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Political hip hop (also known as political rap) is a subgenre of hip hop music that was developed in the 1980s as a way of turning hip hop into a form of political activism.
- “White America” by Eminem
- “Azadi” by Divine
- “Ah Yeah” – KRS-One
- “Impeach The President” by Immortal Technique
- “Good Kid” by Kendrick Lamar
- “Reagan” – Killer Mike
- “Mathematics” by Mos Def
- “Changes” by 2Pac
- “12 Problems” by Rapsody
- “The Proud” by Talib Kweli
Released in 2002, “White America” is a political rap song by Eminem that addresses the hypocrisy of anti-American sentiment as well as racism in the United States. The song focuses on many topics such as race privilege, freedom of speech, and immigration policies, using metaphors and references to art, film, and pop culture to illustrate his point....
Divine’s 2020 song ‘Azadi’ is a revolution-defining anthem that tells the story of the fight against communal and systemic oppression. This powerful track combines Divine’s sharp flow with bubbling beats, driving melodies, and samples of protest marches, as Divine’s awe-inspiring lyricism leads the listeners through every verse. Azadi translates to...
Krs-One is an artist known for his political songs, most notably “Ah Yeah”. This powerful rap song focuses on social and economic disparities faced by many members of society. With lyrics like “It’s a shame what I see going on”, Krs-One powerfully conveys the importance of addressing issues of inequality and injustice. He encourages listeners to ta...
The iconic political hip-hop song“Impeach the President” by Immortal Technique is a scathing critique of government corruption and social injustice. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of the state of society and urge listeners to take action. The song has become a well-known rallying cry for oppressed communities around the world, inspiring people to...
‘Good Kid’ by Kendrick Lamar is a rap song that tackles political issues such as gun violence, poverty, and racism. The song was released as part of Lamar’s critically acclaimed album “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” and has since become an anthem for social and political awareness in the rap community. The track features powerful lyrics paired with a soul...
The song “Reagan” by Killer Mike tackles politics past and present. The song speaks to Ronald Reagan’s time in office and his policies of ignoring the struggles of people of color while turning a blind eye to economic inequality in America. In the lyrics, Killer Mike details how Reagan-era economical policy catalyzed rising income disparity that co...
Mos Def’s iconic rap song, “Mathematics,” was released in 1998 and serves as a powerful political and social commentary. The track examines issues of race, class inequality, and police brutality, galvanizing audiences with strong messaging and powerful beats. Mos Def’s timeless lyrics speak to the power of knowledge in our society, urging listeners...
“Changes” by 2Pac is an iconic hip-hop song in which he talks about racism, poverty, and injustice. He expresses his fear and pain of growing up in a world of violence, citing the Los Angeles riots of 1992 as an emotional turning point for him. Through the song’s powerful combination of words and subtle musical components, 2Pac makes a strong socia...
The song entitled “12 Problems” by the female MC Rapsody is an example of a popular political rap song that speaks to the everyday struggles of society. This socially conscious rap addresses real issues in a musical format, making it both entertaining and informative. The song features powerful lyrics and gives listeners insight into the thoughts a...
Talib Kweli’s song, “The Proud” is a powerful political rap song about the struggles of marginalized communities. The artist takes inspiration from religion and his own experiences to draw attention to systemic racism and inequality, ultimately calling for action from listeners. With a combination of crushing beats and thought-provoking lyrics, the...
- “To Pimp A Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly” is a highly political hip-hop album that takes aim at social and racial injustice.
- Cabinet Battle #1 by Original Broadway Cast Recording. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hamilton’s “Cabinet Battle #1” took the stage by storm.
- “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” by YG ft. Nipsey Hussle. YG ft. Nipsey Hussle’s “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” is a politically charged song that speaks out against the policies of President Trump and his administration.
- “Changes” by 2Pac. “Changes,” by rap legend 2Pac, is a song about societal issues surrounding racism and poverty in America. The poignant lyrics channel the anger and frustration of those living in difficult circumstances and paint a vivid picture of the struggle for justice.
- "Georgia... Bush," Lil Wayne, 2006. When Hurricane Katrina pummeled Louisiana and massive flooding submerged New Orleans, the George W. Bush administration was criminally slow to react.
- "Be Free," J. Cole, 2014. After the police killing of teenager Mike Brown in Ferguson, artistic outpour erupted within the hip-hop community. But J. Cole's tribute to Brown was one of the most influential.
- "Fuck the Police," NWA, 1988. Indicative of the ways black communities are targeted and treated by many police departments, particularly in major cities like L.A., where NWA was from, there are many anti-police songs in hip-hop.
- "Fight the Power," Public Enemy, 1989. "Fight the Power" was originally conceived as part of the soundtrack for Spike Lee's seminal film "Do the Right Thing."
Dec 28, 2017 · Among 2017's best LPs, these are some that challenged or complicated America's record on race, detailed a strong sense of place while critiquing widespread cultural erasure, or broke conventions ...
- Rodney Carmichael
Feb 10, 2024 · Black power and ‘edutainment’: The political roots of hip-hop music. From the United States to the Global South, the genre has gained broad appeal by casting a spotlight on social ills.
Mar 24, 2022 · From P.E. to Kendrick, Hip-Hop's political ethos has run throughout rap music and Hip-Hop culture for decades.
