Nima Shiralizadeh - Media CSP: Music Videos - ‘Letter to the free’ - Revision
Document
‘Letter to the Free’ - Common ft. Bilal and Andra Day
Context
● Released in 2016 by Common, featuring Bilal and Andra
Day
● Featured in Ava Duvernay’s Net ix documentary, ‘13th’
and in Common’s album - ‘Black America Again’
● Genre: Hip-Hop and Rap; arguably hybrid due to its jazz
piano and xylophone features (Neale’s ‘difference’)
● The purpose of the song is to tackle mass incarceration and
the inequality of the corrupt justice system in America -
black people make up 13% of the total US population, however, they account for
40% of the prison population
● In addition, it aims to acknowledge the legacy, impact and persistence of
slavery
● The messages and lyrics are posited by Common in a calm, yet
“unapologetic” way to ensure their message is received and their voices
are heard
● Additionally, the lyrics express the corruption in American society by
connecting incarceration with enterprise and making money
(“business”) - instead of perceiving it as a tool for reformation and rehabilitation
● Refers to Trump coming into of ce, and expresses his (Common) hesitancy of his
vision for America; ‘Make America Great Again’ - what does ‘great’ constitute?
● The music video takes us through an ominous and desolate prison, showing the
rough conditions the incarcerated endure, where Common, Bilal and Andra Day
sing/rap their message about the issues of mass incarceration and slavery’s
existence in new forms and fashions - Amendment 13
Social, Historical and Cultural Context
● The abolishment of slavery and involuntary servitude was met with
Amendment 13 which legalised slavery in the form of punishment
● Consequently, Ava Duvernay’s documentary “13th” aims to address this
controversial system and how it discriminates ethnic minorities
● Contextually, Common is an artist and activist who utilises his role as an
‘opinion leader’ to express both his and society's concern about this
controversial topic; it is a rallying call against racism’s unprecedented
persistence
● In addition, he is the founder of Imagine Justice, a non-pro t organisation aiming to
empower communities and combat injustice
Document
‘Letter to the Free’ - Common ft. Bilal and Andra Day
Context
● Released in 2016 by Common, featuring Bilal and Andra
Day
● Featured in Ava Duvernay’s Net ix documentary, ‘13th’
and in Common’s album - ‘Black America Again’
● Genre: Hip-Hop and Rap; arguably hybrid due to its jazz
piano and xylophone features (Neale’s ‘difference’)
● The purpose of the song is to tackle mass incarceration and
the inequality of the corrupt justice system in America -
black people make up 13% of the total US population, however, they account for
40% of the prison population
● In addition, it aims to acknowledge the legacy, impact and persistence of
slavery
● The messages and lyrics are posited by Common in a calm, yet
“unapologetic” way to ensure their message is received and their voices
are heard
● Additionally, the lyrics express the corruption in American society by
connecting incarceration with enterprise and making money
(“business”) - instead of perceiving it as a tool for reformation and rehabilitation
● Refers to Trump coming into of ce, and expresses his (Common) hesitancy of his
vision for America; ‘Make America Great Again’ - what does ‘great’ constitute?
● The music video takes us through an ominous and desolate prison, showing the
rough conditions the incarcerated endure, where Common, Bilal and Andra Day
sing/rap their message about the issues of mass incarceration and slavery’s
existence in new forms and fashions - Amendment 13
Social, Historical and Cultural Context
● The abolishment of slavery and involuntary servitude was met with
Amendment 13 which legalised slavery in the form of punishment
● Consequently, Ava Duvernay’s documentary “13th” aims to address this
controversial system and how it discriminates ethnic minorities
● Contextually, Common is an artist and activist who utilises his role as an
‘opinion leader’ to express both his and society's concern about this
controversial topic; it is a rallying call against racism’s unprecedented
persistence
● In addition, he is the founder of Imagine Justice, a non-pro t organisation aiming to
empower communities and combat injustice
