After the wrongful death of George Floyd, citizens from across the country have marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement to protest police brutality and systemic racism. These protests have captured the attention of the nation and the world, shedding a light on the fact that there needs to be a change. Some people are raising awareness through the protests, some prefer to give donations and others want to campaign and try to conduct change through official channels. Regardless of the method, a difference is trying to be made.
In the arts, the Black Lives Matter movement has spoken to many musicians and they have released music to help the cause and draw attention to the current situation with their craft. Meanwhile, songs plucked from the past resonate with present listeners as their messages still maintain relevancy today.
Beyond The Stage stands with the Black Lives Matter movement and the goal of these seven tracks, both new and old, is to raise awareness on racial injustice.
1. “I Can’t Breathe” – H.E.R.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRZWiqBHYaY
H.E.R.’s song is a stripped-back track that truly lets the message shine. It’s a strong message and directly quotes George Floyd, and talks of the need for change sooner, rather than later.
2. “Get Up” – T-Pain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ATqwVN3P0s
This harrowing track talks of realizations for the Black community but also their ability to get up and continue fighting for what is right. All proceeds of this track will be donated to Crime Survivors Safety and Justice. Stream here.
3. “Killing in the Name (Rage Against the Machine cover)” – Machine Gun Kelly & Travis Barker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBTQFByJWiE
Machine Gun Kelly and Blink-182’s Travis Barker come together to give this track a new life and show that this track, which was written back in 1992, is still all-too relevant today.
4. “Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar)” – Beyoncé
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FWF9375hUA
This anthemic track is the spirit needed right now – it calls for freedom for everyone because everyone deserves it. It also stresses the importance of keeping up the fight to ensure that progress is made.
5. “How Many” – Miguel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNtLLx7OaAE
This track is Miguel’s realization that he, and all of us, can’t turn a blind eye. The message of this track is simply asking how many people have to be lost before real change is made.
6. “If I Have A Son” – Ruth B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucJqaHcPq90
This track is an earnest song about worrying about your child simply because of the color of their skin. In a society stricken with racial profiling and lax gun laws, Ruth B. talks about hoping for a world where she wouldn’t have to worry about her child coming back from doing daily errands.
7. “Glory (feat. John Legend)” – Common
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUZOKvYcx_o
This track talks of what things should be like — it should be fair and provide justice for everyone. Originally made for the Martin Luther King Jr. biopic Selma, the song talks of Rosa Parks, the hardships so many have had to go through to obtain equality and the one day when the glory comes. Legend and Common won an Oscar for this song as well.
Resources:
Links to Learn, Donate and Impact
- New Music Friday: February 11, 2022 - February 11, 2022
- Maisie Peters On Mastering Songwriting - February 8, 2022
- Tai Verdes: The Real Artist - February 4, 2022
