“Well done is better than well said”. It’s a common proverb saying you should act instead of talking. It’s wise. But a little bit pretentious.

Today’s motto, on this Martin Luther King Day would be: “Well said is better than silence”. What’s left in this world those days is figures from the past we try to belong to. Figures who has been shot by a bullet for shooting bullets of truth to the crowd.

I believe in word’s power. That’s why I listen to Hip-Hop. Martin Luther King was such a good talker, and source of inspiration for either white or black people, rappers had to pay tribute to probably the first MC of all time. No instrumental samples here, only voice of MLK.

Starting with one of the first real MC’s, Melle Mel. In 1982, he released his debut album along with his Furious Five, all of them directed by GrandMaster Flash. They delivered the timeless Message, describing life on New York streets. But it’s on their reunion album, six years later, they performed The King.

Of course, it pays tribute to the Doctor. Of course it samples the famous speech, “I Have a Dream”.

GrandMaster Flash feat The Furious Five – The King

 

In 1990, the State of Arizona declined the proposition of setting a holiday in Martin Luther King’s honor. As a response, Public Enemy came with a strong and powerful (as usual) track to blame politics in place.

They can’t understand why he the man
I’m singin’ ’bout a king
They don’t like it
When I decide to mike it
Wait I’m waitin’ for the date
For the man who demands respect
Cause he was great c’mon
I’m on the one mission
To get a politician
To honor or he’s a gonner
By the time I get to Arizona

Public Enemy –  By the Time I Get to Arizona

 

Probably the most famous song-tribute from Common, “I Have a Dream”. The title is explicit enough.

It appeared first on Freedom Writers‘ soundtrack, movie based on the true story of Erin Gruwell, a convinced activist who chose to become a teacher to help the struggling population. Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas produced it and Common spread once again his positive vibes.

Common – I Have a Dream

 

Probably the less known song-tribute about Dr. King, but surely one of the most beautiful.

Solillaquists of Sound are an Orlando originated Hip-Hop band composed by two couples. The poducer DiVinCi is married to Tonya Combs, one of them song-writers, while the MC Swamburger is with Alexandrah the female voice of the band. Two couples doing Hip-Hop under the same name is rare enough to mention.

Their music contains various influences like Comics books or electronic sound. They’re also really “engaged artists” (I hate that term but that suits them well).

Via this tune, you can also admire Swamburger’s skills on the microphone and the deep and slight voice of Alexandrah.

Solillaquists of Sound – Bulletproof