CIVL’s Aaron Levy is getting the jump on Black History Month with these four songs from stellar artists who know a thing about the Motherland and “Her story.”
Beyoncé – “Black Parade”
Despite, in spite of, or as we learn of the systemic and pervasive, concerning habits of the rich and powerful, this song gives a wink to the fact that the Queen Bee is still married to the King G, Jay-Z, while tributing the rich legacy of Africa and womanhood.
Lil Baby – “The Bigger Picture”
A COVID-era banger that was, in my opinion, the high point of Lil Baby’s popular releases to date, this song addresses, among other things, police engagement with marginalized communities. It arrived directly on the heels of the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, and the social change it ushered along.
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Last year’s Super Bowl highlight — a performance that could have been the stake to the heart of the 6-God trajectory that one Mr. Graham was ascending through, leading up to the crippling beef that ended up pushing Drake toward his party-time summer vibe, which has continued ever since.
Shad – “The Revolution/The Establishment”
A song that I’ll always hold as one of my favourites from one of Canada’s most beloved independent/underground rappers, formerly known as Shad K. This track plays through two “warring” perspectives: one fighting the revolution in a very One Battle After Another way, and another justifying the bureaucratic systems of violent war.
