When I registered for this class, my mind jumped to songs written by and for people of color, because they create music that reflects their experience, which is so important. In thinking about this assignment of creating a podcast about one song over the course of the semester, I immediately thought of the Song “XXX. FEAT. U2” by Kendrick Lamar. After exploring other options outside of the realm of systemic racism, I thought of the song “Same Love feat. Mary Lambert” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

 

“XXX” is on Lamar’s album “DAMN.” and was released in 2017. I’m not a big fan of rap music, but when I heard this song for the first time I loved it immediately. There isn’t much music to it, so the emphasis is placed on Lamar’s rapping. The lyrics themselves come out quickly, as they do most of the time in a rap, but once you grasp what is being said, you can tell he is sending a message about the United States and what it’s like to be a minority here. The opening lyric, “America, God bless you if it’s good to you” draws me in immediately, as it’s true; this is the greatest country in the world if you’re privileged enough to be on the right side of things. Having U2 in the beginning adds an eerie element that quickly transitions into Lamar’s monotone delivery, that transitions into his typical way of rapping that is at a slightly higher octave and surprises the listener.

 

I think this song is one of the less well-known politically charged songs that have come out in the past few years, because “XXX” wasn’t a single. I can decipher messages of violence and racism pretty easily, but I would like to delve into the lyrics more to figure out exactly what Lamar means. A concern I have is that his lyrics might be too complicated for me, someone who hasn’t had the same experience as him, to understand.<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″

(I forgot that Kendrick Lamar performed this at the Grammy’s, but his performance sends a clear message)

“Same Love” is on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ album, “The Heist” and was released in 2013. The fact that it’s a rap accompanied by a piano is unique and makes it sound pretty, and Mary Lambert’s voice is strong and beautiful as well. I was a freshman in high school when this song came out, so I didn’t really listen to/understand the lyrics that intently until recently when I was reminded of it again. The lyrics are openly about combatting LGBTQ+ stereotypes and emphasizing to listeners that love is love during a time when same-sex marriage was on the verge of becoming legalized, though it didn’t take place until 2015. The delivery is unique in the rap verses and dramatic chorus, and that makes it powerful, because the long message is delivered in Macklemore’s words, and the idea that love is love is repeated throughout Lambert’s chorus. Songs about LGBTQ+ justice are less common than those dedicated to other social justice movements, so I’d like to explore that. I think the only challenge to this would be the fact that the lyrics don’t need deciphering, as they convey a clear message.

I’m excited for this project and to bring light to the messages these artists are putting out there.

 

Alex