Manuel Gagneux deviates musically from the unlikely hybrid of black metal/African American spirituals of previous releases. It is also lyrically more direct in addressing issues of race relations in America.
Previously featured “Vigil” and “I Can’t Breathe” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Also checkout the ongoing playlist of 2020 protest songs (at least for a few more days), featuring music that was featured on the website.