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This mix features some hip-hop tracks that move me. I began compiling them a few days ago after this little pre-school student named Andrew confided in me that people “hated” him. This is how the conversation went:

“People hate me.”

“What? Who hates you, Andrew?”

“People hate me and it makes me sad.”

“Who do you think hates you? I don’t hate you. I love you.”

“America hates me.”

“Um…what makes you think that, Andrew?” (keep in mind that this kid is 4 years old)

“My mom told me that America hates black people. Why do they hate me?”

This conversation was equal parts cute and troubling. Why did Andrew’s mother say these things to a 4 year-old? How did he come to take them personally? What do I say now?

And then I just started thinking about race and race relations in this country and how it effects everything.

And there is no better measure than hip-hop. What kind of aggression/vulnerability/confusion do these artists express in their lyrics? This mix offers some fine examples. (in my humble opinion)