On this robust, socially conscious playlist, we examine 27 contemporary songs from 2013 and beyond, that capture the black experience.

Over the years, as a freelance music journalist and blogger, I’ve dabbled in many topics that have served as ‘fuel for the fire’ for playlists and various posts.  However, far too seldom have I written about the black experience and black social issues.  Why? That’s a great question.  Perhaps it’s because it’s an experience I’m all too familiar with, being black myself.  Regardless, let this playlist be a soundtrack that sheds light on black culture, experience, issues, life, and otherwise.

There are numerous songs from the past that speak on being black as well as the struggles. These are classics that include the troubling “Strange Fruit,” “Young, Gifted & Black,” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.”  But also, the 2010s have seen a new crop of songs that convey blackness in their own right.  This list features songs courtesy of Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Logic, Jay-Z and many others.

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1. Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”

To Pimp a Butterfly • Interscope • 2015 

“Wouldn’t you know / We been hurt, been down before / Nigga, when our pride was low / Lookin’ at the world like, ‘Where do we go?’ / N***a, and we hate po-po / Wanna kill us dead in the street fo sho’ / Nigga, I’m at the preacher’s door / My knees getting’ weak, and my gun might blow / But we gon’ be alright.” Blunt, powerful, and unapologetic.  Those are three appropriate adjectives characterizing the Grammy-nominated “Alright,” produced by Pharrell Williams. Kendrick Lamar is clearly on autopilot, never backing down from pointed, ferocious, honest rhymes.  The record encompasses faith and hope, in light of the weariness of police brutality and the purported worthlessness of black lives.  

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2. Beyoncé, “Freedom” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar)

Lemonade • Columbia • 2016

“Tryna rain, tryna rain on the thunder / Tell the storm I’m new / I’mma walk, I’mma march on the regular / Painting white flags blue / Lord forgive me, I’ve been running / running blind in truth / I’mma rain, I’mma rain on this bitter love / tell the sweet I’m new.”  On “Freedom,” a Grammy-nominated record from her Grammy-winning album Lemonade, Beyoncé has a new outlook. Clearly, no barriers can stop her from reclaiming her shine.  More importantly, black women shouldn’t let anything hold them back.

“I break chains all by myself

Won’t let my freedom rot in hell

Hey! I’mma keep running

Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.”

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3. Logic, “America” (Ft. Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo & No ID)

Everybody • Def Jam • 2017

“George Bush doesn’t care about black people / 2017 and Donald Trump is the sequel so / Shit, I’ll say what Kanye won’t / Wake the f**k up and give the people what they want.” “America” assembles a cast including Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo, and No ID.

Like numerous musicians, Logic drops his anti-Trump sentiment:

“Fight the power, fight the power

Fight for the right to get up and say fuck white power

Everybody come and get up, get on

And no matter what you fighting for I promise that it’ll live on

Like Make America great again

Make it hate again

Make it white

Make everybody fight…

And everybody wonder, why the world insane.”

Expectedly, the support cast follows suit, criticizing the Trump presidency and his respective followers. Notably, Chuck D makes reference to the Flint, Michigan water crisis, in relationship to the larger problem of dirty politics.

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 4. Joey Bada$$, “For My People”

ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ • Cinematic / Pro Era • 2017

“For My People” exhibits a socially-driven tone, referencing racism in America. It also depicts the ascent and ‘come-up’ of blacks.  Joey Bada$$ uses himself as the perfect example on the second verse:

“Look up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane / No, it’s the young black god livin’ out his dreams / What you mean? I been up on an ultralight beam / They don’t wanna see you fly, they just gonna shoot your wings.”

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5. Solange, “Cranes in the Sky”

A Seat at the Table • Columbia • 2016

Grammy-winning record “Cranes in the Sky” continues the meaningful vibes of A Seat at the Table, by far the most accomplished record from Solange.  Throughout, she attempts to eliminate hurtful things by avoiding them.  Despite this, those feelings of pain and hurt remain, even as she does any and everything to make them go “away.” According to her, “…it’s like cranes in the sky / sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds.”

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6. Prince, “Baltimore”

HITnRUN Phase Two • NPG • 2015

Sadly, HITnRUN Phase Two was final studio album released by Prince during his life time.  Even sadder is the fact that it was terribly underrated.  Nonetheless, ‘The Purple One’ packed a mighty punch with “Baltimore,” a social-conscious rock-pop record the kicks off the album.  It’s clear that “Baltimore” is socially aware, referencing Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, two fatalities in racial policing issues.

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 7. J. Cole, “Immortal”

Album: 4 Your Eyez Only

Dreamville, 2016

On “Immortal,” J. Cole contrasts morbidity (initially) with resolve: “Real n***as don’t die / form with the plot / one-seven-forty-five.” Throughout the course of “Immortal,” he covers hustling, specifically cocaine, serving as the ‘lot in life’ for some black males. At the end, he returns to the issue of death, with the bigger picture in mind socially:

“They tellin’ n***as sell dope, rap or go to NBA, in that order

It’s that sort of thinkin’ that been keepin’ n***as chained

At the bottom and hanged

The strangest fruit that you ever seen

Ripe with pain, listen.”

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8. Michael Kiwanuka, “Black Man in a White World”

Love & Hate • Polydor • 2016 

“Black Man in a White World” serves as the second song on Love & Hate. The shorter “Black Man in a White World” is more accessible than the 10-minute opener that precedes it, “Cold Little Heart.” The record brilliantly opens up a discussion about social issues and eliminating stereotypes.

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9. Kendrick Lamar, “King Kunta”

Album: To Pimp a Butterfly

Interscope, 2015

“Now I run the game got the whole world talkin’, King Kunta / Everybody wanna cut the legs off him, Kunta.” “King Kunta” references none other than Kunte Kinte, a slave who is best remembered as the basis of Roots.  Kendrick Lamar isn’t just referencing the slave, but he’s also referencing his ascent in fame and overall notoriety.

“I made it past 25 and there I was / A little nappy headed n***a with the world behind him.”

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10. Common, “Black America Again”

Ft. Stevie Wonder

Album: Black American Again

Def Jam, 2016

“Black America Again,” featuring Stevie Wonder, is the centerpiece of Black American Again. Throughout its course, Common references the unfortunate injustices of blacks and the necessity for more blacks to breakthrough and be successful.  This is incredibly evident as he raps:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident / All men and women are created equal / including black Americans.”

Stevie Wonder has a minimal role, repeating the line, “We are rewriting the black American story.”

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11. Logic, “Everybody”

Album: Everybody

Def Jam, 2017

From the jump, Logic exhibits a crazy flow on “Everybody,” the title track of his third studio album. He starts the track off fiery, returning to claim his spot in the rap game. The meat of the record occurs on the verses.  On the first verse, he revisits his rough childhood and upbringing. He touches on being biracial and racism he’s faced from both sides.  The second verse is the most interesting, finding him tackling racial identity issues head-on.  Essentially, he references slavery, white privilege, and ignorance when it comes to racism in general.

“If it was 1717, black daddy, white momma wouldn’t change a thing / Light skin mothaf**ka certified as a house n***a…/ In my blood is the slave and the master / It’s like the devil playin’ spades with the pastor / But he was born with the white privilege!”

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12. Joey Bada$$, “Land of the Free”

Album: ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$

Cinematic / Pro Era, 2017

“Trickery in the system, put my niggas in prison / All our history hidden, ain’t no liberty given.” On the valedictory “Land of the Free,” Joey Bada$$ isn’t playing around in the least.  Like the Dixie Chicks back in 2006, it’s safe to say that he’s mad as hell.

Racism is the focus of his anger, but he gets political shots in as well:

“The first step into change is to take notice / Realize the real games that they tried to show us / 300 plus years of them cold shoulders / Yet 300 million of us still got no focus / Sorry America, but I will not be your soldier / Obama just wasn’t enough, I just need more closure / And Donald Trump is not equipped to take this country over / Let’s face facts ‘cause we know what’s the real motives.”

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13. Jay-Z, “The Story of OJ”

Album: 4:44

Roc Nation, 2017

“The Story of O.J.” is one of many standouts hailing from the critically-acclaimed Jay-Z album, 4:44. “The Story of O.J.” incorporates samples from Nina Simone (“Four Women”) and Funk Inc. (“Kool Is Back”). The Simone sample gives “O.J.” a jazzy quality.  The hook emphasizes that black is black, regardless of status or shade.

“Light n***a, dark n***a, faux n***a, real n***a / Rich n***a, poor n***a, house n***a, field n***a / Still n***a, still n***a.”

Naturally, the record is controversial, most notably thanks to stereotypical Jewish references.

“You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in American? This how they did it.”

Notably, “The Story of OJ” was ranked as 32^nd best song of 2017 by The Musical Hype.

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14. Kendrick Lamar, “Wesley’s Theory”

Album: To Pimp a Butterfly

Interscope, 2015

To Pimp a Butterfly opens in captivating fashion with “Wesley’s Theory” which features appearances from George Clinton and Thundercat.  It is initiated with elements of “Every N***er Is a Star” performed by Boris Gardiner.  The depth of “Wesley’s Theory” is evident from one listen, but the message and concept make more sense upon successive listens.

Over the course of two verses, Kendrick Lamar spits about success from the black man’s perspective and becoming too caught up in shopping and material things.  Complex, it’s a brilliant way to kick off the album.

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15. Solange, “Don’t Touch My Hair”

Ft. Sampha

Album: A Seat at the Table

Columbia, 2016

Homerun “Don’t Touch My Hair,” featuring Sampha, plays on stereotypes and naivety. Even so, it’s metaphorical as well, transcending stereotypes. The jazzy neo-soul record tackles invasiveness, racial profiling, and pride.

16. Childish Gambino, “Redbone”

Album: “Awaken, My Love!”

Glassnote, 2016

“Redbone” proves to be soulful, clearly a throwback to the past.  The chorus in particular is chocked full of soul. Donald Glover’s vocals are gritty and drenched in effects, specifically pitch-shifted. With redbone, he’s referencing a “light skinned female mixed with black and another race.” According to Childish Gambino, he himself and numerous black dudes in general desire a redbone:

“But stay woke / N***as creepin’ / They gon’ find you / Gon’ catch you sleepin’ (oooh) / Now stay woke / N***as creepin’ / Now don’t you close your eyes.”

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17. J. Cole, “Neighbors”

Album: 4 Your Eyez Only

Dreamville, 2016

“I guess the neighbors think I’m seelin’ dope, sellin’ dope / Okay, the neighbors think I’m sellin’ dope.” “Neighbors,” the seventh track from 4 Your Eyez Only, is drenched in notable social issues.  J. Cole tackles the perception that black males only fit a certain mold.  “Don’t follow me.” 

18.Common, “Home”

Ft. Bilal

Album: Black America Again

Def Jam, 2016

“Home” is well produced, well rapped, and features an exceptional hook.  As always, Common showcases the utmost consistency, assisted by Bilal. It opens with a Louis Farrakhan sample, with Common following up with both Biblical and black experience references.  Bilal hands the chorus, which finds his voice pitch-shifted and nearly unrecognizable. Notably, he quotes a traditional negro spiritual.

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19. Logic, “Black SpiderMan”

Ft.  Damian Lemar Hudson

Album: Everybody

Def Jam, 2017

“Black SpiderMan,” featuring Damian Lemar Hudson,” features lush, gospel-tinged production work, giving the record an exuberant quality.  Logic sings respectably on the hook, over the spiritually-driven backdrop. Following the spirited hook, he breaks into quick-paced, spirited rhymes.  The central theme – everybody is included.  Once more he references his race, as well as his wife’s race to make the point that everyone should be treated the same regardless of differences.

“I ain’t ashamed to be white / I ain’t ashamed to be black / I ain’t ashamed of my beautiful Mexican wife as a matter of fact.”

He continues to explore the message, adding sexuality and religion to the mix. The titular lyric arrives towards the end of the lengthy verse, with Logic changing the perceptions of familiar things, including references to black Jesus.

20. D’Angelo, “1000 Deaths”

Album: Black Messiah, 2014

RCA, 2014

The most socially-conscious, unique song off of D’Angelo comeback album Black Messiah is funky, alt-soul cut, “1000 Deaths.” Perhaps it’s hard to ‘wrap your head around’ the first time you hear it, the impact and magic of the song is potent from the jump. “1000 Deaths” features a number of samples.  One sample, confirmed by recording engineer Ben Kane, hails from the film, The Murder of Fred Hampton. Black Panther leader Fred Hampton was just 21 years old when he was assassinated.

Analyze the lyrics, throughout the record, and it’s clear D’Angelo is speaking about strength, even if one “death” is involved.

“I won’t nut up when we up thick in the crunch / Because a coward dies a thousand times / But a soldier only dies just once.”

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21. Joey Bada$$, “Y U Don’t Love Me?”

Album: ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$

Cinematic / Pro Era, 2017

The brilliant “Y U Don’t Love Me?” keeps ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ intriguing.  Here, America is treated like a bad relationship where love comes at a premium. Approaching the song in a romantic, love-driven sense makes it among the crème de la crème.

“Tell me why you don’t love me / Why you always misjudge me? / Why you always put so many things above me? / Why you lead me to believe that I’m ugly?”

 

22. Jaheim, “Florida”

Album: Appreciation Day

Atlantic, 2013

Jaheim spent most of Appreciation Day ‘appreciating’ women, but he took a detour to go socially conscious on the phenomenal “Florida,” a track questioning the controversial Trayvon Martin verdict.  Sure, Jaheim sounds inspired when he’s singing of pleasure, but he sounds equally, if not more powerful, singing of pain and repercussions of the case and the senseless deaths of blacks.

23. Solange, “Mad”

Ft. Lil Wayne

Album: A Seat at the Table

Columbia, 2016 

“Mad,” featuring Lil Wayne, addresses the black population’s perceived and legitimate anger in regards to status in society and their lot in life.  “Mad” is a terrific conversation piece about racial misconceptions and relations.

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24. Kendrick Lamar, “The Black the Berry”

Album: To Pimp a Butterfly

Interscope, 2015

Among the crowning achievements of To Pimp a Butterfly is “The Blacker the Berry.” A song about stereotypes and misconceptions on African-Americans and being upset about violence towards them, Kendrick Lamar is brutally honest.  Notably, the key lyric throughout the song is “I’m the biggest hypocrite of 2015,” which appears at the beginning of the three verses he spits.

The last iteration upon the third verse is key as he finishes the line stating, “When I finish this if you listenin’ then sure you will agree.” He’s a hypocrite because “So why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was in the street? / When gang banging make me kill a n***a blacker than me? / Hypocrite!” Powerful.

25. Beyoncé, “Formation”

Album: Lemonade

Columbia, 2016 

“My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana / You mix that negro with that Creole, make a Texas Bama / I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros / I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils…” Lemonade marked the second ‘visual’ album by Beyoncé.  Those who didn’t like Beyoncé likewise weren’t on board with Lemonade, given its explicitness and raw nature. For example, Piers Morgan had some criticism about the project, which drew its own share of criticism. A specific target for skepticism is the track at hand, the album’s closer, “Formation,” which was performed at Super Bowl 50, and made Fox News go crazy. “You just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, ‘cause I slay.”

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26. Kendrick Lamar, “DNA.”

Album: DAMN.

 Interscope, 2017

“This is why I say that hip-hop has done more damage to young African American than racism in recent years.” Woo – them’s fighting words from Geraldo Rivera, who’s comments are sampled on “DNA.” “DNA” bangs hard from the jump. K-Dot shares the composition of his DNA. Ultimately, lots of things characterize him. He raps in maddening fashion as he lists them. Continually tough as he flaunts his rap supremacy, a bridge divides the song into contrasting parts. The bridge addresses racism, a topic running rampant in urban music lately. Even beyond the bridge, Lamar references race and race issues throughout his rhymes.  The second verse is the most ferocious of the record, backed by a truly malicious beat.  The wordplay is insane.

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27. Joey Bada$$, “Super Predator” (Ft. Styles P)

Album: ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$

Cinematic / Pro Era, 2017

One of the best characteristics of “Super Predator” is the production. Statik Selektah outdoes himself, giving a backdrop that manages to be both smooth and luxurious, yet hard-hitting in the spirit of East Coast rap.  Both Joey Bada$$ and Styles P are on autopilot, fueled by the awesome backdrop.

As great as the production work is, the message is even more powerful.  The title and theme refer to the controversial statement by Hillary Clinton, seemingly addressing African-American children in gangs, etc. Both rappers use this oversimplification to their advantage.

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Photo Credits: Interscope, Columbia, Def Jam, Cinematic, Pro Era, NPG, Dreamville, Polydor, Roc Nation, Glassnote, RCA

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