Brij Kathuria
Professor Sanchez
AFAS 371 – Section 102-103 Group 12
29 August 2018
The Meaning of the Music; Essay #1
Def Jef – “Black to the Future” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8dTg50_OjY
Manifestation through song has been one of the most impactful forms of expression throughout the course of history. Different genres of music, different artists, and different backgrounds all give rise to the vast possibilities of how an artist can convey his or her message through music. The genre of gospel, for example, sends a clear message of how through suffering and an acceptance of the past there is hope. Music such as gospel is extremely powerful in conveying heavy hearted messages, such as those during the time of oppression against those of color. In Def Jef’s song “Black to the Future,” he expresses the burden faced by African Americans, bears witness to the fact that resolution has not been discovered, and finds redemption in the hope for change in order to convey his struggle with a lack of progress for the African American people.
Def Jef’s lyrics that express the suffering and burden faced by African Americans serves as substantial evidence of themes found in gospel music. Craig Werner, a music specialist, speaks of the three-step process associated with gospel, beginning with the idea that “the music works in acknowledging the burden” (Sanchez 6). This being said, lyrics such as “stolen from the mother land” and “the one that baited, robbed and degraded you” all serve as focal points to the acknowledgment of oppressive behaviors against African Americans (“Def Jef – Black to the Future.”). Lyrics such as these demonstrate the way in which Def Jef is able to acknowledge the burden faced by those of color by directly criticizing the wrong that has been done. Additionally, these lyrics express the blunt truth associated with the tyrannical behaviors taken against blacks and the artist’s annoyance with these actions. As discussed in the reading by Watkins, the “social and cultural fissures… created frequent episodes of societal discord” (23). This analysis of the period provides a better understanding of why abusive behaviors may have taken place, giving more context to Def Jef’s work. Speaking out against the wrong doing of others, as done by Def Jef, is a form of expression that is also one of the steps in Werner’s three-step process associated with the gospel.
The song “Black to the Future” not only expresses the tribulations faced by African Americans, it also expresses the way in which no progress has been made in America. Werner’s second step associated with the gospel is “bearing witness,” which can be found throughout Def Jef’s lyrics (Sanchez 6). The lyrics that best represent this idea of acknowledging the lack of progress in the United States include items such as, “the United States government fakes” and “tired of / the lies they feed us” (“Def Jef – Black to the Future.”). Again, Def Jef’s lyrics exemplify one of Werner’s steps by shedding light on the fact that no resolution or progress has been made on the subject. The aim of these impactful verses is to “[influence] a nation to eventually reconsider notions of racial hierarchies and exploitation” (Sanchez 4). Lyrics such as these are extremely powerful due to their ability to instill accountability for the lack of effort made on the part of the United States government and those in power. Again, Watkins speaks upon the motivation(s) behind racial discrepancies in politics by suggesting that “race has played [a role]… in the larger American political scene” (25). The acknowledgment of bias in politics based upon race is exactly what Def Jef is aiming to expose in order to hold those in power liable for their action or lack thereof. W Not only do Jef Def’s lyrics shed light on the issues at stake, but they also place responsibility in the hands of those who allow the unjust behaviors to persist.
The lyrics in “Black to the Future” provide a tremendous sense of hope and optimism, which is key in gospel; Craig Werner’s last step associate with gospel is the idea that gospel encompasses “finding redemption” (Sanchez 6). Optimism and a sense of hopefulness through the expression of song have been driving forces for African Americans, especially through works such as spirituals and work songs (Sanchez 3). Jef Def’s song demonstrates these principles in his lyrics when he says lines such as, “I’m goin’ give you this change” and “To uplift African people… As long as we get there” (“Def Jef – Black to the Future.”). Inspiring words such as these demonstrate the way in which Def Jef utilizes his music to convey optimism for the future and to instill a sense of redemption by offering change. The lyrics in the end of the song see a significant change of tone and offer a light-hearted mood of hope in order to provide a sense of redemption for the image of African Americans in society.
Overall, Def Jef’s lyrics in his song “Black to the Future” express his frustration with the lack of advancement for African Americans by holding the United States government accountable. On the other hand, his lyrics provide hope for listeners by promoting the idea of change that will uplift his fellow citizens. This song follows the three step-process associated with gospel as described by Werner through its acknowledgment of the burden, bearing witness to the issue, and finding hope in the future. The genre of gospel can be utilized to convey powerful messages in addition to sparking significant emotions in listeners, as seen through Def Jef’s lyrics.
Works Cited
“Def Jef – Black to the Future.” Genius, Genius Media Group Inc., genius.com/Def-jef-black-to-the-future-lyrics
Sanchez, Tani. Understanding Black American Aspects in Hip Hop Cinema. 2nd ed., Senita Publishing, 2018.
Watkins, Craig. “Social Conservatism and the Culture Wars.” Representing Hip Hop Culture and the Production of Black Cinema, 1998, pp. 17–49.