Further emphasizing the effort to unify the African American community against these struggles, Lamar's verse "Wouldn't you know / We been hurt, been down before" acknowledges the historical struggles and resilience of the black community. By recognizing the shared history of oppression and perseverance, Lamar fosters a sense of unity and understanding among listeners.

What sets "Alright" apart is its ability to have an impact which extends far beyond the realm of music. Lamar's verses celebrate the resilience of black culture, his lyrics becoming sources of encouragement for those facing oppression and reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. Ultimately, the song becomes dedicated to the strength of the human spirit when confronting obstacles even as big as systemic racism. In a world marked by division against certain communities, the song reminds listeners of the transformative power of solidarity and music in effecting change.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Kendrick-lamar-alright-lyrics

In "The Bigger Picture," Lil Baby's lyrics serve as a raw and unfiltered expression of the pain and frustration experienced by many in the black community. The line "I see blue lights, I get scared and start runnin'" encapsulates the fear and anxiety that the African American community feels when encountering police officers. This reaction speaks to the deep-rooted mistrust and trauma resulting from historical and ongoing instances of police brutality and racial profiling. Similarly, in the line "I find it crazy the police'll shoot you and know that you dead / But still tell you to freeze," Lil Baby exposes the absurdity of some law enforcement officers. The contrast between the brutality of shooting and the demand to freeze illustrates the unjust exercise of power to oppress marginalized communities. Finally, Lil Baby's personal reflection in the line, "First I was drunk, then I sobered up quick / When I heard all that time that they gave to Taleeb / He got a life sentence plus", highlights the harsh realities of the criminal justice system and its disproportionate impact on black individuals.

"The Bigger Picture" by Lil Baby serves as a presentation of the affects that police brutality and oppression has had, not only on himself, but on the overall African American community as well. By saying, "It's bigger than black and white / It's a problem with the whole way of life", Lil Baby tries to move listeners away from the idea that race is the issue but that institutions and systems are, promoting change through lines like, "It can't change overnight / But we gotta start somewhere".

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Lil-baby-the-bigger-picture-lyrics

When 2Pac says, "Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares / One less hungry mouth on the welfare," he confronts the systemic issues surrounding poverty and drug addiction based on economic barriers within black communities. He criticizes the societal neglect, lack of opportunities, and indifference towards the African American youth within institutions, illustrating the cycle of systemically endorsed social and economic inequalities based on poverty that marginalized communities must face. By highlighting the destructive impact of economic barriers that proliferate the disastrous effects of drug addiction on vulnerable populations, 2Pac sheds light on the systemic factors that contribute to the marginalization and exploitation of black individuals. Moreover, in the line, "The penitentiary's packed, and it's filled with blacks," 2Pac highlights the disproportionate incarceration rates and systemic biases within the criminal justice system. He draws attention to the systemic racism and discrimination that contribute to the mass incarceration of black individuals, exposing the institutionalized inequalities that perpetuate cycles of poverty and despair. Through these lyrics, 2Pac sheds light on the broader societal issues that perpetuate racial injustice and calls for meaningful reform to address systemic inequalities and oppression.

2Pac's "Changes" serves as a song based on the economic and judicial barriers and subsequent exploitation of the African American community. By emphasizing the indifference towards the poverty and the human life within these communities, 2Pac signals a need for change that must be pushed forward by the people instead of the government, who instead of helping, keeps the system working, which in turn promotes the systemic inequalities that impose economic and social walls that prevent the success of the marginalized.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/2pac-changes-lyrics

When Public Enemy says, "Our freedom of speech is freedom or death", they underscore the critical importance of freedom of expression in the struggle for liberation. Public Enemy asserts that the ability to speak out against injustice is not only a fundamental right but also a matter of life and death. By linking freedom of speech to the broader fight against oppressive forces, Public Enemy highlights the power of words as a tool for resistance and empowerment.

Similarly, the line, "We got to fight the powers that be," reinforces the message of resistance and collective action against inequality and injustice. Public Enemy's challenges listeners to question systems of power and authority that seek to marginalize and oppress communities. Finally, the declaration, "'Cause I'm Black and I'm proud," serves as a powerful message that change is not possible without love for your own identity and culture, emphasizing the close knit cultural and social ties within the African American community that support the fight for change.

In "Fight the Power", Public Enemy asserts pride in being African American and celebrates the resilience and strength of African American communities in the face of systemic racism and oppression. By presenting a confrontational style of lyrics and positioning change as a powerful tool to achieve success, the song is a powerful message in the ongoing struggle for equality.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Public-enemy-fight-the-power-lyrics

Kanye West remarking, "Made her sit in that seat where white folks ain't want us to eat / At the tender age of 6, she was arrested for the sit-ins," highlights the enduring legacy of racial segregation in America. West recounts a powerful memory of his mother's defiance against racial discrimination, underscoring the bravery and resilience of all those who fought for equality. This lyric serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations in the struggle for civil rights and social justice, while also highlighting the ongoing need to confront systemic racism and oppression. "Now ****** can't make it to ballots to choose leadership / But we can make it to Jacob's or to the dealership" critiques the judicial barriers and laws to political participation and civic engagement faced by black communities. West comments on how instead of choosing leadership, he, and other African Americans, can only make it to the "dealership", emphasizing how in addition to judicial inequalities, there are also economic barriers that only allow for African Americans to have low-paying jobs that stifle their individual and communal economic growth. Additionally, the mantra, "Get up, I get down, get up, I get down" contributes to the overall theme of this song, as it promotes resilience and perseverance in the face of systemic racism and inequality. Through the repetition of this mantra, West emphasizes the continuous effort required to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

"Never Let Me Down" by Kanye West delivers a powerful exploration of resilience, faith, and the judicial and economic barriers that aim to limit the success of the African American community. Through his lyrics and delivery, West invites reflection of personal struggles and triumphs, while also addressing broader social and political issues. The song supports the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance to overcome even the obstacles that challenge us the most.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Kanye-west-never-let-me-down-lyrics

As mentioned above, "Freedom" serves to connect with the individual as a way to fight oppression. Kendrick Lamar's lines, such as "Open correctional gates in higher desert / Yeah, open our mind as we cast away oppression," suggest themes of physical and psychological liberation from societal inequality. By contrasting imagery of incarceration with a higher desert, conjuring images of heavenly freedom, Lamar emphasizes the importance of mental freedom and independence as well as the ideological liberation to fight for justice.

However, Beyoncé and Lamar's collaboration also amplifies the message of determination and unity within the African American community. Kendrick Lamar's use of "we", emphasizes the communal impact that systemic racism has, as well as how it is everyone's duty to stand up in the face of injustice. Beyoncé's chorus, which says, "I'ma keep running 'cause a winner don't quit on themselves" shows the determination to persevere in the face of adversity, inspiring listeners to stand firm in their beliefs and demand change. Through their artistry, Beyoncé and Lamar create a space for empowerment and liberation of both the individual and the community, igniting a spark of hope and defiance within the hearts of their audience, beckoning people to join together and demand for a better tomorrow.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Beyonce-freedom-lyrics

When N.W.A comments, "They have the authority to kill a minority", they confront the power that police unfairly use to violently and disproportionately target minority communities. Through this, N.W.A also sheds light on the unequal treatment and lack of accountability within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the urgent need for reform and change. The line, "Searchin' my car, lookin' for the product / Thinkin' every ***** is sellin' narcotics," reflects the continued racial profiling and promotion of unfair stereotypes against people of color. N.W.A exposes the bias and prejudice that underlies many police interactions with marginalized communities, illustrating the dehumanizing effects of racial profiling. Lastly, the iconic lyric, "F*** the police comin' straight from the underground", puts on a show of defiance and resistance. N.W.A rejects the authority of law enforcement, as they do not promote equality and rather use racism instead of reason and law to prevent crime from happening, leading to a vicious cycle of brutality and resentment that is pointed out in other songs, such as "The Bigger Picture", by Lil Baby.

"F*** Tha Police" by N.W.A offers a searing critique of police violence, racial profiling, and systemic racism. Through their unapologetic and explicit lyrics, N.W.A shines a spotlight on the violent injustices faced by black communities at the hands of law enforcement. Although not the most positive in terms of promoting efforts for change and rather using the song as an outlet for anger against an unfair system, N.W.A still succeeds in making a song dedicated to pointing out the wrong in society.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Nwa-fuck-tha-police-lyrics

When Joey Bada$$ says, "Sorry America I will not be your soldier / Obama just wasn't enough, I need some more closure", he expresses frustration with the limitations of political leadership that promotes the power of the African American community and advocates for changes to end the societal injustices committed against them within the system. In the line, "Trickery in the system, put my ****** in prison," Joey Badass addresses the systemic injustices of the criminal justice system, which incarcerates black individuals more than white individuals even when it has been proven time and time again that African Americans are sent to jail for committing crimes much less severe than the ones committed by white people. This lyric underscores the systemic racism and bias that law enforcement and judicial institutions endorse, perpetuating cycles of incarceration and disproportionate policies forced upon black communities. Furthermore, Joey Bada$$ emphasizes the judicial system's unjust character, stating, "Start a new coalition against corrupt politicians." Here, Joey Bada$$ advocates for collective action to challenge the corruption in judicial institutions, in the sense that many either stand by, or worse, promote the inequalities people like Bada$$ have had to deal with every day.

Joey Bada$$'s song, "Land of the Free", is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the need to confront and dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to perpetuate inequality and injustice in America. He mainly focuses on the judicial system and the inequalities it promotes in communities all across the United States. By naming his song, "Land of the Free", Joey Bada$$ points the hypocrisy in America, as for him and other African Americans, America has never been free and instead it has been a country marred by inequalities condoned by systems and institutions that were supposed to promote peace, equality, and justice.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Joey-bada-land-of-the-free-lyrics

The lines, "But, if you're thinkin' about my baby / It don't matter if you're black or white", encapsulate the central theme of the song: the irrelevance of race when in the context of love or acceptance. By asserting that the color of one's skin should not determine their worth or value, Jackson challenges racial supremacy and instead supports the shared characteristics that are human emotions and experiences. This lyric emphasizes the importance of looking beyond superficial differences and recognizing the humanity of all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. Jackson also makes efforts to change by putting aside racism, saying, "See, it's not about races / Just places, faces". Here, Jackson embraces diversity and celebrates cultural differences. This lyric reinforces the message of unity and acceptance that "Black or White" projects, reminding people that we are all part of the same human family, regardless of race.

In "Black or White", Michael Jackson delivers a powerful message of humanity's equality, urging the embrace of human diversity and the disregard of the idea that race separates us. In a society that is often divided by racial tensions, "Black or White" serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for all individuals.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Michael-jackson-black-or-white-lyrics

Gambino's lyrics like, "This is America / Don't catch you slippin' now", highlight the realities faced by marginalized communities, as the nation's social and political landscape makes any mistakes committed by individuals from these communities liable to prosecution by the unfair social practices and systemic racism rampant in many institutions in the United States. Childish Gambino says, "You just a black man in this world / You just a barcode, ayy," encapsulating the dehumanization of black lives within American society. By likening African Americans to barcodes, Gambino highlights the reduction of black identity to mere numbers or statistics, stripped of individuality and humanity. This imagery underscores the systemic racism and objectification faced by black people, who often face the obstacles associated with being reduced to stereotypes and marginalized within society. In the line, "I got the strap / I gotta carry 'em," Gambino addresses the presence of gun violence and the need for self-protection within African American communities due to violence and systemic injustice. The term "strap" refers to a firearm, highlighting the normalization of weapons in America, as the development of a nickname for a gun suggests.

Childish Gambino's, "This is America", underscores the complex intersection of race, violence, and survival within the American landscape. Gambino, in collaboration with this intersection, sheds light on the challenges and dangers faced by black individuals in navigating their everyday lives. Gambino's song serves as a wake up call for people, as his painting of the American landscape for African Americans and other people from marginalized communities addresses the need for change and reform.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Childish-gambino-this-is-america-lyrics

Showcased in the verse, "His father works some days for fourteen hours / And you can bet he barely makes a dollar," Wonder highlights the economic disparities and exploitation experienced by black families. Wonder also analyses the unfair wages of his mother, saying, "His mother goes to scrub the floors for many / And you'd best believe, she hardly gets a penny". By presenting how both his father and mother financially struggle due to inequality, Stevie Wonder shows how badly justice and economic equality is needed in order to not just be "Living just enough, just enough for the city", but rather be living comfortably within the city and not for it.

Furthermore, Stevie Wonder vividly portrays the challenges faced by black individuals living in urban environments. When saying, "A boy's born in hard-time Mississippi / Surrounded by four walls that ain't so pretty", Wonder paints a picture of the harsh conditions that many African Americans have historically faced, either socially or economically. Moreover, in the line, "He looks through his window's bars," Stevie Wonder metaphorically captures the sense of confinement and limitation experienced by many African Americans due to systemic racism and social barriers. Despite these lyrics, he also promotes the sense of determination by African Americans when he sings, "Her skirt is short, but Lord her legs are sturdy". By highlighting the effort against many economic and social inequalities in urban environments, "Living for the City" presents a story of determination in the face of institutional and systemic racism.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Stevie-wonder-living-for-the-city-lyrics

Staples declares, "Hands up, they shootin', we should do somethin' / Rather than hold rallies, march and tear gas / Fight back with a straight face when your face facts". These lyrics serve as a call for action to fight against aggressive efforts, such as "tear gas" and "shootin'", that limit African Americans and other marginalized communities from advocating for change and justice. Staples urges listeners to confront the injustice and violence perpetuated by law enforcement against black communities. To support the ideas of his previous lyric, he declares, "We need to fight back, don't relax / We need the upper hand, ain't no second chance." Staples emphasizes the need to no longer be victims of systemic oppression and violence but to instead gain "the upper hand" and destroying said oppression, on the terms of the African American community, no longer being controlled by it. Vince Staples says that people must stand against systemic racism because they need to promote change but also because enough is enough and after decades of injustice, we can't "relax". Staples' call for action extends beyond individual resistance to encompass a collective movement for change. He encourages listeners to recognize their collective power and to mobilize together in the fight against systemic oppression. Staple's fights against the notion of passive resistance, opting for a more direct and powerful way of change in protests that African Americans from all over the country can, and should, participate in.

Through his music, Staples not only highlights the urgent need for change but also inspires hope and resilience in the face of adversity. He reminds us, the listeners, that the fight for racial justice requires active engagement and unwavering determination, and that silence in times where systemic racism persists in its mission to subjugate the rights of African American communities only serves to delay the change needed in society.

Lyrics: https://genius.com/Vince-staples-hands-up-lyrics

In Chicago, systemic racism has entrenched itself as, unfortunately, one of the key factors of the city's treatment of its many diverse but marginalized communities. Beginning as early as the 20th century, thousands of African Americans moved to Chicago during the Great Migration, seeking economic opportunities and peace from the racial violence in the South. However, the development of segregationist policies within Chicago, such as redlining, confined many to overcrowded and under-resourced neighborhoods on the city's South and West Sides. Redlining, a discriminatory practice by banks and lending institutions, denied loans or mortgages and charged higher interest rates for African American families, effectively preventing them from buying homes in predominantly white neighborhoods. This practice, along with many others, led to the creation of racially segregated communities with visible inequality within educational and social institutions.

Understanding and addressing systemic racism is crucial for creating a more egalitarian society where economic success or stability is not based on the color of someone's skin. By firstly acknowledging the existence of systemic racism and its harmful effects, people and their governments can work collaboratively towards implementing policies that promote fairness and inclusion. Through education, advocacy, and policy reform, communities can strive towards a future where systemic racism no longer prevents an individuals' greatness based on their race or ethnicity.