Joey Bada$$ Releases The Most Powerful Song Of His Career With “Land Of The Free” (Audio)
For many, this has been a hard week. The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the start has been juxtaposed with the sense of foreboding doom at where the country is headed after tomorrow’s inauguration. There have been countless articles, infinite social media posts and endless debates among friends, family and strangers. And, it’s just the beginning…
If there is any silver lining for the majority of us who fear a Trump presidency, it is that times like these tend to bring great art. Whether it’s acerbic comedy or insightful shows, compelling videos or powerful songs, the arts often help us make sense of the chaos around us, express our frustrations and, at best, inspire us to make a change.
Earlier today, Ras Kass released a powerful video for his song “Amerikkkan Horror Story.” Seemingly picking up where Ras left off, tonight, Joey Bada$$ has released “Land Of The Free,” and it is the most substantive and powerful song of his career.
Ras Kass’ Powerful New Video Shows The Chilling Reality Of Our Amerikkkan Horror Story
He begins by expressing the same desire many have to effect change, but a lack of understanding about how to make it happen. “I feel my ancestors inside of me. It’s like they want me to shoot my chance and change society. But how do I go about it? Tell me where I start?” He also speaks extensively about the many tools of oppression that have been employed in the country over the years, with lines like “Trickery in the system, put my niggas in prison” and “put opiates in syringes then inject as religion.” As Ras stated in the title of his song, Joey also raps that there are “three K’s, two A’s in ‘America.'”
The song is not all despair, though. Joey also preaches words of self-empowerment and shares his thoughts on how progress happens. In part, he hopes to inspire, as he raps “I’m reaching out to my children, hoping that they will listen. Start a new coalition against corrupt politicians.” However, he knows that real change starts from within. “Can’t change the world unless we change ourselves. Die from the sicknesses if we don’t seek the health. All eyes be my witness when I speak what’s felt.”