Black Rage Analysis

It’s nearly my millionth time turning left on the radio tuner, and something finally sounds right. The buzzing static from the previous stations magically vanish, and a collection of alluring hums and melodies fill the car. The soothing vibrations become increasingly tranquil as a desperate and despaired voice finds its way over the mesmerizing backdrop. “And I 'm in denial, and it don 't take no x-ray to see right through my smile,” the anguished voice croons. The heart aching lyrics eventually fade out and a sound bite interrupts, “as we took off running I ducked and hid for my life, because I was fearing for my life. I hid behind the first car I saw. My friend told me to keep running because he feared for me too.” This isn’t a song about fame and luxury or sex and drugs. It’s about hope and justice, change and awareness, tragedy and reality. It’s about an oppressed community that’s fighting similar battles that their …show more content…
In “Black Rage,” a melodic song dedicated to the people fighting for racial and social equality in Ferguson, ex-Fugees star Lauryn Hill explores the depths and wounds of black historical experience. “When the dogs bite, when the beatings, when I 'm feeling sad, I simply remember all these kinds of things and then I don 't fear so bad,” she sings. Songs like Hill’s “Black Rage” and J. Cole’s “Be Free” aren’t merely for sales or promotional purposes, as Hill explains, they help the public evolve, heal, enlighten and inspire in ways that other mediums have trouble doing. On “Don’t Shoot,” another heartfelt song dedicated to Michael Brown and Ferguson, Los Angeles rapper The Game, alongside all-star rappers like Diddy and Rick Ross, unites against racial and social injustice. The sales from the song raised over $300,000 towards the Mike Brown Memorial