1980s
Bad Brains – Banned In DC (1982)
Bad Brains is undeniably one of the most groundbreaking hardcore Punk bands of all time. In an underground scene dominated by white supremacists and racism, they were an all Black band that bested every other act they shared a stage with. Bad Brains’s shows were criticized for being too violent, and they were eventually banned from playing in Washington, DC. Understanding that this was a cover for a racist policy, the band went to New York City, where they single-handedly influenced a whole new wave of hardcore Punk musicians.
Toddy Tee – Batterram (1985)
The earliest forms of Hip Hop began as social commentary, often about the epidemic of crack cocaine and the racially biased drug laws imposed on the Black community. Toddy Tee’s “Batterram” criticizes the LAPD, that was using a retired military vehicle known as the V-100 Batteram to break into suspected drug houses. More often than not, the police were mistaken, and innocent people were terrorized.
N.W.A.– F*ck Tha Police (1988)
In 1988, N.W.A. released the album Straight Outta Compton, which featured “F*ck Tha Police.” While the band understood the power of their title and lyrics, they underestimated its longevity: the song has become an anthem against police brutality for over three decades. The group was one of the first to be called “Reality Rap,” which would eventually be renamed “Gangsta Rap” for its themes of life on the street and its uncensored, unrelenting defiance of authority.
Living Colour – Funny Vibe (1988)
In the 1980s and ‘90s, Living Colour rose in the world of Rock and Heavy Metal by exploring varied genres with unmatched musicianship. “Funny Vibe” is about stereotypes imposed upon Black people. Living Colour was one of very few all Black rock groups, Livso they had many encounters with racism and stereotypes. “Funny Vibe” appears on their breakout album Vivid, which included their biggest hit, “Cult Of Personality.”
Public Enemy – Fight The Power (1989)
“Fight The Power” is another political anthem to come out of 80s Hip Hop. The song was initially intended to be on the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, but was released in a different version on their album Fear Of The Black Planet. Chuck D, half of the duo with DJ Lord, has stated that it is not a song against authority but rather a song against the abuse of power. In 2020, the song was remixed with current Rap artists to respond to the protests that were sparked by the murder of George Floyd.
Ruth Brown – If I Can’t Sell It, I’ll Keep Sittin On It (1989)
“If I Can’t Sell It, I’ll Keep Sittin On It” was the last hit from the Queen of R&B, Ruth Brown. The lyrics tell the story of an interaction between Brown, who plays the part of a shopkeeper, and a cheap patron who refused to pay. In her own life, Brown was an advocate for musicians’ ownership of rights to their music, and she used her influence to help other musicians succeed. Once Brown won the fight for the rights to her own music, she started the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which promoted the preservation of R&B history. The album on which this song is included, Blues On Broadway, earned a Grammy, and earned Brown a rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.