Of course, it’s Hard to face the Truth; You Refuse to Even Acknowledge It!

Layla Mitchell English 2016 Dr. Harris 12 April 2026 Of course, it’s Hard to face the Truth; You Refuse to Even Acknowledge It! One conversation that continues to go on is when black people should speak up. In white mainstream media, we have seen time and time again that black artists are put front and center to answer questions the main white audience wants to hear, but when the artist doesn't address these questions and focus on bigger issues the black community is currently facing, they ignore the artist's message or just outright dismiss the artist. This playlist contains songs that not only call out things like systemic racism or police brutality but also things that are very overlooked, such a misgonior behavior. Playlist Link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXkZI0UJf_fg92czdfPN0q8qQVS9UNUP6&si=LMWh2EOtnK1V3uEw -Kendrick Lamar: “Alright” - In this song, Kendrick talks about police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic inequality in America, but at the end of the day, black people will overcome all this and be “alright.” -Lil Baby: "The Bigger Picture" -Following the murder of George Floyd, Lil Baby talks about the systematic racism and the constant stereotyping by police. -Ice Cube: “Good Cop, Bad Cop” -Ice Cube brings the hypocrisy that black cops were willing to follow behind white cops in the mistreatment of people who look just like that. Instead of relating to the person, they believe they are superior and aren't stereotyped like the average black person. -Joey Bada$$: "Land of the Free" -This song criticizes the prison system and the lack of liberty for Black people. -TI: “We Will Not” -This song calls for the unity of the black community. TI wants the community to stand up and fight against police brutality instead of ignoring it and hiding away. -Childish Gambino: “This is America” -Childish Gambino uses this song to talk about how “normal” police brutality and racism have become in America, and because of this normalization, society uses Black entertainment to distract from systemic violence and racism. -Common ft. Stevie Wonder: "Black America Again" -Common uses this song to address the historical and ongoing oppression of Black people. -Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar: “Freedom” -Beyoncè talks about personal resilience with a broad political demand for liberation, while Kendrick's verse hard-hitting commentary on racial profiling and police brutality. -Docheii ft. SZA: “Girl, Get Up” -Docheii dropped “girl, get up” after receiving backlash for her album “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” Docheii used the hate to call out the media, which was so fast to discredit her work, making claims that she’s an “industry plant” or that she “sold her soul.” -Ciara: “Like A Boy” -Ciara sheds light on how if roles were reversed, men would not be happy with the patriarchal system they have placed onto women. -2Pac: "Keep Ya Head Up" -2Pac addresses the harsh treatment of Black women and questions misogyny within the community. - Common: "The Light" - This song uses a positive alternative to misogynistic lyrics, focusing on respect for Black women. -Talib Kweli: "Black Girl Pain" -Kweli uses this song to show the need to protect and uplift young Black women.

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