One of my favorite songs recently has been from rapper, Joey Bada$$, titled "TEMPTATION". This songs uplifting and catchy beat has a deep political message. The song opens with a young child talking and saying "I feel like we are treated differently than other people... I don't like how we are treated... Just because of our color doesn't mean anything to me". Just from the intro this song I knew it was going to have a politically woke message.
I listened deeper into the track it goes into minority oppression, President Trump's "fake news" claims, and money infiltrating politics. I realized from this one song that a lot of the music I listen to represents my political views and influences them. I think it is fantastic musicians are trying to reach to a younger audience about politics, since it is more appealing than listening to an 67 year old man on TV.
Another song relating to the current political climate is "This is America" by Childish Gambino. I was so excited with a new song from Gambino. I am a huge fan of his work as a rapper, comedian, and producer. The music video blew me away with subtle allusions to America right now. One detail that I caught onto was after Gambino shoots a man, he places the gun on a red velvet pillow and it is taken away by a man with gloves. It shows how we value guns more than lives in our country. We sit idly by and technology consumes us, as seen by the children in the video sitting in the rafters and filming everything occurring below on their iPhone's.
SO, this is the first time I have truly talked about my political opinions on a public site. I am doing this because it is necessary to talk about and it's my generation who can do something. I love music and I love politics and I also love my country. The only way I can help improve it is by doing something, besides writing an article. Go vote! Today I voted in my first election, a Primary for Governor and Congressional seats. Local elections are just as important as national. It is the first step in the door to change.
Well, I am done with my political rant, I just needed to put it somewhere where I can express it in more than 140 characters. :)
