If you've ever wondered how music can make political statements, the soundtrack of 'The Hate U Give' serves as a prime example of Hollywood's fixation on promoting a certain narrative. Released in 2018, 'The Hate U Give' soundtrack serves as a backdrop for the film adaptation of the popular young adult novel by Angie Thomas. Set in an unnamed urban landscape where social justice issues are thrown center stage, the soundtrack is both a signpost and a horn for the movie. It's designed not just to accompany the story, but to amplify a message that’s as subtle as a sledgehammer.
For those who haven't caught up, 'The Hate U Give' centers around Starr Carter, a young African American girl navigating two different worlds: her poor, mostly black neighborhood, and the affluent, mostly white prep school she attends. When she witnesses a police officer shooting her unarmed best friend, the repercussions ripple through her life and community. Enter the music, which doesn't merely compliment the scenes but amplifies the political noise.
First up, you’ve got Kendrick Lamar’s "Alright." Released in 2015, this track has become an anthem for social justice movements, heavily used during protests and marches. While Lamar’s skills are undeniable, the song’s placement in 'The Hate U Give' is like icing on a cake that’s already smothered in political narrative. It's a rallying cry that escalates emotions but selectively filters the complexity of the human experience.
Then there’s Pusha T’s "If You Know You Know." Originally about his drug-dealing past, the song feels out of place if you look beyond the surface. But that's where crafty editing comes in—it's all about the vibe, not the message. Listeners are supposed to feel the thumping beat and automatically align it with the film's themes, ignoring the historical context of the song.
Oh, and let’s not forget "We Won’t Move" by Arlissa. An original piece for the film, it’s a folksy ballad that drips with the feel-good hope and determination of a battle won before it starts. It's meant to make you feel inspired and ready to take on systemic issues with renewed vigor and hashtags galore.
The soundtrack doesn’t stand alone as just a musical production; it's a cheat sheet for understanding the movie's perspective. It shines a flattering light on the tumultuous topics the film dares to frame in a very particular way. But here’s the clincher, if art was objective, it wouldn't provoke the way it does. These tracks aren’t chosen for their chart-topping capabilities alone; they’re selected to incite, lure you into a seductive, ideological vortex that dismisses any opinions not pre-filtered by mainstream ideals.
Nina Simone’s "The Times They Are A-Changin’" draws from the past to double down on the pretext that we are in the midst of some profound revolution demanding attention. The song syncs well with visions of rebellious fervor but remember, the tempo of change is set by the strums of the cultural agenda-makers.
Nick Britell brings an evocative score that tugs the heartstrings with precision. Is it a coincidence that music which effectively manipulates your emotional state is employed at pivotal moments in a politically wrought narrative? Rarely.
Don’t overlook the role of the urban soundscapes that interweave the more complex issues of race, identity, and social justice into a readily digestible format. White noise can be both literal and figurative in this soundtrack, providing a canvas upon which every red-hued emotional option is explored rather artistically.
The soundtrack for 'The Hate U Give' is less of a background element and more of a vocal supporter of a story pushing very contemporary social themes. While many applaud it for capturing the ‘zeitgeist,’ others will eye it with a healthy dose of skepticism, knowing well that it attempts to do more than just entertain. There is no detachment between audio and agenda here. It is both a call to action and a silent endorsement of a narrative already widely accepted by the broader media complex.
For those who eagerly consume art that speaks to current events, this may feel like an aural sanctuary. But for others, think of this: when did music stop being just about the notes and become more about the footnotes? The blending of art and politics might be inevitable, but 'The Hate U Give' has made this blend its calling card. Any dialogue it sparks must contend with this: is art shaping society, or just mirroring what some wish society to be?
Feel free to enjoy the strong beats and compelling vocals, but always remember the soundtrack is a message, not just music.