Martin Luther King, Jr. has made an impact in hip-hop, some good some bad, here are five times the late leader of the Civil Rights Movement was referenced in hip-hop songs dating back from the 90’s.
SOHH is reflecting on the iconic leader’s influence in the world of hip-hop over the years with rappers mentioning him in their songs. Here is the list of the rappers who have mentioned MLK:
Public Enemy “By The Time I Get To Arizona” (1991)
“Good luck brothers show em what you got, talking MLK, going to find a way. Make the state pay, I’m looking for the day hard as it seems, this ain’t no damn dream.”
Tupac “Words Of Wisdom” (1991)
“No Malcolm X in my history history text, what’s that? Cause he tried to librate all blacks, Why is Martin Lurther King in my book each week? He told blacks, if they get smacked turn the other cheek.”
J. Cole — “She Knows” (2014)
“This is Martin Lurther King in the club, getting dubs, with a bad bitch in his ear, saying that she down for whatever in the back of his mind it’s Correta.”
The Game —- “Dreams” (2005)
“Blushin’ in this 40 ounce, lettin’ the ink from my pen bleed. Cause Martin Luther King had a (dream)”
A$AP Ferg – Shabba Remix (2013)
Got ’em feelin’ like Martin Luther King, I had a dream (Had a dream) Actavis, I only sip. And begin with a beam by extending my clip.
Kendrick Lamar – Backseat freestyle – 2012
“Martin had a dream. Martin had a dream. Kendrick have a dream.”
SOHH Playlist Of Inspirational Songs
In celebration of MLK Jr. – an iconic figure known for targeting social injustice, crushing oppression, and pushing for equality before it became a hashtag – here’s a SOHH playlist of 20 songs inspired by his leadership.