“Somethin’ Ain’t Right,” Masego, JID and Rapsody
Singer Masego appears on this Hip-Hop list with a beautiful tribute to Fred Hampton with “Somethin’ Ain’t Right.” He partnered with rappers Rapsody and JID to signal to the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers that they (this generation) have not forgotten the elders’ contribution to Black American liberation and the devilism practiced to destroy the movement. At the same time, they weave in the condemnation of police-involved violence perpetrated toward individuals living while Black.
The chorus chants, “Hold up! Wait a minute. Something ain’t right!” It further goes into the truest statement ever, “The corruption has moved in view of my eyesight.” It is refreshing to hear new voices boldly approach the topic of social injustice and the power of “YOU AIN’T SLICK, WE SEE YOU,” during a time when many believe folk under 35 are all blinded by the hustle, money and social media based-realities — which are not realities at all.
JID is first to grab the mic.
“And as I lay me, as I lay me down, me down to rest …I lay my sword, my lady lays upon my chest … It’s been a crazy war, the devil’s bangin’ on my door … My dear, my dear, my dear, I hear the shots ring, lay on the floor … I don’t fear anyone but the maker
‘Cause we can never murder hate but can murder a hater … What’s a more American way to try to give ’em a taste of they own medicine? Prevalent ethnic rebel, the revolution of melanin … Bust a move to the ghetto, we must improve the development … Brought some food for the fellowship, got a noose on my brethren … Call the goons and the government, come correct the corruption … Break the racial construction buildin’ up … In the spirit of liberation, give me life or I’ma take it … That’s my human right, universally, you and I, we could be unified … But when you speakin’ truth beyond your youth, they want you euthanized … Creepin’ through the night, hear something movin’, right? Intruders, intruders.”
His verse creatively juxtaposes the cop killings of Breonna Taylor with that of the Chairman Fred Hampton. Opening it up for Rapsody’s rhyme reflects that how Black people’s fight for freedom is ordained by God.
She starts by speaking to The Most High.
“Hol’ up (Hol’ up), watch over me and my body, man (Come on) … Trouble all around, can’t trust nobody, man (Real) … Devil on my heels and they all wanna cross me (Uh)”
The song follows the tradition of great freedom cries and is evidence that young people are locked into trumpeting for the liberation of African people.