February is Black History Month, a time to remember all of the pioneers who led the way for black people everywhere. For us here at Much, it’s also a time for us to recognize artists and songs which raised awareness of the Black struggle over time. Presenting our official BHM mixtape.
Kendrick Lamar, Hiii Power
Dr. Dre’s newest protege reflects on the legacy of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King in this powerful track.
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Young Jeezy f. Nas, My President
The thug motivator and illmatic rapper’s color-coded ode to the first black prez.
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Shad, Brother (Watching)
The Canadian lyricist reflects on growing up looking through the lens of racially-imbalanced pop culture.
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Nas, I Can
Nasir Jones drops a little African history in this aspirational number.
OutKast, Rosa Parks
The Civil Rights icon actually sued Big Boi and Andre 3000 for using her name in this song, which kept her current for a new generation.
Will.i.am, It’s A New Day
The Black Eyed Peas’ frontman celebrates Obama’s election with this joyful number.
Busta Rhymes f. Rick James, In The Ghetto
Busta succinctly summarizes the Black American experience with the late Rick James bringing a whole wack of soul to the table in support.
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The Stop The Violence Movement, Self-Destruction
Krs-One founded this group which features many old-school rappers (including Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, Mc Lyte amongt others) to address the rash of violence and murder in the Black community in the late eighties. This song is considered a conscious classic in hip-hop circles and raised awareness about the issue of Black on Black violence.
Nas and Damian Marley f. Amadou & Mariam, Patience
Distant Relatives draw from African mysticism for the visuals for this conscious track.
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Common, The People
With Kanye West on the production, Common takes us to the depths of Chicago to feel the struggle and hopes of The People.
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Chamillionaire, Evening News
Mr. “Ridin’ Dirty” exposes the subliminal racism in modern news media, among issues.
India.Arie, I Am Not My Hair
The R&B singer pontificates on the images promoted by black hairstyles, with a little help from Akon.
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Talib Kweli, Get By
Mos Def’s partner in rhyme speaks to the struggle of everyday African Americans in this Kanye West-produced banger.
Public Enemy, Fight The Power
The most conscious rap group of all-time sum up the idea of Black Nationalism in one iconic phrase: Fight The Power!!!
K’naan, Wavin’ Flag
Toronto-via-Somalia’s K’Naan released Waving Flag in 2009 which went on to become one of the biggest rap hits of the year. In this record he instills Black pride in the listeners and encourages young people to set goals and achieve.
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Maestro, Nothing At All
Maestro takes listeners on a mini Canadian Black History lesson and reminds us that, albeit subtle, racism is still alive and well in our country.
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