Everyone loves a good rap song. From the catchy tunes to the beats and thought-provoking bars, we always anticipate the release of a new rap hit. And the experience? Simply fascinating!
Its one of the music genres where black artists release the racial tensions faced by anyone who’s black America. They communicate police brutality and oppression faced by African-Americans. Civil rights movement activists used demonstrations while artists use movies, poetry, and songs to address topics that are hardly discussed.
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But for the Black community, rap songs mean so much more. Black rappers use their platform and talent to celebrate Black heros, discuss socio-economic issues, Black struggles, and offer solutions for the betterment of the Black community.
The impact of Black rap songs on the Black community is immense, and the role Black rappers as powerful advocates for people of color will forever be acknowledged and celebrated.
Some of the black rappers who stand out are Kendrick Lamar. His album is a mixture of jazz and soul. Also Chuck D, Nina Simone, Gil Scott-Heron and Sam Cooke.
So, in honor of Black History Month, we bring you (in no particular order) some of the best rap songs about Black history to honor and celebrate our Black strength.
Top 10 Rap Songs About Black History to Celebrate Black History Month
All black everything – Lupe Fiasco
“You would never know
What you could ever be
If you never try
You would never see
Stayed in Africa
Where you never leave
So there were no slaves in our history”
The lyrics of this song is pure motivation for Black folks. Lupe suggests one may never discover their true potential if they remain in their comfort zone. So take new risks, learn new things, and explore!
Fight the power- Public Enemy
“Our freedom of speech is freedom of death
We got to fight the powers that be
Lemme hear you say
Fight the power”
Speaking out can be dangerous, but it is necessary for change and progress. This song is a call to action against social and political injustices, advocating for Black people to use their voice to challenge the powers that be and fight for their rights.
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Keep ya head up – 2 Pac
“Ayo, I remember Marvin Gaye, used to sing to me
He had me feelin’ like Black was the thing to be
And suddenly the ghetto didn’t seem so tough
And though we had it rough, we always had enough”
From history, Black songs have always been a source of inspiration for Black people, providing a sense of identity, comfort, and hope in the face of our challenges. And 2 Pac attests to this through this anthem. Its amazing that some of Tupac songs have also won the Grammy.
This verse talks about one of the most remembered civil rights activist, Marvin Gaye.
My president – Young Jeezy ft. Nas
“Our history, Black history,
no president ever did shit for me
Had to hit the streets,
had to flip some keys,
so a nigga won’t go broke
Then he put us in jail,
now, a nigga can’t go vote”
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Young Jeezy expresses his disappointment and frustration with the political system and neglect towards the Black community. There’s zero support from the government and when they resort to other means to make ends meet, they get arrested and deprived of their rights to vote for a change. So sad.
Erase racism – Kool G Rap & DJ Polo featuring Biz Markie & Big Daddy Kane
“The ink is black, the page is white
Together we learn how to read and write
People are black, got people that’s white
Let’s stop racism, and, let’s unite”
You must learn – Boogie Down Production
“African history should be pumped up steadily,
but it’s not and this has got to stop, See Spot run, run get Spot
Insulting to a Black mentality, a Black way of life
Or a jet Black family, so I include with one concern, that
You must learn”
Boogie expresses his frustration with the current trivialization and oversimplification of African history and calls for the recognition and proper teaching of African history to promote pride in Black culture and identity.
Black girl pain – Talib Kweli featuring Jean Grae
“My mama said life would be so hard
Growin’ up days as a black girl scarred
In so many ways though we’ve come so far”
Proud to be black – Run -D.M.C.
“She was a tiny black woman, when she was raised
She was livin’ to be givin’ there’s a lot that she gave
There’s not a slave, in this day and age
Yes, growing up as a Black girl in a society that often oppresses and devalues Black women can be challenging. Our Black girls have persevered to become strong and proud women. We celebrate their journey and sacrifices.
Africa must wake up – Nas Damian Marley featuring K’naan
“Africa must wake up, the sleeping sons of Jacob
For what tomorrow may bring, may a better day come
Yesterday we were kings, can you tell me young ones
Who are we today? yeah, now”
I can – Nas
“You can host the TV like Oprah Winfrey
Whatever you decide, be careful, Some men be rapists, so act your age, Don’t pretend to be older than you are,
Nas gives a lesson on the common tendency among Black people to prove themselves and show their worth to the world. But he advises against this, urging Black folks to be authentic to oneself rather than trying to present a false image or persona to the world.
There you have it; 10 Black rap songs to celebrate Black History Month. Some people call it gangsta rap. Plug in your headphones, enjoy the lyrics, feel the beat, and appreciate the strength and unity that define the Black community. Also learn more about celebrated icons like Martin Luther King and Harriet Tubman.
Read Also: Hip Hop Pioneers That New Black Rappers Should Study and Why
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