Kendrick Lamar’s approach on black racism through his single ‘Alright’
Blogger: Zara Ayaz (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
(artist: Tessa Portuese)
Referring to African American experiences in the USA, Kendrick Lamar’s song “Alright” explores how change is lacking immensely. Lamar grew up on Compton, California, a rough ‘black’ neighbourhood with one of the highest numbers of gang crimes in the US. Kendrick grew up around precarious street activity, ‘but he seemed more influenced than harmed by it’[1]. Having been directly affected by racism by the police brutality, as well as witnessing unfair arrests of family and friends, Lamar became very interested in expressing this anger through a means of his own interest.
In the song ‘Alright’, Kendrick’s overall message is about ‘facing one’s challenges, failures, and disappointments in life and holding onto hope that things will be alright’[2]. The introductory verse of the song has the lyrics “Alls my life I has to fight, n****… But if God got us, then we gon’ be alright” (Alright: Kendrick Lamar). This line automatically suggests through Kendricks perspective as a black man, that his whole life he had to fight for the black people, yet he still has faith in God, speaking on behalf of all the blacks, due to the collective pronoun ‘we’. Lamar touches on the issue of poverty and drug usage in society, explaining how a black man has such a little prospect of success compared to a white man. When touching on police brutality, Kendrick expresses how the US makes ‘rapid attempts to meet young Black men’s needs’ however he also suggests how shooting innocent individuals is not necessary or helpful in any way. Kenrick hopes that the government listens to his music and learn that the police need to change their inappropriate use of their positions as well as fight more critical concerns such as poverty and racism.
Finally, Lamar also uses the view of ‘war’, reassuring young black men that there will eventually be a change. Kendrick sings “You hear me, you feel me? You feel me? We’re going to be okay” (Alright: Kendrick Lamar). In these lyrics, he directly speaks to the black community, repeating his question “you hear me”, to create a sense of attention, that although there are difficulties, they will collectively combat white supremacy. The sense of urgency that Kendrick creates with repeating his question, shows that he is ready to face the US government, if the Black community is ready to back him.
This is just one example of many songs which tackle inequality. Racism is a huge issue across the world, and police brutality, especially towards African Americans is very apparent in the USA. We need to work together to help these voices be heard, we need to understand that rap culture isn’t all about gang crimes, there are deeper meanings behind these lyrics, which WE can all learn from.