Protests Over Police Brutality Have Had a Major Impact on Music Right Now

Many anti-establishment and anti-police songs have reemerged into a lot of people's minds and playlists in the past week. "Fuck tha Police" by N.W.A was a major hit in the late 1980s and was the soundtrack to many protests and riots following the excessive force from the police against those of color. The song is still very much relevant today. Following the recent cold-blooded murder of George Floyd, the United States has been lit on fire with protests and riots in every major city in the country. This has led to the song's resurgence in popularity.

As evidenced by Last.fm Scrobble Stats, the song began to explode in popularity only one day after George Floyd's death. Other songs such as "Don't Shoot" by The Game, and "This is America" by Childish Gambino have had a similar effect. The latter of the two has even been quoted on many protest signs around the nation. The protests are still ongoing and many people's hope is that change and reform are coming.

Many artists have also taken a proactive stance with their music and there have been a handful of surprise singles where artists have voiced their support for the Black Lives Matter Movement and have told the stories of their run ins with the police. Songs such as "The Otherside of America" by Meek Mill, "Mr. Officer" by Tee Grizzley, "Pig Feet" by Terrace Martin and many more have been releasing with the intent of inspiring the protesters, calling the police force out, and demanding change.

Many artists have donated lots of money to different areas of the cause. Kanye West, for example, donated $2 million in between the three families that unjustly lost someone to the police. That being the families of George Floyd, Ahmad Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. This included a 529 education plan to fully cover the cost of George Floyd's daughter's college tuition. Too many artists to name, however, have donated to the cause. Many have donated thousands and thousands of dollars and the artists at the top of the game such as Kanye, BTS, and even some notable athletes such as Lebron James and Michael Jordan.

Lots of artists have also taken to the streets to march alongside protesters. Artists such as J. Cole, Kanye West, Lil Yachty, and many more have marched the streets of their respective cities and have put themselves out there despite their fame. Many artists have posted on their Instagram videos of them protesting, requests for donations to bail out protesters and many more calls to action. Chances are your favorite artist is doing so as well so stay active and stay informed.