Singer/songwriter/rapper Lauryn Hill is an advocate for social justice and has always been outspoken when addressing issues of inequality for African American’s and women and many other marginalized groups of people ever since her career has begun.
Though she was performing her song “Black Rage,” long before the tragic events in Ferguson, Missouri took place, she decided to re-release an old recording of the song in lieu of recent events.
The song is a play off of “My Favorite Things” from the musical The Sound of Music, but with lyrics that examine oppression and black-culture in America: “Black rage is founded on draining and draining/ Threatening your freedom to stop your complaining.”
Lyrics also include “Black rage is founded on blocking the truth, Murder and crime, compromise and distortion/ sacrifice, sacrifice, who makes this fortune?”
This song is eerily appropriate right now and it will send shivers down your spin. I also think it lends itself perfectly to socially commentary, due to the juxtaposition of the original song with her version. Scary thunder in your Austrian Mansion should really not be your biggest concern von Trapp family, come on! It’s time we direct all of our attention to what’s happening in Ferguson and stop texting during moments of silence (I’m talking to you Kylie Jenner).
Photo credit: Wikipedia
