With the economy in shambles, the war in Iraq and global warming still hot button issues and the presidential election approaching, Americans have had an extremely politically-conscious year. In the spirit of civic engagement, Unwind! decided to round-up the top five political songs of 2008. Some are radical and some are partisan, but they are all dynamic music editorials—CNN to a soundtrack.
1. “Yes We Can,” Will I. Am. – This innovative track pieces together quotations from Barack Obama’s speech after his victory in the 2008 New Hampshire Primary. The Democratic presidential candidate’s inspirational rhetoric is layered over calming guitar riffs and a slew of artists, from John Legend to Scarlett Johannson croon over Obama’s words. The song garnered attention through its music video that featured all its celebrity guests. It even won the first Emmy Award for Best New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment.
2. “Black President,” Nas – Nas builds on his reputation as one of the most controversial conscious rappers in the game with the last joint on his self-titled latest release. Nas expresses some support for Obama, yet contemplates his potential failures and questions his loyalties to the working-class and the African-American community. The DJ Green Lantern-produced track is enhanced with a 2Pac sample that bluntly states “although it seems heaven-sent, we ain't ready to have a black president." But then Nas plays devil’s advocate by including the R&B chorus with the lines “yes we can, change the world.” “Black President” provides a terrific forum for political exchange and criticism.
3. “Politics (Obama is Here),” Ludacris – How could we not include a song with wild, reckless lyrics such as “Hillary hated on you so that bitch is irrelevant” and “McCain don’t belong in any chair unless he’s paralyzed?” The track was a hit on the Internet but also gave right-wingers another reason to criticize Hip-Hop and Obama’s self-stated appreciation for rap. Obama probably wishes he never said Ludacris was on his playlist.
4. “Rising Down,” The Roots – This accomplished Hip-Hop band recruited rappers Mos Def and Styles P to speak on conflict diamonds in Africa and prescription drug propaganda, respectively. Black Thought rounds out the ominous, synthesizer-laced track with his concerns about climate change. Political candidates should consider this dramatic tune when forming their platforms.
5. “The 3rd World,” Immortal Technique – This fearsome and brash underground emcee has the most confrontational track on this list. Immortal Technique gripes about America’s exploitation and oppression of poorer countries. His vocals are gruff, loud and raspy. The beat is reminiscent of an island funk song, making it an extremely catchy track despite its serious tone.
