PROTEST MUSIC
Everyday I wake up and sit in my bed for a few minutes without touching my cell phone. I thank God for another day of life and for giving me food, shelter and a healthy mind and body. I pray for those I love and for those I don't know personally but need guidance and love too. I grab my phone and hold my breath for a few seconds as I see my Twitter load... I do this because I expect that something else, some other horrific shit has happened in the world. I realize that's not the greatest of mindsets, but this isn't coming from a place of pessimism... it's coming from what will soon be a full year under 45's administration, a year that has also seen hurricanes and earthquakes, a year that feels like a lifetime.
Some days I wake up and see really sad fucked up news, like what just happened in Las Vegas, and I try to grab on to the good things I know exist in the world. I find solace in my physical and social communities, knowing that I am not alone in my sentiments and anger. I specially feel pride & a burst of energy when I see a musician I respect and listen to speak up about social injustices and the general state of our humanity.
Since we're celebrating music this month, I thought it's only right we shout out and celebrate some of the artists who don't just talk the talk but walk the walk... I'm aware there's many more out there, but the one's below might not be on your follow list. Perhaps you'll find a new guiding light in one of these individuals when you feel your own is not strong enough to make it through these rough political times. In unity- Yari B.
PS- There's a playlist at the end of this piece waiting to hold you down. Also found on our soundcloud page. March on MOB.
PROTEST MUSIC
COMMON
6,233 Likes, 108 Comments - Common (@common) on Instagram: "#FlashbackFriday to performing for the men inside on the yard at the historic Folsom State Prison a..."
TEF POE
261 Likes, 2 Comments - POE (@tef_poe) on Instagram: "Project Babies. Holyground : Gilmore Homes Freddie Gray's projects. #Baltimore"
XENIA RUBINOS
509 Likes, 11 Comments - Xenia Rubinos (@xeniarubinos) on Instagram: "thank you @aclu_nationwide"
CHLOE X HALLE
16.3k Likes, 36 Comments - chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) on Instagram: "🙌🏽 to women's beauty, brains, x strength on #internationalwomensday @aliciakeys, @missjillscott,..."
JOHN LEGEND
JOEY BADA$$
45.6k Likes, 1,009 Comments - joZif BADMON [💰💰] (@joeybadass) on Instagram: "@montreality"
M.I.A.
ANA TIJOUX
10.1k Likes, 43 Comments - @anatijoux on Instagram: "Ante las extremas medidas que han tomado lxs presxs políticxs mapuche en actual huelga de hambre,..."
QUESTLOVE
11.3k Likes, 202 Comments - Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Instagram: "Thanks Man. Appreciate it! #Repost @pharrell ・・・ The lyrical genius that is @blackthought and the..."