In the past few months, there have been numerous African American artists releasing music that is politically driven, including Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West. On West’s new album, “The Life of Pablo,” he directly references the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which has been especially relevant due to police brutality and other recent events among Americans. Tracks like "Ultra Light Beam," "Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1," and "Highlights" feature rich layers of synths, strings and chopped up vocal and soul samples, while other songs like "FML," "Feedback," "Freestyle 4," and "Famous" are wrapped in a darker, hard hitting tone that remind a listener of his Yeezus. Specifically, on the album’s fifth track, “Feedback,” West raps, “Hands up, we just doing what the cops taught us/ Hands up, hands up, and the cops shot us.” This is obviously a reference to both Ferguson and Michael Brown’s death because West is highlighting the ongoing activism that’s been developing in order to promote racial justice throughout the country. In doing so, West advocates for personal freedom, claiming that he is “not crazy.” Moreover, the track functions as an unapologetic tribute to black power and African American success in the 21st century. Kanye mixes the celebratory and energetic “hands up” with the darker theme of police violence. On “Monster,” a track from one of West’s previous albums, he rapped, “I’m-a need to see your f****** hands at the concert.”
Although some might think that West’s lyrics are an attack on American police troops, what is most important is that this track’s impact on achieving social change could be monumental. The album as a whole works as a combination of gospel sounds and personal reflections with a close look at West’s vulnerabilities and his aggression. Even when West’s going in uncomfortable directions, his music feels alive. However, West is arguably the most extravagantly gifted, daring and creatively ambitious person working in popular music right now. The problem is that is an argument he is making himself, about himself, with himself. The best moments on “The Life of Pablo” echo that desire to embrace old principles, and linger on the dreams that once seemed distant.
Kanye referencing the #BlackLivesMatter movement is one that has been a striking feature of his album. Kanye West is a fully established star and musical powerhouse. He does not need to reference current events or controversies to make his music noteworthy. I think people at this point would have bought his album without these political undertones (Tidal controversy aside). Kanye could have referenced anything in his lyrics but he chose this movement because he and other big stars like Beyoncé feel that this issue can no longer be ignored. As we listen to their music we have no choice but to face these issues.
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