Beyonce's 'Black Parade' & other powerful songs that tackle racism and police brutality

There's a long history of artists speaking out in song against police brutality and racism, and since the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013, it has only grown stronger. It kicked off in 1988 when Compton hip-hop group N.W.A. released F--k tha Police, a powerful protest song that went toe to toe against police brutality and racial profiling and called for action. Recently, Beyoncé also released a new track titled Black Parade. Check out Beyoncé's Black Parade and other songs below. 

Also read: Beyonce's Songs That Empower Women With Its Powerful Lyrics; See List

Black Parade, Beyoncé (2020)

Honey, come around my way, around my hive

Whenever mama says so, mama say

Here I come on my throne, sittin' high

Follow my parade, oh, my parade

Beyoncé recently released a new song, Black Parade. The song honours the history of Juneteenth and celebrates the abolishment of slavery, especially in the state of Texas in 1865. She dropped her new music, which supports BeyGOOD's Black Business Impact Fund, just after she posted a message on her website telling fans how they can support black-owned businesses.

Also read: Beyonce's Songs Describing Her Relationship With Rapper Hubby Jay-Z

Formation, Beyoncé (2016)

OK, OK, ladies, now let's get in formation, ('cause I slay)

Okay, ladies, now let's get in formation, ('cause I slay)

Prove to me you got some coordination, ('cause I slay)

Slay trick, or you get eliminated.

The music video for her song, Formation, has become the most political message she's ever shared, evoking powerful images of black cultural pride, oppression, wealth, tragedy, and resilience.

Also read: Beyonce Pens Letter To Kentucky Attorney General Demanding Justice For Breonna Taylor

Be Free, J Cole (2014)

Can you tell me why every time I step outside

I see my n--gas down

Ooh, I'm letting you know

That it ain't no gun they can make that could kill my soul.

Be Free is a song was inspired by the death of the 18-year old Michael Brown at the hands of Ferguson State police. The death of the unarmed teenager led to days of protest and outrage in the States. 

Also read: Beyonce's Most Loved Songs That Crossed Over 100 Million Views On YouTube

Spiritual, Jay Z (2016)

Yeah, I am not poison, no I am not poison

Just a boy from the hood that

Got my hands in the air

In despair don't shoot

I just wanna do good, ah.

After the police shootings that killed African-American civilians in Baton Rouge and Minnesota, Jay Z released a new track which was titled Spiritual. Jay-Z speaks regarding police brutality in this one. 

Don't Don't Do It! N.E.R.D. feat. Kendrick Lamar (2017)

Soon or later sides gon' switch

You know Johnny got that itch

How many more of us gotta see the coroner?

Slain by the same badge, stop, wait, brake, fast

N.E.R.D. recruited Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean to address the police shooting in the song Don't Do It.