A Compilation of Black Protest Music Resources
The US has an extremely rich, interconnected history of Black protest music, and now, more than ever, it is vital that we highlight past and present protest music and the important messages of grief, rage and resilience found within these songs. Here are a few protest music resources that we have come across in the past month.
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Teen Vogue: “13 Best Protest Songs Of All Time” (By Anjana Pawa)
Some of the greatest protest anthems in American history, from Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” to Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”
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NPR: “The New Sounds Of Protest And Hope” by Ann Powers
Protest music released in the last month including music by Kimya Dawson, Sincere and Baby Shell Dogg, Dua Saleh, D Smoke & SIR, iMarkkeyz and Remixgodsuece, and more.
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History: “11 Anthems of Black Pride and Protest Through American History” (by Thad Morgan)
A closer look at the history of messages in Black protest music, from spirituals to Public Enemy.
Vulture: All the New Protest and Benefit Music Released in Response to Police Brutality (by Justin Curto)
Protest music coupled with benefit music recently released in response to police brutality, including music by Dua Saleh (pictured), Conway the Machine, H.E.R., Jim Jones, Leon Bridges and Terrace Martin, Lil B and more.
Complex Original/Warren Cochrane
Complex: “The History of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright’ as a Protest Song” (by Jessica McKinney)
A deeper dive into Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” as a protest anthem for Black lives.