As Social Media is becoming the main stage to voice opinions and dissatisfaction with aspects of our society, our own members of the music industry have taken it upon themselves over the years to speak of their own criticism of Social Injustice and celebrate the differences between us all. This list could be much longer but here are my personal favourite top five songs that address social inequality and applaud being an individual.
One. They Don’t Really Care About Us – Michael Jackson
By the 1980’s it wasn’t unusual for Michael Jackson to make statements on records concerning social injustices. Behind the moonwalking and the sequin glove was a man who cared intensely about social inequality and highlighted on the issue of poverty and world hunger on tracks such as Man in the Mirror and We are the World. However, it was very unlike the Michael Jackson that we knew and loved to ever sound angry or exhausted. Jackson was notorious for placing a positive spin on all crummy situations and encouraged his fans to do the same, so to hear the rapid cries of Michael spitting rhymes across an aggressive beat, going up against the US government and their lack of concern for the less fortunate was certainly a surprise which shook not only Michael’s fans but the entire nation. On They Don’t Really Care About Us, Michael speaks of racial profiling and the battles that African Americans face living in America. Jackson makes several references to a variety of public figures such as Martin Luther King and President Roosevelt. This record then went on to inspire hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur to produce his own record They Don’t Give a F*ck About Us.
Two. 99 Problems – JAY Z
It wasn’t long after he rolled onto the scene with his debut album Reasonable Doubt (1997) that JAY Z frequently spoke out against racial prejudice and police brutality on his records, particularly in the East Coast area. It’s easy to ignore the sneakily disguised message behind 99 Problems due to it’s heavily based rock samples and classic Brooklyn beat, but all throughout the entire second verse JAY Z shines a light on racial profiling by telling the tale of one time when he was pulled over by a cop himself. Demonstrating the famous Hov flow, JAY Z describes his encounter with a policeman who claims he pulled him over for doing “a 55 in a 54” and demands to know if he’s “carrying a weapon” because “a lot of you (African Americans) are.” Mocking stereotypical expectations of black men in America and their behaviour, JAY Z manages to dismantle the toxic ideology of many policemen all whilst staying on beat. A classic Hov record.
Three. Formation – Beyonce
It’s safe to say Beyoncé has certainly conjured up a storm this year, beginning with the release of her first single off her critically acclaimed latest album Lemonade. Beyoncé has never been the type to be predictable in any way shape or form so to unleash a new song after over two years post her last record (Self Titled Beyoncé) along with a music video the day before she was set to perform at the 50th Super Bowl Half time show, well it’s almost becoming predictable how unpredictable she is. Formation is a wonderland of political themes and statements but first and foremost it is an appreciation for black women. Beyoncé states in a low growl that she likes her “baby heir with baby hair and afro,” which celebrates the black hairstyle and takes a swing at all the haters who commented on her baby daughter’s curly fro (who makes a sweet feature in the Formation video). Beyoncé calls all women to “get in formation,” which fits in nicely to Beyoncé’s feminist agenda that we all know and love and finishes the record gracefully by telling her listeners to “always stay gracious” and the “best revenge is your paper.” Remember ladies, you slay.
Four. Pretty Hurts – Beyonce
Although Lemonade has been recalled as Queen Bey’s most “controversial record,” is it not, however, her first on which she has made her own fair share of political statements. Pretty Hurts is Beyoncés own personal narrative of her struggle with self-acceptance and her on going battle with herself on the road to society’s version of perfection and beauty. Beyoncé addresses the unrealistic beauty standards that society upholds for women and the high risks some women take to achieve the (un)ideal. The accompanying music video stars Beyoncé as Miss Third Ward partaking in a beauty pageant, which results in the realisation that what really matters is the love you give yourself and being truly happy. This video earned Beyoncé an additional two MTV Music Video Awards including Best Video with a Message.
Five. Born this Way – Lady Gaga
It’d be difficult to find a single human being in the Western World who hasn’t heard this smash hit by Gaga. Born this Way (2011) is the epitome of celebrating individuality and accepting who you are because that is what makes you, you. Gaga is an avid supporter of the LGBT community and states “no matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life” that you’re “on the right track” and you were “born to survive.” Gaga had also said in interviews that she wanted to write a “this-is-who-the-f*ck-I-am anthem” and wanted to avoid the message becoming “washy” behind a big production and lyrical metaphors. Born this way earned Gaga an extra two MTV Music Video Awards and a place in the 2011 Guinness World Records as the “fastest selling single” on iTunes. Put your paws up!
