The Importance Of Soul Music

Decent Essays
R&B/Soul music is indicative of the black community evolving from jazz, funk and even some rock & roll. It is music from the soul. Thinking about change dwelling from cries of the heart, this genre is known for being a conduit to better days. I chose hip-hop as a necessary genre because its entire purpose was initially to reflect on the daily struggles facing the black community. Rappers were looked at as the keepers of the culture. They used music as their platform to speak out against the injustices that have long been plaguing our communities. Black people have always used music, dance, and song to celebrate and communicate with one another. Though the style and delivery has changed and developed through the years, many R&B and hip-hop artists …show more content…
In “Reagan”, Killer Mike says, “But thanks to Reaganomics, prisons turned to profits, Cause free labor is the cornerstone of US economics, Cause slavery was abolished, unless you are in prison…” and goes on to refer to the 13th amendment for verification. Coincidentally with the release of the documentary “13th”, more people are becoming aware of the systemic racism that has been weaved into the very flag they urge us to salute. In “Ball of Confusion” it says, “Evolution, revolution, gun control…” all of which are topics of current discussion. Evolution, separate from the theory of creation, is what America is hoping for concerning the direction of the country. We’ve been under democratic influence so long, so many republicans would like to see an evolution of sorts from old ways of doing things to now. Gun control in the song could have been referencing the Gun Control Act of 1968 following the assassinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent figures as well. However, in present times, the accessibility of guns and the reckless nature in which they are often used gives merit to the call for gun control. Along with this, there are other suggestions these songs give as a means to seek …show more content…
Sometimes they may just speak on the problem and hope that those listening can find a way to get involved or do something about it. This was the approach of “Ball of Confusion”, they highlighted many issues that were impacting Americans at the time, but didn’t really offer up any solutions. Regardless, the song is still bringing about awareness and is one step in the right direction. Killer Mike poses the question, “will we ever do it big or just keep settling for little sh**?” He’s referring to black people doing something of value rather than spending money on material items. He even suggests black people be indicted for all of the nonsense that some support and criticizes them for not investing in our own people. He encourages people to read the 13th amendment with regards to the overwhelming amount of black people in prison. All of the mentions in these lyrics give attention to the problems at hand and ignites a flame inside people that will hopefully spread to the rest of the community to eventually produce positive

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