Land of the Free by Joey Bada$$

## Introduction

The song "Land of the Free" is by Joey Bada$$. He is an American rapper and actor from New York. The song was produced in the US by Pro Era and released on January 20th, 2017.

## Sample of Lyrics

*"And Donald Trump is not equipped to take this country over"*

*"still got the last names of our slave owners"*

*"Sorry America, but I will not be your soldier"*

*“Obama just wasn't enough, I just need some more closure"*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeQW-9Cg8qs

## Social Ill Being Protested

   This song protests and addresses the rise of Donald Trump's presidency, mass incarceration, police brutality and the rise of white nationalism in the United States.

## Historical Background and Inspiration of the Song

Joey listened to Malcolm X, Doctor Umar Johnson, Marcus Garvey speeches, and he read about Muhammad Ali before recording the song. He drew much inspiration from these historical figures. For example, the line, “leave us dead on the streets to be their organ donors” was directly influenced by Dr. Umar. The song started with the first line “We can’t change our world unless we change ourselves” which leads to his talk about wanting change and the changes needed in America.

## Significance of song in history

For many African Americans, a black president was a significant achievement for the community. It was a new change to the nation, but it made people less “politically awake.” So, when Donald Trump was elected in 2017, it marked the end of the “black president” era. Because the song was released on his inauguration, it was seen to many as a protest song against Trump. However, Joey claims that the song is not anti-Trump, rather, he emphasizes that the new nation under a new leader will not cause effective societal change.

## Contemporary connection

Joey mentions police brutality as it is an ongoing issue in the African American community as he mentions “Obama wasn’t enough” to solve such problems still faced. For example, Atatiana Jefferson, an African American from Dallas, was shot and killed by a white police officer while she was inside her own home.

Joey touches upon white supremacy and nationalism since it has seen an exponential growth since Trump first entered the White House. This brings some of the issues left unsolved by Obama’s presidency into the spotlight. Later directly influencing issues faced by multiple groups like trying to get rid of DACA, changes to Obamacare, and the travel ban of seven countries.

In the song, the topic of mass incarceration is brought up with lyrics like “Trickery in the system, put my n\*\*\*\*s in prison.” The problem has been especially faced by minorities as three African American men from Baltimore (Alfred Chestnut, Ransom Watkins and Andrew Stewart) were freed on  November 25, 2019, 36 years after being wrongfully imprisoned.

## Analysis of song and Impact

Joey mainly emphasizes there is racism and negative stereotypes are prominent in the US. When Joey says that "Obama just wasn't enough, I just need some more closure,'' he states that a "black president won't solve all black peoples' problems." Obama had a great impact on the government and the lives of African Americans, but it also led to a loss of the thrive and fight for the cause towards the African American community. As Joey said the people got too “comfortable” and having others even “turn their backs” and believe Obama being president would solve the issues.

Joey references the new immigration reforms that were initiated by Trump’s presidency and the ongoing problem of police brutality, inequality, and racism when he says "another family evicted, another black man a victim; that's as real as it's getting, you should take recognition." Joey is trying to spread a message that people need to spread awareness about ongoing issues because that’s the only way effective change will be made.

Joey says that African Americans don’t receive equal opportunities for a better life when he claims there is “trickery in the system, put my \*\*\*\*\*\* in prison.” He explains in a Genius interview that the ghettos are “bad” and the community is forced to commit illegal actions in order to bring some money home and feed their families.

Additionally, Joey explains that all Americans "fit the description of what the documents written." In reality, not every American receives the same rights listed in the US Constitution. Also, all African Americans are legally free from slavery, but many "still got the last names of our slave owners." Joey found his last name, Virginie-Scott, to be French and Scottish which explains why his extended family speaks a little French. These sections also emphasize the lack of opportunities when he says the black community has "been lacking the vision and barely making a living."

## Trivia

The song was released on Joey’s birthday, which was also the same day as the Trump inauguration. It also marked the 2 year anniversary of his debut album, B4.DA.$$. The song was originally teased on January 16th for Martin Luther King Day. The beat had already been made and the lyrics weren’t incorporated until after. The song was written off of the “we can’t change our world unless we change ourselves.” This later addresses the much-needed change in America.

## Reasons We Selected This Song and Musician

Joey Bada$$ is known to be a big lyricist and has a different way of expressing his feelings, ideas, and questions through his music. Joey uses a lot of word plays and talks about relevant problems and connecting previous and current issues together. He talks about the changes after and during Obama’s presidency and the inauguration and start of Donald Trump’s time as president. The name of the song is an irony of what the song is about, as well as, making fun of the American ideology and national anthem. The song impacted many people’s view of the US as a whole.  For example, Joey said in a Genius interview that a young kid came up to him and said that “Three K’s, two A’s in AmeriKKKa” keeps playing in his head.

## External Links and Sources

Genius. *Joey Bada$$ "Land Of The Free" Official Lyrics & Meaning | Verified*. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaCnL7hxiEs&t=65s. Accessed 17 Dec 2019.

Zaru, Deena. "Joey Badass Gets Political: There's A Silver Lining To The Trump Presidency." CNN, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2017/03/21/politics/joey-badass-land-of-the-free-all-amerikkkan-badass/index.html.

Carmichael, Rodney. “Joey Bada$$, With The Strong 'Land Of The Free,' Finds A Target.” NPR, NPR, 7 Mar. 2017, www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2017/03/07/519000616/joey-bada-with-the-strong-land-of-the-free-finds-a-target

Hyman, Dan. “Joey Bada$$ on Tackling Police Violence, Coming Into His Own on New LP.” Rolling Stone, 25 June 2018, www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/joey-bada-talks-tackling-police-violence-coming-into-his-own-on-new-lp-126077/.