Kendrick Lamar Speaks To #blackouttuesday

Music Helps To Create A Voice For Those Not Heard

Racism has been an issue for decades, while some change has been made, there is so much more to be done. With the appalling death of George Floyd and so many other African Americans, it is clear that racism still continues. There are many ways to call out racism and false judgment in our world. One of these ways was Kendrick Lamar and his Grammy performance in 2016 of “Blacker The Berry” and “”Alright”. While the video is old, the message behind his performance will always stand around race and rebellion. Music as a whole creates a message for people and creates meaning for consumers.

One Of The Reasons Why Kendrick Lamar Creates Major Impacts In Hip Hop

At the beginning of the 2016 grammy performance, Kendrick Lamar and other dancers begin in handcuffs in a jail setting, showing how there are conceived notions regarding race as a whole. Lamar does this because he is embracing his race. At the same time, he is calling out the issues of racism behind the idea of African American’s being considered dangerous. Soon, Kendrick Lamar and other dancers break free from their handcuffs, showing that there is an escape to the literal and symbolic imprisonment. He is ultimately telling his audience that racism and intolerance are still happening through his powerful stage performance and lyrics, resonating to daily life. Kendrick’s message through his stage performance and lyrics still stand today in 2020. He shows that race is taught and embraced in a negative manner. It’s clear Lamar created this legendary and memorable for the grammy’s to embrace discrimination and inequality to a global level, rather than at a city concert. George Floyd’s death was cruel, to say the least. The primary example shows the real message of Kendrick’s outrage and anger behind race, as it continues. 

Taken by https://q13fox.com/2016/02/16/how-kendrick-lamars-fiery-performance-won-grammy-night/.

Why Kendrick Lamar And Other Artists Sing About Real Life Issues

Music is meant to be symbolic and to inspire others. It allows society to come together as a whole, and there are many other songs like “Where Is The Love” by the Black Eyed Peas that address the importance of racism and that it must come to an end. They remade the video years later, addressing that there needs to be innovation. There is always room for improvement. Music has the capability to create change, but this cannot be done alone. Justice and action must be brought!

#Blacklivesmatter 

#makeachange

#stopracism

Sydney Geller | IG: @sydneyyyyy_g |

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