Here is a summary of notable socially conscious music released throughout the month.
Songs/Videos:
Jesse Jett – Ghost On The Lawn
Earlier in the year, singer-songwriter and rapper released the album Inauguration Gift. He continues to release music through YouTube and other social media. He also appeared on episode 30 of season one of the Ongoing History of Protest Music podcast.
The Linda Lindas – Racist, Sexist Boy
This tune was also featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
th1rt3en – Kill, Kill, Kill
This chilling animated video is for a tune off the debut album A Magnificent Day For An Exorcism by the veteran socially conscious rapper Pharoahe Monch’s rap-metal project th1rt3en.
Solidarity Not Silence – This Is Sisterhood
A press release explains: “Solidarity not Silence is a campaign raising money for the legal costs of a group of women who are fighting a defamation claim made against them after each of them spoke up about their accuser’s alleged abuse of women. A number of his former partners, as well as feminist musicians who spoke out in support, including Nadia Javed of The Tuts and Ren Aldridge of Petrol Girls, are facing a libel claim. Their case is immensely relevant in the aftermath of #MeToo and could affect legal precedent on how similar cases are treated by the law.”
The latest track by the group also enlists support from riot grrrl pioneer Kathleen Hanna.
The Halluci Nation – Remember 01 ft. John Trudell & Black Bear
The Halluci Nation is a Canadian Indigenous act formerly known as A Tribe Called Red. Blending EDM with traditional music forms, they have pioneered a sound referred to as electric-pow-wow. This track will appear on the upcoming album One More Saturday Night, which is set for release on July 30. The song features the late US Indigenous poet/activist John Trudell who played a notable role in the formation of the group.
Scott Free – A Palestinian In Gaza
This hot-button topic protest tune deals which the situation faced by the Palestinians in Gaza. Free is a Chicago-based house producer who was also considered a part of the 90’s queercore scene.
Albums;
Lula Wiles – Shame and Sedition
This is the excellent follow-up to the Americana trio exceptional 2019 album What Will We Do. Even though they have always been socially aware, this album happens to be their most explicitly political. Also, had the opportunity to interview Isa Burke and Mali Obomosawin for the latest episode of the podcast.
Big $ilky – Big $ilky Vol. 3
This is the latest volume by the hip-hop duo of Psalm One & Angel Davanport. The album features scathing verses which address subjects from false allyship, hypocrisy, and speaking up against social injustice.
McKinley Dixon – For My Mama And Anyone Who Looks Look Like Her
The latest album by Dixon is a powerful example of the intersection of the personal and political. Dixon describes the motivation behind the emotionally powerful new album: “The best way to sum up this album is: I was sad, I was mad, and now I’m alive,”
“These things I talk about on the record have had harmful and brilliant effects on my timeline, and have forced me to be cognizant of the fact that living is complex. Rap has allowed me the language to communicate and be someone who can communicate with people from all over. Knowing how far I’ve come, I think people will find trust in the message I’m sending.”
Sons of Kemet – Black to the Future (May 14)
This is the fourth album by the Shabaka Hutchings–led jazz outfit, following up the excellent 2018 album Your Queen Is a Reptile. “Black to the Future is a sonic poem for the invocation of power, remembrance and healing. It depicts a movement to redefine and reaffirm what it means to strive for black power,” Hutchings said in a press release.
Tony Allen – There Is No End
Known for his work with Fela Kuti, the legendary drummer and bandleader is a key figure in the development of afrobeat. This posthumous collection of tunes is a fitting farewell to an artist who sadly died on April 30, 2020, at the age of 79.
Allison Russell – Outside Child
The latest album by the rootsy Canadian singer-songwriter is a prime example of the person being political. Russell made the following statement about the album, “is about resilience, survival, transcendence, the redemptive power of art, community, connection, and chosen family.”
Here is the ongoing playlist of 2021 protest songs featuring music that was featured on the website.