Songs have a way of affecting us; make us happy, excite us, send a serious message, speak out, motivate us, etc. In the last several decades, musicians, singers, bands, and others who conduct and play music to a variety of effects have played songs of certain political and social issues. The contents in these songs over the last several years are those that have been often ignored and/or not been paid much attention; racism, war, corporate influence on politics, corruption, economic and gender inequality, sexual harassment, etc.

The Roots, the hip hop band famously known for their work with tonight show host Jimmy Fallon, have released many songs over the years, but none have had a greater impact than It Ain’t Fair (https://youtu.be/3uXV62u9odY), also sung by independent singer Bilal, whom they collaborated with. This piece was released to promote and during the end credits of the 2017 period crime drama film “Detroit”.

The film, set in Detroit Michigan, is based on the racial-motivated hate crime committed by white police officers against several African Americans that took place during the Algiers Motel Incident which coincided with the summer of 67’ riots. These officers killed three people and beat and humiliated the rest who were present. The song is a reminder of how racial injustice was a frequent during this time and how it continues to this day, despite what we have learned about racial inequality and oppression.

The song is sung in two verses; Bilal in a slow, steady pace, the second being The Roots, speeding things up in a fast paced hip hop tone. Bilal’s verse echoes how cops always rush to the worst conclusion about people based on physical appearance and treat them as suspects/criminals today just like they did decades ago. The Roots fast-paced half is done with a serious tone of anger towards injustice and unfair treatment by those in position of authority. This is a song that, when listened to, cannot be ignored and must be heard in order to understand and address the issue head on.