We list our Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs of all time. Ras Jamal from Royal Ethiopian Sound joins the discussion to give his analysis.

We define what a revolutionary song is and how the music of the 70s differs from the messages in today’s music. There are different kinds of revolutions. The conversation takes us through some responses that have emerged as a result of today’s struggle for racial justice.

Anthony B, Sizzla, Jah9, Yeza, Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje, Akae Beka, Lutan Fyah, Warrior King, and Queen Ifrica are commended for their contributions to the movement. We each listed some honorable mentions in addition to our top 5 revolutionary reggae songs. Listen to the Pandora playlist inspired by this episode.

Kahlil Wonda’s Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs

• Bob Marley – Burning and Looting
• Bob Marley – Revolution
• Peter Tosh – Equal Rights
• Sizzla – Made Of
• Bob Marley – Slave Driver

AGARD’s Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs

• Bob Andy – Unchained
• The Abyssinians – Declaration of Rights
• Peter Tosh – Equal Rights
• Dennis Brown – Revolution
• Bob Marley – War

Ras Jamal’s Top 5 Revolutionary Reggae Songs

• John Holt – Police In Helicopter
• Bob Marley – War
• Peter Tosh – Equal Rights
• Dennis Brown – Revolution
• Beres Hammond – Another Day In The System

We also debated:

• Where is the revolutionary music of this generation?
• What is the difference between conscious music and positive music?
• Is reggae supposed to teach or help people?
• Outside of revolutionary music, what tactics can lead to the results we seek?
• Does an artist have to be a rasta to be conscious?

The Tastemaker

• Protoje’s “In Search of Lost Time” album. Notable track, “In Bloom” ft. Lila Ike.
• Sevana’s ‘Mango’ from the “Be Somebody” EP.

Buzzworthy

Super Cat releases a new single, “Push Time” with production by Salam Remi. A new album is forthcoming.

Ras Jamal’s Recommended Books for Ongoing Learning

• The Sankofa Movement: ReAfrikanization and the Reality of War by Kwame Agyei and Akua Nson Akoto.
• Yurugu: An African-Centered Critique of European Cultural Thought and Behavior by Marimba Ani.
• Blueprint for Black Power: A Moral, Political, and Economic Imperative for the Twenty-First Century by Amos N. Wilson.
• Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. by Chancellor Williams.
• How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney.
• Any books by Eric Williams, John Henrik Clarke, or Marcus Garvey.