Mixtape

 For my major project, I created a mixtape titled “Reclaiming Black Identity: Freedom  and Pride.” It connects to Module Six, especially Langston Hughes’ essay The Negro Artist  and the Racial Mountain and our course notes on authenticity, Black art, and Black voices.  Hughes explains how many Black individuals were taught to view “whiteness” as superior,  which discouraged them from embracing their culture. 

My mixtape responds to that idea by highlighting songs that show the growth from  internalized shame to cultural pride. Each track celebrates Black identity, freedom, and  self-definition, demonstrating how Black artists now embrace their culture  unapologetically and live by their own standards. 

Mixtape Link: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/reclaiming-black-identity freedom-and-pride/pl.u-pMyllEEh4q1KvvB 

1. Brown Skin Girl- Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, Wizkid, and Blue Ivy Carter 

This song celebrates Black girls and women by comparing Black skin to pearls  and encouraging them to value themselves and be proud of their culture. 

2. Peng Black Girls Remix- ENNY feat. Jorja Smith 

This song celebrates Black women of different shades, hairstyles, and  backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity and pride in Black femininity. 

3. My Power- Nija, Tierra Whack, Beyoncé, Yemi Alade, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Lag,  Busiswa, and Derek Dixie 

This song speaks about unity and pride while encouraging the black community to  be strong through resilience without letting anyone take that strength from them. 

4. Don’t Touch My Hair- Solange feat. Sampha 

Solange uses hair as a symbol of Black identity, emphasizing the importance of  respecting Black culture and expression. 

5. Crooked Smile- J. Cole feat. TLC 

J. Cole emphasized the importance of black empowerment by accepting and feeling  prideful in black beauty standards instead of society’s judgement on black beauty  standards. 

6. Another Story- Burna Boy feat. M.anifest

Burna Boy speaks about social struggle and how the people are constantly being told  “Another Story” as he said in the song when learning about black and African history. 

7. AMERIICAN REQUIEM- Beyoncé 

This album was Beyonce’s country album and this song coupled with the album to  show how African American music, history, and culture is not limited to society’s  structures. 

8. Golden- Jill Scott 

In this song, Jill Scott speaks about living life while being authentically black and with  confidence while feeling empowered and beautiful as an African American. 

9. Black or White- Michael Jackson 

In this song, Michael Jackson supports the idea of freedom from black and racial  division and promoting racial equality. 

10.Monsters You Made- Burna Boy feat. Chris Martin 

The song shows why reclaiming black culture and identity is critical for healing and  empowerment. 

11.Angel- Halle 

Halle uses this song to emphasize self-worth, and both inner and outer beauty of black  women. 

12.Cranes in the Sky- Solange 

This song reflects the importance of self-acceptance by not conforming to social  struggles and norms. 

13. Glory- Common and John legend 

This song goes along with the theme of resilience and freedom by celebrating how black  people as a race have made social progress and historical progress.

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