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This song starts out with tribal sounding chant mixed with an American sound. T.I. speaking over Skylar’s singing sticks out tremendously. “Land of the handgun” and “home of the shotgun” speaks volumes in relation to unarmed black men being killed. The most disheartening about the lyrics is in reference to the politicians and TI speaking about a person claimed they feared for their life while being armed near an unarmed person. I like the blend of two different genres of music. It speaks to a unity often helped through music.

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T.I. - New National Anthem (Lyric Video) ft. Skylar Grey

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J Cole is known as one of the most lyrical hip hop artists out today. Despite his fame he can often be seen in public in regular street clothes doing community philanthropy. Be Free was written in response to the unjust killing of Michael Brown at the hands of Ferguson Missouri police. Police brutality has been an issue in America for decades and another unarmed black man killed caused days of protests. The Black Lives Matter movement was not received positively by everyone as there were people from all ethnic backgrounds who would respond with “All Lives Matter” interpreting the word “Only” in front of Black Lives Matter. This couldn’t be further from the true. This statement is saying “Black Lives Matter TOO” and to stop killing unarmed black men who have not committed a non-violent crime. Be Free starts out solemnly and when J Cole begins his verse you can instantly hear the pain in his voice. Typically, J Cole is smooth in his delivery but for this song he wanted his emotions to be on display. Even at times it sounds as if he is in tears. “All we wanna do is take the chains off……..all we wanna do is be free” Those are powerful words spoken metaphorically alluding to how even in the present day it still feels as if black people are being held captive to corrupt laws and law enforcement. There is a commentary throughout the song telling the incident from a friend’s point of view. This adds to the seriousness of the situation letting the listener feel the pain of all parties involved

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J. Cole has always been a great lyricist when it comes to writing songs that cut deeply to the core. This is a song, again that I have not heard before. I am not that big of a J. Cole fan, but I can say that my friends who are, have not heard this song. The chorus of the song rings: “all we want to do is take the chains off, all we want to do is be free." Here J. Cole is speaking to speaking on the pains that the African American community faces with police brutality. For hundreds of years in America, the position of black people had been reduced to property or second class, "separate but equal" citizens; however, despite all the downfalls pitted against them, they have remained a force to be reckoned with, or in J. Cole’s case, a target for others to bring down. Since the beginning of slavery in American, members of the African diaspora have face challenges of oppression and punishment. It is sad to say, that even in the 21st-century, unarmed African Americans are still being shot and killed by the police, an entity designed to protect and serve the people. “Be Free” speaks to the communities' condition in poorer socioeconomic positions and fear of abuse at the hands of police as modern-day slavery, entrapping black people as a whole. This links closely with the idea of oppression in the oppressed, that I read about in this week assignments. The song features an excerpt at the end of a witness being interviewed following a shooting by a police officer. The witness reflects of the events between themselves and the officer. The officer gave a warning as he discharged his gun and continued to fire even after the suspect had already raised his hands. This is an example of violence that the Back Lives Matter Movement was formulated to combat. The movement came out of an acknowledgement that in order for Black people in America to be treated equitably by the police and other authority figures they would first have to acknowledge that the life of an African American had some value or matter to those around them.

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New National Anthem – T.I. ft. Skylar Grey

This song discuses many of the issues plaguing American from the violence in Chicago to the killing of black people by civilians and police officers. The premise behind this song is the thinking that gun shots and violence are the “New National Anthem.” This song also alludes to things that happened in history as well. One of the of the lines that strike me as powerful is “Home of the brave and free, free just to murder me…” This strikes a tone to people who have seen and endured this type of violence. T.I. is a wordsmith and paints and amazing picture with each and every lyric that he says in the song. This song did not get radio play as stated in the opening line. However, it is still a powerful song and tells the story of America at this time.

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T.I. - New National Anthem (Lyric Video) ft. Skylar Grey

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Be Free by J Cole is a song referring to all of the police brutality and killings that are taking place in America at the time. This song not only talks about the police brutality but social injustices that are happening in America as well. J Cole in the first line says “All I want to do is take the chains off.” This to me represents taking the “chains” of social injustice and racial injustice off. This line also alludes to wanting to be free go out and not be targeted and killed. The song does not have a beat behind it. The solemn instrumental track along with the samples provided from the new coverage from the Michael Brown killing is both chilling and masterful in driving home the main idea of this song.

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I am a huge fan of T.I. and as he stated, I have never heard this song on the radio. The opening monologue by T.I. puts you in the mindset that this song is going to be about shooting and police brutality in inner-city neighborhoods. It is then followed up by the talent Skyler Grey, who voice is phenomenal at sound positive and happy while relaying words that are the total opposite. Her vocal timbre for this piece gives off the American Dream of Freedom, when in reality, freedom is not free. Her chorus restates phrases of the Star-Spangled Banner, the US National Anthem, challenging if the land is free to murder those who do not look or fit a certain standard. She includes that this is the land of a beautiful who are cursed by hate. T.I. accompanies her singing with adlibs that remind listeners that gun violence and police brutality go hand-in-hand with America. It is interesting that they have taken the national anthem and rewritten it to not only show the beauty of America but also the pain and suffering of its people by its people.

The verses are very hardcore. T.I. has taken his past trauma, Black neighborhood trauma, and Black America trauma and laid it out for consumers to hear. Like this week’s lesson, the Black Lives Matter Movement started way before the death of Trayvon Martin; it started way before the truth of Emmett Till; it started before the released recording of the beating of Rodney King. T.I. captures that very well in his verses. He talks about the effects of the K’s and the Vet’s (KKK and veterans) on America. This is who America belongs to, not African Americans. T.I. and many others are still oppressed. He discusses the effects of a Black family. Starting from birth, T.I. talks about the idea of a young black man trying to find his place in the world. He is doing well for himself and his family until his encounter with the police, whom he was told to stay away from. As a form of protection, he carried a 38mm gun on him at all times. If charges were made, a black man would receive a harsher sentence than a white man who committed the same crime. I think this is an important aspect for artists to do when it comes to performing about controversial topics. Being able to relate to the topic gives artists an opportunity to share their stories of their personal oppression. The second verse addresses Black America trauma, specifically Trayvon Martin, Malcom X, and Dr. King. These three men were killed by white men, who had some form of power. Trayvon Martin’s killer has a father who is a judge and was tried by a jury of his peers. On the other hand, had it been an African American man, the storyline would have been different: life without parole, no hesitation. He ends the verse by calling for a “come together, Jesus meeting” for all, regardless of the gang affiliation, to take down the true criminal, the justice system in America.

Lastly, T.I. outro was very triggering. He set out to start a riot and would have if this song were played on the radio. Clifford Harris challenged the justice and economic systems directly! He challenged criminal charges of rape and cocaine; he questions the ability to have mass shooting of innocent people; he questions the important of keeping people out of jail and educated instead of locked away and under watch in a prison. T.I. set out, from the title of the song, Skyler’s timbre, to the lyrics to challenge political views and raise awareness for the injustices in the system and to the African American people.

Many of the Black Lives Matter Movement protests were centered around police brutality. The entire thought behind the movement is that black lives matter and their voices deserved to be heard. This song hits at the heart of the protest: the senseless killings of black lives out of judgement, confusion, and injustices.

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T.I. - New National Anthem (Lyric Video) ft. Skylar Grey

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This song seems to be a statement about the general violence and suffering that keeps happening to black citizens of the United States. It references specific acts of violence and suffering , such as school shootings, bombings, crying for dead children, starving people etc.  The lyrics encourage hope to find universal love the extends beyond skin color and look beyond just ourselves and instead look at the bigger picture! The use of the choir sounding voices at the beginning sets the tone for a sympathetic mindset towards the lyrics that follow. The pop quality of the song makes it have that accessible quality that pushes for the one love for all. Even with the bad actions mentioned in the song, the upbeat and soulful attitude keeps a theme of hope in the song.

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Elle Varner - One Love (New Audio) (Oficial)

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The "New National Anthem" by T.I. and Skylar Grey was such an eye-opening song that entails a lot of discrepancies and injustice with America towards the Black community. The lyrics directly correlate with police shootings including hints to the shooting of Trayvon Martin. The chorus which is sung by Skylar Grey paints a grim and horrific look on America from the point of view of a black person,

"Home of the brave and free
Free just to murder me
Land of the beautiful
Cursed by the hate we throw
Is this the new national anthem?
Is this the new national anthem?"

T.I. then goes on in the song and explains that the urban environment created by the unjust of Jim Crow and segregation assisted in creating the fear and distrust that African Americans have for the police . T.I. also ask the question of why do you think that we stay strapped, meaning always carrying a weapon. He also highlights the imbalanced legal system saying that someone in possession of 9 ounces of cocaine can go to prison longer than someone who committed rape. T.I. highlights a lot of discrepancies within the culture of America.

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T.I. - New National Anthem (Lyric Video) ft. Skylar Grey

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Lemonade by Beyoncé was such a compelling and revealing album for one of the most private celebrities and performers in the world. She opened up not just about the infidelities' in her marriage but also about her stance with the BLM and with unjust police shootings of African American people. I chose to highlight the song Formation from the Lemonade album. In the music video Beyoncé uses a lot of visuals on the unfair treatment of New Orleans black people during Hurricane Katrina and police shootings. Beyoncé's mother's family is originally from Louisiana so Beyoncé feels a connection to New Orleans.

Some of the lyrics in Formation also highlight appreciating African American features such as natural curly hair and wide nostrils. Beyoncé also chose "Formation" to be the song she performed at the Super Bowl Halftime performance in 2016. She and her dancers were dressed as members of the political Black Panther party. She received a lot of negative feedback from politicians and conservatives for her performance. Some said her dance moves were inappropriate and disgusting even though she headlined the Super Bowl Halftime show 3 years prior performing similar movements with little to no negative reviews.

Black Lives Matter movement songs are more vulgar and highlight the gruesome reality of unjust police shootings of African Americans. The Civil Rights Movement songs used lyrics of hope with tunes from gospel songs.

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Tom Morello- Marching on Ferguson- Katie Eckman 

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Tom Morello- Marching on Ferguson- Katie Eckman 

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This song is in reference to the shooting of Mike Brown by Officer Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. The officer claimed self-defense after having an altercation with Mike Brown at this police SUV, but as Brown ran, Wilson pursued him. Brown is claimed to have yelled “don’t shoot” in surrender but was shot. This incident made racial tensions in that town grow, as police became militarized in response to Black Lives Matter responses, and further so as Officer Johnson was found not guilty. The lyrics talk about being watched, putting on gloves to fight, and the reference to a half mast, showing that something must be done about the killing. The biblical allegory to the golden calf in exodus represents the destruction of a form of idolatry or an old way, which in this case is the racist attitudes that pervade society. The mention of serfs and servants seems to call for the attention of the poor and minorities to help the cause, and the references to burning could be reference to the gruesome practice of lynching that occurred during the Civil rights Movements. Musically, the song utilizes the electric guitar and the voices- dramatic chords to get the attention of the listener for the topic presented. The drum beat mimics marching like the lyrics reference. The timbre of the voice is rough, not really beautiful singing but more speaking in time. It is chaotic in energy I believe for a point, to show the anger, rage, and intolerance had for the murder in Ferguson.

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Tom Morello - Marching on Ferguson (Studio)

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“New National Anthem” (T.I. and Skylar Grey)

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“New National Anthem” (T.I. and Skylar Grey)

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The song “New National Anthem” by T.I. featuring Skylar Grey was also created out of frustration from the Ferguson shooting. In the hook of the song, Skylar Grey sings:

“Home of the brave and free

Free just to murder me

Land of the beautiful

Cursed by the hate we throw

Is this the new national anthem?”

These lyrics are incredibly powerful. They relate to racism, police brutality, injustice, and the amount of work our society and politics needs to do in order to make everyone actually free and safe. While the lyrics in the song are heartbreaking, they are incredibly accurate to what is still occurring in history today. T.I. raps about how he was raised to stay away from police and how his community was wrongfully arrested and murdered. Later on, he even mentions, “Tell me why you can get more for being C.O. than you can for being a teacher?”. This reiterates the frustration behind the powers the police have.

The melody of the song is very catchy, which only helps the likeability of the song. “New National Anthem”’s style easily fits in with songs on the radio today. I am actually surprised I hadn’t heard it before and that it hasn’t been showcased more, given the world we’re living in today. I hate to say it, but this song feels timeless, moving forward. Black Americans are still facing an unjust world. Something must change.

While this song is clearly connected to the Black Lives Matter movement, it still relates to music from the Civil Rights Movement. The passion, frustration, anger, and want for change is there in the lyrics. The difference is that in music today, the lyrics are much more blunt (at times vulgar) and very straightforward. People are less worried about covering up their feelings in music nowadays. Freedom of speech is more available in society today. While it may not make immediate change, songs like “New National Anthem” are what keep the public connected to the reality we are still facing in the world.

Source: https://time.com/3154250/ferguson-t-i-skylar-grey-new-national-anthem/

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T.I. - New National Anthem (Lyric Video) ft. Skylar Grey

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The song “Be Free” by J. Cole is an incredibly moving piece of music. The song embodies the meaning of a protest song through J. Cole’s lyrics and the sound clips throughout the song from a witness to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, by the police. Cole repeats the lyrics, “All we wanna do is be free. All we wanna do is be free”, in each chorus. This is in reference to Black Americans being wrongfully murdered through police brutality. Cole reiterates in his song saying he’s “in denial” and asks what’s it going to take for another person to not have to die. Cole has written other protest music before, but after writing this song, he wrote on his label, "That coulda been me, easily. It could have been my best friend. I’m tired of being desensitized to the murder of black men” (Locker, 2014). Cole, along with many other artists, took the Michael Brown shooting incredibly seriously. Riots were all over Ferguson, MO and there wasn’t rest until more information about the shooting and the trial occurred.

Black Lives Matter music and the music of the Civil Rights Movement are incredibly similar in terms of their purpose. They are fighting for the rights of all Black Americans; to have equal rights and feel safe in their own community. While the musical genres and styles throughout the years may sound different, the themes in the music remains the same. Death, violence, hate, punishment, no justice, and desire for peace are just a few topics that remain unchanged in protest music revolving around Black lives.

Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/08/j-cole-michael-brown-tribute-be-free

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J. Cole, “Be Free” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g02ECRXCtE

“Be Free” was written and released in 2014 in response to the death of Michael Brown. Cole shares his pain and frustration through a combination of unmetered speaking, rapping, and singing – no matter the type of vocal delivery, the tone of his voice sounds as if he is on the brink of tears. The lyrics alternate between a plea for freedom and equality, and a narration of the shooting of Brown. The chorus repeats a desire to “break the chains off and… be free,” both an obvious allusion to slavery and depressing commentary on the current state of the world.

Elle Varner, “One Love” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBiq4HHVC-Q

“One Love” was also released in 2014, also in response to the shooting of Michael Brown. Despite all of the pain from seeing unnecessary suffering, the chorus begins with “But who’s to say that we can’t change and give one love, one love to everyone.” The easier response would be to fight fire with fire, but the song advocates for making human connections and learning to love each other instead of assuming (and acting on) the worst.

Connection and Comparison

Both songs were written about the same event, but express remorse in different ways. They speak out/protest against injustice without promoting or hinting at violence of any kind. Rather, they plead for love and equality among people of all races – a very similar message to the Civil Rights Movement. Where the BLM music differs is that it is more directly and explicitly depicting issues faced by the black community. It is also much more easily accessible in the age of YouTube and Spotify. This makes the music more accessible to everyone and helps people who have not experienced racial discrimination to empathize with those who have.

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I had never heard this song before this class. I really like the message behind it where it says we can all give one love to everyone. This is a great message to the people who are against change and saying society won’t get better.

A lyric that really struck a chord with me was “ Now can you imagine if you couldn't imagining The level of violence in parts of the world that perpetually happens Like if you were just shopping or stuck in a drive thru And all of a sudden you look up and boom somebody bombs you” because you hear about injustices happening in the news but it is a whole other thing to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

The nod to violence and a cry out for the world to change is very prominent to both the Civil Rights Movement as well as the Black Lives Matter times. This song is in protest and to make change and no one can say that change won’t happen. What a great song for promoting change and love!

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Elle Varner - One Love (New Audio) (Oficial)

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Beyonce’s “Lemonade” is not just an album about infidelity from her husband, but it hints at black culture and the struggles they have faced throughout history. There are multiple references in her videos to slaves and fighting for freedoms. I chose to review “Formation” from her “Lemonade” Album. This song was very popular in 2016 when it was released. I believe this song is a celebration of black culture as well as a call to stand and fight. “If you don’t slay you get eliminated” as in how many Black Americans were being killed and prejudiced against. This song can also be a call to Black Women especially because she calls to the ladies. I think this song is a call to action by saying get in formation. Beyonce also praises Black Beauty by mentioning afros, nostrils, and her background.

With the lyrics “I SEE IT I WANT IT, I STUNT YELLOW HORNET,I DREAM IT I WORK HARD I GRIND TILL I OWN IT, I TWIRL ON MY HATERS, ALBINO ALLIGATORS is saying her color doesn’t matter and she can take what she wants.  There are some hidden messages in the song like “albino alligators” possibly meaning white people are against her. It is interesting how she references Bill Gates and says you might be a black Bill Gates in the making. This song is a fight for equality for women and for Black Americans.

She politically used Formation in her 2016 halftime performance with Bruno Mars to be on the same level as a male performer. I am a big fan of Beyonce and loved how she made this album with such a story and deep meaning.

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“Marching on Ferguson” is undeniably a protest anthem, and has the energy to capture a crowd and inspire action. The lyrical content is pretty simple, but the energy and sounds are emblematic of a fight and protest march. Some of the sounds resemble police sirens, and the repeated riff is likeable and catchy.

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The refrain, “All we wan’ do is break the chains off, All we wan’ do is be free” embodies sentiments present in so many songs within the Civil Rights Movement. It contains material emblematic of Black people being targeted and killed by police, a central theme of the Black Lives Matter movement. The song is an overt statement of activism for the equitable treatment of Black people and a lament for freedom that, 50 years after the Civil Rights Movement, still has not happened.

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This song starts with emotional spoken word, letting the listener know it's going to have a pretty hard hitting message.
We then get to core of the song which is just a trap beat and sequencing. No lyrics, just music with driving anticipation and tempo, meant to symbolize the bubbling need for change. This gives the movement a chance to use this music in different ways that promote the messaging needed to be shared.

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This song embodies protest in an overt way. The lyrics from the very beginning talks about Marching on Ferguson in efforts to stand up against racially-motivated police brutality. The genre of music is a hard rock genre, lending its audience to be more accepted in white communities, but having an appeal to all. The appeal factor is similar to the Civil Rights movement in that its audience could attract those that may not seek out this messaging, but the style of music hooks them and then hits them with the message. It also has its proceeds going towards this fight, inspiring our artists to join.

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Martin 2: T.I. ft. Skylar Grey, "New National Anthem"

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Martin 2: T.I. ft. Skylar Grey, "New National Anthem"

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T.I. and Skylar Grey's "New National Anthem"  takes a very serious look at the hypocrisies surrounding systematic racism, police brutality, the prison system, and violence in America.  The song addresses multiple controversial incidents and questions the ideals found in American politics and policing in the country.  The song begins in a conversational form, as Skylar Grey sings lyrics from familiar patriotic tunes such as, “Home of the free” and “Land of the beautiful.”  These recognizable lines are then countered with new lyrics, including, “Free just to murder me” and “Cursed by the hate we throw.”  This is an immediate reference to the feelings of African Americans as they struggle to find acceptance in a country where people are judged based on the color of their skin.  The message is immediately made clear; free is a matter of perspective.

T.I. makes references to the murders of Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin and addresses the possible politics behind the lack of accountability held by the people who killed the victims.  For example, T.I. sings of George Zimmerman, “I guess because his dad was a judge in the city, they didn’t want him in the pen with the thugs that could get him.”  This creates a connection to the struggle against systematic racism and ideals of white supremacy mentioned in the mission of the Black Lives Matter Movement.

The use of the line, “If you ain’t found something you’re willing to die for, you ain’t fit to live” draws parallels to Reed’s The Art of Protest.  Freedom singers found comfort and strength in their songs, settling fears of violence as they created “walls of protection” through their music.  The power found in their music paralleled only with the power found in freedom and equality.  T.I. and Skylar Gray question the laws of society by questioning the ideals of the most powerful musical representation of America.  “New National Anthem” is a protest song that questions the belief of a nation with the realities faced by black Americans every day in this country.

Resources:
https://genius.com/3947608

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w8JxuXAlzM

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T.I. - New National Anthem ft. Skylar Grey

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Paperwork out now! iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PaperworkDLX Amazon: http://smarturl.it/PaperworkAmazonDLX Google Play: http://smarturl.it/PaperworkGPDLX Music video by T.I. feat. Skylar Grey performing New National Anthem. (C) 2014 Grand Hustle, LLC under exclusive license to Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment

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Martin 1: Ezra Furman, "Ferguson's Burning"

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Martin 1: Ezra Furman, "Ferguson's Burning"

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Ferguson's Burning by Ezra Furman is a song discussing the death of Michael Brown by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.  The song addresses the shooting and the events that proceeded the incident, including the protests that took place in Ferguson and the response by police forces to these protests.

Furman’s song makes connections to the incident and the ideals of protest.  I was initially surprised by the level of intensity found in Furman’s song, particularly the aggressiveness of his singing.  However, I think this can provide a link to the passion found within the advocacy of the Black Lives Matter Movement, as one of the missions is to fight the systematic targeting and killing of Black American Citizens.  The temperature created by Furman’s voice is in response to the reoccurrences of situations that resulted in the death of Black Americans by police officers where “the situation could have been handled differently.”

Furman also creates images reflective of the Civil Rights Movement.  He sings, “they met em’ with SWAT gear and chemical weapons” and “they stirred up the chaos and turned on the masses.”  This immediately created historical images for me involving the use of fire hoses on protestors in Birmingham during the Civil Rights Movement protests.

Finally, Furman addresses what I believe to be one of the most significant connections between the song and the two movements.  That is the fear of people who are different.  He states, “The hatred and fear that white America harbors, will only grow bigger beneath thick body armor.”  Furman addresses the ideas of systematic racism and police brutality in a vary blunt manner while warning us to not allow time to let us forget the incident and simply move on.  “The cops may stop shooting and the streets get less wild, But Michael Brown’s mother will never get back her child.”

Resources:
https://genius.com/Ezra-furman-fergusons-burning-lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrOZSwkDbig

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Elle Varner’s “One Love” was also written in the wake of Michael Brown’s murder in 2014. In it, she paints a picture of a world with no weapons used ot hurt others. “Imagine no one needing guns all at once / impossible maybe / But we’ve never tried it / The whole world in silence, respecting each other, our gods and our brothers killing with kindness” The lyrics are a call for peace in the wake of police brutality and the aftermath violence in Ferguson, Missouri. Varner addresses growing violence and also makes references to school shootings, saying that “The school should never be the place where the children should get hurt” Throughout the song, she sings about giving “one love” to everyone regardless of skin color. Varner embodies songs from the Civil Rights era by using lyrics crying out for peace, reminiscent of peaceful protests. Elle Varner writes that this song is for “people all over the world who need help and healing.”

Source: https://www.musictimes.com/articles/8853/20140816/elle-varner-releases-heartfelt-track-one-love-in-the-wake-of-tensions-following-michael-brown-shooting-listen.htm

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Elle Varner - One Love (New Audio) (Oficial)

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Song 1: J. Cole, “Be Free”

J. Cole’s “Be Free” was written as a response to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. In the song, the rapper describes a situation where a police officer pulls his weapon out on two friends who arein the car. The chorus is repeated “All we wan' do is take the chains off and/All we wan' do is be free” as Cole describes the escalating violence from the police officer as the two men run and his friend is killed. This is a direct parallel of what happened in the murder of Michael Brown, who was an unarmed black man killed by police officers. The POV that Cole raps is Dorian Johnson, who was with Michael when he was murdered. By creating a song that allows listeners to feel they are experiencing the story, Cole is embodying a protest of police brutality against black men. We can hear the influence from the Civil Rights movement as well, when we hear the lyrics in the chorus about taking the chains off and being free. Cole is protesting police brutality towards black Americans, an issue that was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement as well.

Source:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/j-cole-mourns-michael-brown-in-somber-new-song-be-free-169276/

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I’m not sure if this was the intended song for the list, because there are a couple of songs on the album “Lemonade” that I think speak to protest and the Black Lives Matter movement. This one seemed most appropriate to speak to as both Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar are speaking out against systemic racism and also encouraging African American empowerment.

This song contains a number of important connections to the Black Lives Matter movement through both the lyrics and the images that are presented in the visual album. Prior to this song, Beyoncé includes the song “Forward,” which acts as a kind of lead in to this song. During this part of the movie, mothers of black men who were recently killed by police hold up pictures of their sons. “Freedom”s messages solidify Beyoncé’s commitment to continue fighting for her rights. This can be heard most most clearly in the chorus of the song, where Beyoncé states “I’ll Break chains all by myself, won’t let my freedom ride in hell” and “I’ma riot, I’ma riot through your borders, call me bulletproof.” Beyoncé makes a statement with visuals and lyrics that demonstrate her commitment to ensuring the freedom and civil rights of black Americans. Kendrick Lamar’s portion of the song is definitely more direct in stating a narrative. He talks about the media’s negative portrayal of African American people in the news and mistreatment by law enforcement through bias and violence. Through the collaboration of these two artists a picture is painted that embodies protest for equal rights, justice, and peace.

“The Art of Peace” chapter reminded me of this song when it mentioned that “’Freedom is a constant struggle,’ not achieved once and for all. At the deepest level, the sense of freedom came from overcoming the fear of death.” I think that this song echos similar sentiments through its visual images and lyrical statements. - Austin Ridout