In 2019, we saw workers take to picket lines and we saw mass movements hit the streets in the U.S. and around the world. And when there’s an upsurge with lots of people hitting the streets, you can bet it will be accompanied by protest music. This year has been no exception.
Here are my favorite political songs of 2019. Some give voice to a specific struggle, while others tackle more general themes.
I’m sure I missed out on some good ones – add more in the comments.
(Content warning: some of these songs contain profane language and disturbing themes)
93 PUNX, Vic Mensa – Camp America
David Rovics – So This is What It’s Like
Ana Tijoux – #Cacerolazo
Un Violador en Tu Camino – Mujeres en Chile
GmacCash – On Strike
Rebel Diaz – Fight for Chicago (Chicago Teacher Pt. 2)
Klassy – Power Trip (featuring Ruby Ibarra)
Residente, iLe & Bad Bunny – Afilando los Cuchillos
Orgullo Indio ¡Evo Morales NO renuncia! – Daniel Devita
Agent of Change – Stand With Bolivia
Algiers – Dispossession
Brother Ali – Father Figures
Lizzo – Juice
Ruby Ibarra & The Balikbayans – Someday
Bambu – Off the Wall
Blessed the MC – MeriKKKa
NoName – Song 32
The 1865 – Buckshot
The 1865 – John Brown’s Gat
The Muslims – Fuck the Cistem
Olmeca – Define
Inti-Illimani, El Pueblo Unido (Plaza Ñuñoa, jueves 24 de octubre de 2019)
Punto Negro – Ricky Renuncia
The Coathangers – Hey Buddy
Queen Zee – Sissy Fists
Ani Cordero – Pa' Poder Vivir (featuring Macha Colón y Renee Goust)
Emicida featuring Ibeyi – Libre
Instituto Mexicano de Sonido featuring Joe Crepúsculo – Cruzando el río
