The Best MLK Jr. References in Hip-Hop

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We all know Martin Luther King Jr.. The reverend is certainly the greatest hero of civil rights in American history, playing such an instrumental and iconic role in ending segregation until his tragic assassination. A great orator and inspiration for the African American community, he has obviously become the subject of much art and pop culture. Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year with us as we take a look at some of the best references to the reverend in hiphop.

The Roots – Doin It Again (feat. John Legend) [How I Got Over]

Doin’ it again just like Poitier and Cosby

I’m like Martin Luther King; you like Rodney

The difference is I give it everything inside me

Lupe Fiasco – Blowing Minds Faster (BMF Remix)

I think I’m Malcolm X, Martin Luther

Add a King, add a Junior

Some Bible verses, couple Sunnahs

and an AK47 — That’s a revolution

Big K.R.I.T. – 2000 and Beyond (KRIT Wuz Here)

Martin Luther King had a dream; we was right there

I wonder what he saw when he up and had nightmares?

Quite scared, all the work he had done

Couldn’t stop what we’ve become in 2000 and beyond

Tragedy Khadafi – 9/11 (feat. V12) [Thug Matrix 2]

Shots riddled Malcolm X and destroyed his life

Even Martin Luther King got hit with the flame

And you wonder why the black man stuck in the game

Ludacris – Do Your Time (feat. Beanie Sigel, C-Murder & Bun B) [Release Therapy]

Give my eyes to Stevie Wonder just to see what he’s seen

But then I’d take em right back to see Martin Luther’s dream

I dream that I could tell Martin Luther we made it

But half of my black brothers are still incarcerated

Big Daddy Kane – Word to the Motherland (Long Live the Kane)

Martin Luther was a tutor; many were pupils

Those who fell victim were those without scruples

Kendrick Lamar – HiiiPower (Section.80)

Visions of Martin Luther staring at me

Malcolm X put a hex on my future; someone catch me

I’m falling victim to a revolutionary song, the Serengeti’s clone


Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr., courtesy of Britannica

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