Lemonade by Beyoncé is one of the most influential protest albums of our generation, making social, cultural, and political commentary the forefront of the album’s purpose. This has become increasingly important as, “The new wave of black pop protest music captures and grapples with racial catastrophe in the 21st century: the prison-industrial complex, globalized wealth inequality and the violent expenditure of women and children,” (Brooks). Anyone listening to a radio can enjoy her infectiously entertaining music, while hearing messages of black female empowerment and political confrontation, which is an amazing feat on its own, and it creates a widespread message to America. One of the most enjoyable parts of Beyoncé’s music is her unabashed love and pride in Southern black women, who have never been brought to the light in the way Beyoncé displays them. As Hampton remarks, Lemonade is a “love note to southern black girls”. Unfortunately, some people have found this to be “exclusive”, and taken offense. But, Hampton correctly points out that, as a person you are never included in every single space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have love and appreciation for it. Notably, she does this in addition to showing that “the antebellum south serves as an entry point for Beyoncé to recognize the historical and cultural horrors of black womanhood while reclaiming the survival techniques passed down over time,” (Hampton). Instead of making pop music which is only valuable in dance clubs, Beyoncé has gone beyond the constrains of pop music, using the platform for a greater purpose, and in this she has achieved something far more remarkable than just stardom.
DJ song picks:
I picked the songs “Bad Girls” by M.I.A and “Doves in the Wind” by SZA because of their messages of female empowerment. In the same way that Beyoncé does, these two artists put women at the forefront of their music, and celebrate women’s strength and sexuality. While still being pop songs, they provide important messages about culture and politics. All of these artists have become immensely popular, yet they maintain the important values of providing a space to talk and celebrate women of color.
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