Mixtape

Nevin Oliver 

Final Project

The society and lifestyle African Americans live in has not always been as put together as it seems. It actually was a lot worst and miserable from years of trauma and cruelty. The brutality from law enforcements made it such a nightmare, along with racial discrimination. So for this project, I have chosen to focus on both the 20th and 21st centuries. I’ve assembled a mixtape of songs that explains the troubles and trauma of these generations. 

We’ll begin with the 20th century which features songs such as: Everyday People by Sly and the Family Stone (1969), Respect by Aretha Franklin (1967), Say it Loud-I’m Black and I’m Proud by James Brown (1968), What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye (1971), Another Part of Me by Michael Jackson (1988), Black or White by Michael Jackson (1991), F*** tha Police by N.W.A. (1988), and Fight the Power by Public Enemy (1990). These songs represent the emotion and mental wellbeing of those during this era. These artists felt pain and expressed through their lyrics. For example, Gaye said Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There’s far too many of you dying”. When he spoke those words, it showed how upsetting the time was at that time. Michael Jackson stated in his song that “ It’s a turf war on a global scale I’d rather hear both sides of the tale See, it’s not about races Just places, faces…..”. Jackson felt it should be one side against another. Instead, it should be everyone for everyone.

Moving into the 21st century, the songs I felt best described my topic were: Glory by John Legend & Common (2015), Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo (2019), Black Parade by Beyoncé (2019), This is America by Childish Gambino (2018), and Big Rich Town by 50 Cent & Joe (2014). These songs were recorded around times of our generation. Like the 20th century, these songs represent emotion as well, however, this emotion is hope instead of pain or anger. They like how we are with this blog, are trying to inspire and educate minds on our history and culture. For example, Childish Gambino said “This is America Don’t catch you slippin’ now Look at how I’m livin’ now Police be trippin’” and he also said “Grandma told me, ‘Get your Money,’ black man Get your money, black man”. I felt this artist meant watch your back and handle your business. We shouldn’t be afraid to do what love and should always follow through with our dreams. 

In conclusion, the mixtape will be very beneficial to help aid young minds on the history before their time. This knowledge musts be known and understood for generations to come. The police weren’t, and in some cases, still aren’t our friends. We must educate ourselves on this because in the society we live in today, no one is safe. Each and every person can be affected and some may not understand the reason why. Intro to Black Studies is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, for it may help you out in more ways than one.

Mixtape list: 

Respect (1967) – Aretha Franklin

Say it Loud-I’m Black and I’m Proud (1968) - James Brown

Everyday People (1969) - Sly and the Family Stone

What’s Going On (1971) - Marvin Gaye

Another Part of Me (1988) – Michael Jackson

F*** tha Police (1988) - N.W.A.

Fight the Power (1990) – Public Enemy

Black or White (1991) – Michael Jackson

Big Rich Town (2014) – 50 Cent & Joe

Glory (2015) – John Legend & Common

This is America (2018) – Childish Gambino

Black Parade (2019) – Beyoncé 

Stand Up (2019) – Cynthia Erivo