These are most of the songs on the playlist I use to get fired up. I’m sure you’ve never heard of half of them, but they’re all meaningful to me. Songs that make you want to do the right thing. Or whoop somebody’s ass. I’d love additional recommendations—let me know!
Water No Get Enemy, Fela Kuti
I’m Not Lazy, Gavin Prophet, Lonely Avenue
Dollar Signs, Gavin Prophet, Lonely Avenue
Prayer of the Refugee, Rise Against
Sterotypes, Black Violin
Killing in the Name, Rage Against the Machine
Around My Way, Lupe Fiasco
Guns Are Drawn, The Roots
Last Time That I Checc’d, Nipsey Hussle, YG
Por Mi Mexico (remix), Lefty Sm, Santa Fe Klan, C-Kan, Neto Peña, MC Davo, Dharius
For My People, Joey Bad A$$
Prey’er, Bambu and Killer Mike
Last Man Standing, Polo G
Sound of Da Police, KRS-One
Mathematics, Mos Def
Where I’m From, Digable Planets
Dedicated, Digable Planets
Hypocrites, Locksmith
America Part 2, Locksmith
FDT—Pt .2, YG, G-Eazy, Macklemore
Hind’s Hall, Macklemore
The World is Worth Saving, The Neighborhood Kids
To Live and Die in L.A., Tupac
NOT HIP-HOP
Water No Get Enemy, Fela Kuti
I’m Not Lazy, Gavin Prophet, Lonely Avenue
Dollar Signs, Gavin Prophet, Lonely Avenue
Prayer of the Refugee, Rise Against
Sterotypes, Black Violin
Killing in the Name, Rage Against the Machine
HIP-HOP
Around My Way, Lupe Fiasco
Guns Are Drawn, The Roots
Last Time That I Checc’d, Nipsey Hussle, YG
Por Mi Mexico (remix), Lefty Sm, Santa Fe Klan, C-Kan, Neto Peña, MC Davo, Dharius
For My People, Joey Bad A$$
Prey’er, Bambu and Killer Mike
Last Man Standing, Polo G
Sound of Da Police, KRS-One
Mathematics, Mos Def
Where I’m From, Digable Planets
May 4th Movement, Digable Planets
Hypocrites, Locksmith
America Part 2, Locksmith
FDT—Pt .2, YG, G-Eazy, Macklemore
Hind’s Hall, Macklemore
The World is Worth Saving, The Neighborhood Kids
To Live and Die in L.A., Tupac
Gotta include Clampdown by The Clash! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lt4O-EHNnw