Message Music: Why Should Music Reflect the Issues Going on in the world?

I think we all can agree that 2020 has been off to a very rough start. We’ve lost many people due to a global pandemic and we’ve lost a few legends as well. Legends of both music and sports. We’ve even lost black citizens who once had morals, goals, family, and friends.The tragedies of these past few months have made the world a pretty dry and unfortunate place to be in. Quarantine has left many people depressed, out of jobs, and with little money. Children also struggle as they find ways to stay busy and occupied.

Due to the circumstances, people have run to music. Musicians have released even more music than the usual, all at the same time. I’ve watched as Spotify’s list of ‘New Releases’ have piled up and become even longer. I've watched artists promote one another’s music and fans create several challenges for them.

However, my concern is the content of this music. When’s the last time you’ve heard a song on the radio in the last few months referencing poverty, racism, sexism and many other underlining issues in our country. I honestly haven’t.

In my opinion, our children of the future should know what took place years before they came about. They should know who influenced the world at this time and what heartbreaking incidents we experienced. We have been truly blessed to know about the Civil Rights Movement , the Holocaust, and the pandemics that took place the years of 1918 and 1968.

Furthermore, the internet plays a huge role in children’s lives right now and many of them aren’t running to the educational side. They aren’t running to google to learn about history. However, they are running to Snapchat, Instagram, and other social platforms to post pictures, quotes, and memes. They are also relying on music to keep them occupied which is why music should greatly influence and teach them along with entertaining them.

Music should reflect the many struggles of 2020, but not only in a negative light. It should be told in an inspiring way. It should prepare them for anything to come and allow them to see things from a different perspective.

At this time, music should not only be for the children of the future but for the adult authorities as well. Within the past few months we’ve lost two beautiful souls. Black men with families and jobs. Many of our favorite artists have made complaints and social media posts shining light on the issue. Black People continue to beg for help and understanding of others to keep their brothers from being harmed in the streets.

They see the posts, they don’t change. They see the protests, they don’t change. However, I believe that music can change things and turn terrible situations around. It definitely has in the past.

So I encourage you to write a song about these issues and speak out against what’s wrong and unfair treatment. I encourage you to switch around a new song that your friends love and if you are a young aspiring artist, be the change. Write, sing, and rap about these problems without once thinking about who wouldn't like the content . This is about you and the world you live in. This is about your family. This about unity and making the world a better place.

R.I.P our 2020 Angels

Kobe Bryant

Andre Harrell

Betty Wright

Little Richard

AHMAUD ARBERY

GEORGE FLOYD

& the many victims of Coronavirus