By: Chris Malone | Program Director and On-Air talent for KJLH-FM
When history is at risk of being erased, we must speak out. In this “Culture In Rotation” series, we will explore various topics in entertainment, beginning with a critical issue: the diminishing contribution of social consciousness in art.
To understand our current landscape, we must review our history. During the civil unrest of the 1960s and 70s, artists used their platforms to define who they were and where they stood. Iconic songs served as the pulse of the Black struggle, challenging systems of oppression. Examples include:
– Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come”
– James Brown – “Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)”
– Stevie Wonder – “Living for the City”
– Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On”
– Bill Withers – “Lean On Me”
– Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
As the world changed, so did artistic expression. The 1980s and 90s brought new challenges to Black America, including unjust policing, the influx of drugs, and growing economic inequality. Despite these shifts, artists continued to express these realities through classics that often carried a more aggressive tone:
– Grandmaster Flash – “The Message”
– Public Enemy – “Fight The Power”
– Michael Jackson – “They Don’t Care About Us”
– Tupac – “Changes”
– Erykah Badu – “On and On”
– Arrested Development – “Tennessee”
While these titles became mainstream, their original intent was to speak from the soul about a real reality amidst sociopolitical unrest. By the early 2000s, however, the steady flow of conscious music hit a wall. Many industry observers blame labels that shifted focus away from message-driven music to promote “stardom” centered on sex, drugs, and alcohol, de-emphasizing the shared Black experience.
In recent years, a few artists have still used their platforms to bring messages to the people:
– John Legend (feat. Common) – “Glory”
– Black Eyed Peas – “Where Is The Love”
– Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
These examples are just a few among hundreds. This is a call for creators to create. Unlike any other time in history, there is now more freedom to go against the grain and produce culturally relevant music without gatekeepers. The culture decides the culture. While the social and political environment remains harsh, the gift of music is universal. Fans near and far have more in common than Wall Street wants us to realize. A song from the heart can go from paper, to production, to publication in less than 24 hours today and land with audiences across the globe. Social commentary in arts and music is God’s way of beautifully weaving us all together. If you’re up for the call – the time to speak loud is now.
