RAP MUSIC MEETS BLACK HISTORY

KRS-One

KRS-One schooled his audience on "You Must Learn," when he named a number of Black historical figures, from Benjamin Banneker, who built one of the first clocks in America; to Madame C.J. Walker, who created Black hair care products.

OutKast

Their song "Rosa Parks" was one of their biggest hits. Named for the Black activist who refused to give up her seat to sit at the back of the bus, the song creatively spun the chorus based on her story.

Public Enemy

The politically conscious group often worked Black History facts into their music. On "Welcome To The Terrordome," the group talked about Malcolm X being killed by another Black man.

Jay-Z

These days, even Jay-Z gets political. On "The Ruler's Back," he mentioned both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

Talib Kweli

Talib Kweli mentions Martin Luther King's dream on his song "Shock Body."

2Pac

"I remember Marvin Gaye used to sing to me/ He had me feeling like Black was the thing to be," 2Pac rapped on "Keep Ya Head Up." Marvin Gaye's early music addressed struggles in the community.

Kanye West

On "Good Morning" off his "Graduation" album, Kanye West compares himself to Malcolm X.

A Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest had a song called "Steve Biko," which was named after the anti-apartheid activist in South Africa

Mos Def

Mos Def's album, "The Ecstatic" opens with a Malcolm X quote: "I for one will join in with anyone, I don't care what color you are."

The Roots

On The Roots' song, "Somebody Gotta Do It," Black Thought rhymes the name Nat Turner with Sojourner Truth, two Black activists born into slavery.

Ludacris

When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, Ludacris was criticized for his song "Obama's Here," which had some controversial statements about Bush and McCain.

Nas

Nas has always been one to get political on his records, but even on a song about marriage ("Getting Married"), the QB representative name-dropped Martin Luther King.

Common

Common named one of his songs "I Have A Dream," inspired of course by the words of Martin Luther King.

...................................................................................................