Through the years many artists have leveraged their voice and platform to address the growing unrest of social issues in America. From Nina Simone’s timeless classic “Strange Fruit” to Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” music has offered an antidote to embolden, enlighten and entertain disenfranchised listeners.
To help carry on the tradition of Black Music Month, Baller Alert has decided to highlight 25 of our favorite “WOKE” songs of all-time. Let us know your personal favorites in the comments section below.
Kendrick Lamar – Alright
Childish Gambino – This Is America
KRS – Black Cop
Gil Scott Heron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar- Freedom
Stevie Wonder – Living For The City
A Tribe Called Quest – We The People….
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On / What’s Happening Brother
Nas – Not For Radio
Amiri Baraka – Who Will Survive America
Queen Latifah – U.N.I.T.Y.
Leon Bridges – Bad Bad News
J. Cole – Be Free
Curtis Mayfield – We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
JAY-Z – The Story of O.J.
James Brown – Say It Loud, I’m Black And I’m Proud
Kanye West – New Slaves
Common – Black America Again
Public Enemy – Fight The Power
Donny Hathaway – Someday We’ll Be Free
Tupac – Changes
Lalah Hathaway – Little Ghetto Boy
Nina Simone – Strange Fruit
Bob Marley – War
The Temptations – Ball of Confusion