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On the third Monday of every January the world (the United States specifically) celebrates the legacy of one of the most influential figures we’ve ever seen, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Continue reading to check out some rappers who upped the anti by paying homage to MLK in their music.
A minister, activist and political philosopher, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement. The Atlanta native committed his life to the advancement of civil rights for people of color in the United States. The Nobel Peace Prize winner (1964) was known for his use of nonviolent resistance against Jim Crow laws and other legal forms of discrimination. Marches and protests that MLK organized, led and participated in became pillars of revolutionary civil rights movement. The results were substantial, as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1968, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 were all passed as a result.
Despite his life being cut short much earlier than most would have expected, MLK’s impact still lives on to this day. King, who would have celebrated his 95th birthday last week (January 15th) bravely fought for the things he believed in, equality and human rights. His tireless pursuit of those things resonated with people around the world and still do to this day. His vision of progressiveness amongst all people and his outlook on life in general have inspired countless people after him to follow their dreams and to fight for what they believe in, no matter the circumstance or situation.
The impact that Martin Luther King Jr. had on this world can’t ever be overstated. MLK Day was established as a federal holiday in the United States on November 2nd, 1983 with the first observance taking place on January 20th, 1986. Although today (January 20th) is the official day we honor and celebrate his legacy, any day we can give the loving father, husband and scholar his flowers, we should. Check out a gallery of rappers who obviously agreed with that sentiment and decided to pay homage to the iconic civil rights leaders in music form. These songs exemplify how hip-hop artists have engaged with Dr. King’s legacy, using his messages to inspire and inform in their music. The music not only honors MLK, but also contextualizes his legacy with modern social movements, personal reflections and ongoing racial struggles. Let us know your favorites and if you think we are missing any.