In 1982, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released an anthem for the ages. This track went on to influence the course of hip-hop history, while providing a heavy-hitting social commentary on black experiences in America. Titled “The Message,” this genre-defining classic shined a light on the racism and police violence that has always been a part of the African American experience. Even with such a powerful and positive message, many of the big stations in the U.S. didn’t play it. Yet the controversial content of this decision is not just its content.
The song’s lyrics hauntingly make allusions to the Rodney King beating and Laquan McDonald shooting. More than any artist, they illustrate in real detail the plight of Black Americans. Lines like “I never thought that wearing no hoodie, could cost you your life,” resonate with the dangers faced by African Americans in their everyday lives. The track brought the house down, sending a clear message that the streets are talking about the realities we all know. It was a seminal work for social activism.
A Powerful Commentary on Injustice
At the time, “The Message” was an important central narrative, helping to contextualize the epidemic of police brutality through the lens of systemic racism. Through her artistic efforts, N.W.A., along with their contemporaries, took the song to the next level by highlighting these connections. Her lyrics spoke to the systemic issues facing Black Americans, specifically condemning injustices and demanding racial justice.
The song’s essence is particularly rooted in influence from earlier musical styles, notably funk. As an effort to spotlight the experiences of marginalized communities, Funk’s attempts were essential in ensuring their experiences were heard. Real-life events such as the Watts riots helped give credence to the song’s message. They pushed national attention on issues of racial discrimination and police violence.
“The underdog was anyone in society who wasn’t getting their due. It was partly about Black and white, but it wasn’t limited to that. It was about anyone who was treated unfairly, stared at on the street, kept down, forced out.” – Sly Stone
Influences and Legacy
“The Message” wasn’t just a one-off cry for justice but a continuation of an important legacy of music standing truth to power. Artists such as Gil Scott-Heron opened the door for social commentary. His incendiary anthem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” fearlessly attacked the media and establishment figures. Like that, “The Message” was laced with social critique—music was a medium for protest.
Lines such as “Now, the police superintendent wanna double back Cops speeding up to the block like a running back,” reflect the ongoing confrontations between law enforcement and communities of color. Not surprisingly, her song tackles these concerns in a powerful story narrative. It imparts hip-hop’s amazing power to be a force for social commentary.
“The bill collectors, they ring my phone And scare my wife when I’m not home Got a bum education, double-digit inflation Can’t take the train to the job, there’s a strike at the station” – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
A Call to Action
40 years later, “The Message” is still an important cultural artifact, never stopping to encourage listeners to pay attention to the systemic conditions still afflicting society today. By taking issues of police brutality and systemic racism to task directly, it initiated a movement that is still echoing today. Its legacy as a protest song is evident in the practice of generations of artists who continue to address power and injustice through their art.
As society grapples with ongoing racial tensions and calls for justice, “The Message” stands as both a historical document and an enduring source of inspiration. Today, its legacy can be seen in movements like Black Lives Matter or Fight for 15, showing how music can inspire efforts to change the world.
