Social injustice is and has always been an American issue. Constantly, African Americans are given disadvantages in life that are not often spoken about. However, there are many artists who use their platforms to advocate for these injustices. Below, is a list of my top 3 artist who I believe have advocated for the Black community. I believe these artists should receive recognition for their contribution to society.
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar, born June 17, 1987 in Compton, CA is an African American Rap artist. He gained popularity with his breakout album, “Good Kid: M.A.A.D City” (2012). He is the first Hip Hop artist to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018.
Kendrick Lamar is known as one of the greatest rappers in modern times. His music speaks out to the African American Communities and advocated for the injustice of Black people. Popular songs such as “Alright” is a prime example of Lamar utilizing his voice to speak out against police brutality and the overall experience of African Americans in America. Often criticized by others, Lamar is also praised by the African American communities for his boldness and unapologetic Blackness.
Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino, born as Donald Glover on September 25, 1983 in Edwards Air Force Base, CA is an African American Rap artist and actor. He gained popularity with his breakout song “This is America” in 2018 and comedic-drama series “Atlanta”.
Childish Gambino’s song “This is America” raised awareness of police brutality in America. In the song, his lyrics were created to connect to the experiences of Black people when dealing with authorities. However, what caught the audience’s attention was the music video. The music video for “This is America” began trending for its iconic scene where he is shooting 10 singers. This connects to the 2015 Charleston Church Massacre where 10 innocent African American people were shot and killed by a white man who received little to no backlash from the Police and other authorities. This song and music video speaks out to the experiences of African American people vocalizing the little to no equal treatment to our white counterparts.
Vic Mensa
Vic Mensa born as Victor Kwesi Mensah, on June 6, 1993 in Chicago, IL is an African American Rap artist. He gained popularity with his breakout song “Down on My Luck” released in 2014.
Vic Mensa is well known for using his music to speak out against social injustice within the Black community. For example, his latest hit “Shelter” discusses the struggles of poverty within the Black community. In this song, he also references a few African Americans who were brutally murdered by the police and or their white counterparts which advocates for the Black Lives Matter Movement. Artists such as Vic Mensa are important to not only the Black community, but society in general because they speak on issues that needs to be fixed in order to better society.
