Prince ‘BlkMagic’ Damons

The influence music has on our way of thinking and lifestyle dates back many years. Some of that influence has been negative regardless of the artists’ intention. Seeing him for the man that he is today, you might never believe rapper Ice Cube purposely delivered negative messages with the album titled Kill at Will. Several might disagree, especially when the album depicts a young Cube posing with an automatic handgun, looking as if he’s offering the weapon to the listener. Although the album mainly dealt in politics and struggles of America’s inner city ghettos, it’s no doubt those genuine hardcore tracks like “Endangered Species” and “The Product” could have easily been used to fuel the anger of someone who already had a negative outlook on life.  At the same time, a soulful cut like “Dead Homies” could do the exact opposite, affecting listeners in a positive light, causing them to think twice about the consequences of their actions.

Every once in a while we are graced with a moving song or album, such as Ice Cube’s Kill at Will. A creative artist comes along and opens our ears with revealing lyrics powerful enough to challenge the common way of thinking and initiate compelling conversation. There are many occasions when popular music takes a listener deeper than the political realm, often proving that politics aren’t that deep at all. There are instances when an artist drops a cutting-edge track and changes the perception of a particular genre. Take Ne-Yo for example. An admitted hip hop junkie, the smooth R&B soulster lifted the spirits of women across the country with his hit single “Miss Independent”. This catchy track highlighted the qualities of strong, independent ladies, a refreshing theme in an industry that has been known to portray females in a classless manner. Aptly titled Year of the Gentlemen, Ne-Yo’s latest album is jammed with socially charged melodies.

Quality conscious music is based on originality that not only inspires imagination, but touches lives as well. One artist who has built a name for such emotional lyrics is India.Arie. Released late 2005, her song titled “I Am Not My Hair” became an anthem for breast cancer survivors, women young and old, black and white. Arie even shaved her head to express her creativity and further drive the message home. Like many of her songs, this one flows like a poem, reminding women everywhere that they shouldn’t be defined by their skin or hair, but by the beauty within their soul. Although the track became more commercialized with remixed versions featuring Akon and pop rocker Pink, it still offers strong appeal and relays a deep felt message.

Socially conscious music is the type that breaks the mold, displaying a sense of purpose beyond the world of marketing. “Do a Little Better” by Prince “BlkMagic” Damons is another track that makes the listener think and even commands the attention of fans who may prefer other genres. Melding a soft R&B feel with a smooth hip hop vibe, this influential tune touches on cancer, the government’s stranglehold over the medical field, and pulling together as a race of people to make it through the storm of life.

When these songs are able to impact their listeners in a positive way, they remind us that music has a role that is far more essential than encouraging us to dance and bob our heads.