THE SYLLABUS v. 1
With tracks "lessons" from Tupac, Nas, Jay Electronica, and Hampton University's EarthGang.

Why did I create this Project?  I asked myself, Are there songs that have positively memorialized and reflected Black History, Black Relationships, Diaspora Knowledge, Black Teen Pregnancy, Blackness, Black Stereotypes, Black Freedom, and the Black Femininity, and the Black Condition just to name a few?  The ANSWER is YES!  Like any student knows, THE SYLLABUS reflects the HIGHEST of literature that reflects the topics that will be discussed that EVERYONE MUST know.  I present to YOU my research in THE SYLLABUS. 

mixed by @DrUnodAndDubs

Lesson 1	The Roots ft Erykah Badu 	"You got me"
Lesson 2	Tupac 	                                "Brendas got a Baby"
Lesson 3	Earth Gang 	                        "Thump thump thump"
Lesson 4	Jay Electronica 	                 "Exhibit C"
Lesson 5	Distant Relative ft Joss Stone & Lil Wayne 	"My Generation"
Lesson 6	Styles P ft Floetry 	          "I'm Black"
Lesson 7	Nas                                            "I Can"
Lesson 8	J Dilla 	                                   "Fuck the police"
Lesson 9	Grand Master Flash & The Furious 5	"The Message"
Lesson 10 Pete Rock & CL Smooth         "Reminisce"
Lesson 11	Public Enemy 	                   "911 is a joke"
Lesson 12 Doug E. Fresh, KRS One, Kool Moe Dee, Just Ice, Public Enemey, Stetsasonic, D-Nice, Ms. Melody, Mc Lyte 	                                 "Self Destruction"
Lesson 13	Queen Latifah ft Monie Love 	"Ladies First"
Lesson 14	KRS-One 	                   "You Must Learn"
Lesson 15	Public Enemy	"Welcome to the Terrordome"
Lesson 16	Public Enemy ft Ice Cube & Big Daddy Kane 	                          "Burn Hollywood Burn"
Lesson 17	The Jungle Brothers 	      "Black is black"
Lesson 18	Mos Def                   	"Umi Says"

The Syllabus (3/2/2011)

During the 17th century, John Locke (social scientist) had theorized a particular relationship between the people and their government. He believed that the people willed a government into existence. As such, the people demanded that the government only protect them and defend their property. Thus, a government can only exist because the people say so. Thus, a government that fails to protect, defend, or becomes tyrannical, the people are obligated to overthrow that government. Therefore, power is with the people.

Peoples of various nations, have long since been in the business of “overthrowing” governments, before Locke’s theory and ever since. Locke’s theory, just helps us to frame and understand our political actions and relationship to a government. A Revolution, albeit political or social knows no political and social class boundary.

The common thread that links all revolutions (political or social) is; governmental oppression, failure to protect the people from outside forces, and a sustained gap between rich and poor.

The African American social revolution of the Civil Rights Movement (1954 to the present), can be characterized by a movement for full social and political inclusion and protection, in every aspect of the American landscape. This resulted from centuries of abuse, neglect, and denial of basic civil liberties within the American political-social system.

The Wisconsin protest (that began on February 14th, 2011) can be characterized as the state government of Wisconsin, under Republican control wanting to strip the people (labor unions) of the right to collective bargain. This resulted because Republicans wanted state employees to contribute more of their salaries to address the state’s budget deficit. The only real tool that can be used as leverage against a giant corporate entity or business is collective bargaining.

Then around the world, we see protests in Tunisia (December, 2010), Egypt (January 25, 2011), Syria (January 26, 2011) and Libya (February 15, 2011). The people in these countries demand better political and social conditions. They also favor a more democratizing spirit in their counties. All three countries, except for Libya (at present), saw their presidents and cabinets flee the country. 

Every Revolution will have those who will tell the story (through painting, drawing, or song). Every person will cite something that called them to action. African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement may say; the face of Emmett Till, the Brown Decision, or the water hose sprayed on Black children by fireman. As for the Revolution around the world; Facebook and Twitter are being cited as the mediums spreading the ideas of social democracy to these places.

Provided in a mixtape format, are a collection of songs that have been created in the space of a Revolution or possess a call to action spirit. These songs could even spark Revolutionary ideas still (political or social). These songs could easily be a soundtrack for a Revolution (past or present). 

One day governments will realize that “what we want” and “what we need” is “power to the people” and what we call for is better conditions, the best kind of conditions, in order to be have a life, to obtain liberty, and pursue happiness. 


mixed by @drunosanddubs

1- Last Poets "When the revolution comes"
2- Goodie Mob "Free"
3- Dead Prez "Psychology"
4- The Roots ft Mos Def & Styles P "Rising down"
5- India Irie "Strength, courage & wisdom"
6- Dead Prez "You'll find a way"
7- Goodie Mob "The day after"
8- Gang Starr "Conspiracy"
9- Lupe Fiasco "All black everything"
10- Nas "Ghetto prisoners"
11- Big Daddy Kane "Young, gifted and Black"
12- Mobb Deep "Survival of the fittest"
13- The O'jays "Give the people what they want"
14- Kool G Rap "Road to the riches"
15- Marvin Gaye "What's going on" (Remix)
16- Nas "Black President"
17- Public Enemy "Fight the power"
18- Edwin Star "War"
19- James Brown "Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud"

Sharrieff De'Johnette