Hip Hop Speaks to BLM

BLM and Hip Hop’s Recognition

Hip Hop music speaks for those not heard or listened to. For years, hip hop artists have spoken for BML (Black lives matter). It demands justice for the system. Hip hop truly speaks to BLM. There are endless ways in the hip hop industry creating a voice for those not heard, especially BLM. Here are just a few of many literal and symbolic examples on how hip hop speaks to BLM.

Hip Hop Speaks to Justice

“Alright” By Kendrick Lamar: 

Portrait photo from https://www.complex.com/style/2016/12/tde-kendrick-lamar-sza-jay-rock-holiday-collection.

The song truly focuses on racial equality. Kendrick’s hip hop style speaks to BLM through his lyrics and how he presents the song to a larger audience. Some lyrics within the song make the reason for the song very clear. Listen and read Kendrick words to understand why BLM is vital! 

“Alls my life I has to fight”

“We been hurt, been down before, nigga

When our pride was low

Lookin’ at the world like, “Where do we go, nigga?”

And we hate po-po

Wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, nigga”

“I can see the evil, I can tell it I know when it’s illegal”

“Changes” by 2Pac:

Tupac smiling photo from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/2pac-musical-coming-to-broadway-248778/.

For years, racism and preconceived notions have been an issue. In 2Pac’s song changes, he directly addresses the hardships faced based upon race. 2Pacs lyrics and music video addresses the ongoing issues at hand. The video is accompanied by real images and footage behind the dangers involved with racism. Here are some of the lyrics to understand how BLM has been existent for years. 

“Cops give a damn about a negro

Pull the trigger kill a nigga he’s a hero”

“I see no changes all I see is racist faces

Misplaced hate makes disgrace to races”

“Let’s change the way we treat each other

You see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do

What we gotta do, to survive”

“Neighbors” by J Cole

Photo from https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9403932/j-cole-clears-up-snow-on-the-bluff-controversy.

J Cole’s lyrics and music video address the importance of judgements made based upon race. The video is less focused on the actual neighbors, but more so centered around J Cole trying to enjoy life despite assumptions made about his identity. He even performed the song in an orange prison jumpsuit for everyone to understand notions about one’s identity. Here are some of his lyrics to gain a better awareness on how his hip hop speaks to BLM. 

“I can’t sleep ’cause I’m paranoid

Black in a white man territory

Cops bust in with the army guns

No evidence of the harm we done”

“Yeah the neighbors think I’m sellin’ dope, sellin’ dope”  

“Wait, I think police is at the door”

This is only a few examples of how hip hop speaks to BLM. Although, there are so many more songs that address the struggle and influence of racism. It has been an issue for decades, and BLM deserves the long awaited justice! 

Sydney Geller | IG: @sydneyyyyy_g |