- Freedom - Pharrell Williams: “Freedom” is an incredible song. Pharrell pairs his trademark energy and good vibe with and inspiring message. The lyrics lift you up and inspire you to look at the good in life. "Free yourself from this mental slavery and live a happy life," is the message. The motivational lyrics flow through the entire song. “Freedom!” is heard throughout the song. Pharrell's most certainty has a purpose in the type of music he creates, which results in the mass appeal. This song includes an easy to rock to beat that most listeners can dance to.
- Common & John Legend - Black America Again: The piano-driven beat adds so much to this beautiful piece. This song is very strong and will no doubt be heard for years to come. Common truly brings it! I watched him closely at an Imagine Justice concert last year and I can say that he embodies all that is great about Hip Hop! With everything going on in America, we are forced to say, “Black America Again” ...again, again, again? The racial rhetoric echoed throughout the country has created tension that we have not seen in 30 years.
- Gil Scott-Heron - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: This is the beginning of the absolute best of hip hop. Gil Scott-Heron sets the example for future artists as to what hip hop was about. It was a language that not only highlights the beauty and joy of the origins of rap but also the consciousness and intelligence from which it was birthed. This is a classic!
- Bob Marley’s Soul Rebel: Marley made everyone listen. He hypnotized many folks with his lyrics, passion, faith, and dedication to his purpose. I truly believed he felt he was doing God’s work. Peaceful, but equally a warrior dedicated to the struggle. Amazing body of work in collaboration with The Wailers. Marley's Soul Rebel is a truly beautiful piece!
- Nina Simone - "Backlash Blues”: Nina Simone’s Backlash Blues starts with an instrumental and includes Simone asking questions. This exchange is the old school spiritual church music call and response between her and guitar. Nina always could not help but speak, sing, cry and appeal for those that did not have a voice. The mother of modern spiritual music!
- The Roots - "Aint Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around”: The Roots song "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" is some of the best work I’ve heard from Roots. The video includes Civil Rights protests with other films of the band members performing in the studio.
- John Legend - I know John Legend is on here twice, but John Stephens writes his own work and performs his own work! A truly talented musician and artist! Here is a clip of the lyrics:
"Woke Up This Morning”
Woke up this morning with my mind
Stayed on freedom
Woke up this morning with my mind
Stayed on freedom
Woke up this morning with my mind
Stayed on freedom
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah.
I'm walking and talking with my mind
stayed on freedom
I'm walking and talking with my mind
stayed on freedom
I'm walking and talking with my mind
stayed on freedom
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah.
- Anthony Hamilton - "This May Be The Last Time”: Anthony Hamilton and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama created a hit with this song. Anthony Hamilton sets the standard for male vocals and delivery.
- Donny Hathaway "Young Gifted and Black” - This is a beautiful song that speaks directly to young black people about acknowledging their gifts, beauty and greatness.
- Rafa Selase - “Mama You Never Told Me” - Free yourself from the corporate ship!