BRWN BFLO's remix of "Corazon" with Stic.Man of Dead Prez celebrates immigrants in a much-needed way. The dominant narrative around immigration in this country resembles a demonizing "us vs. them" dichotomy. Given that America is a country comprised of immigrants of every stripe, the hypocrisy of America being anti-immigrant seems obvious. And yet, when it comes to immigrant groups that don't share the complexion of Piedmont, things get a bit dicey.
So this video is dedicated to East 12th in East Oakland where day laborers brave the elements awaiting the prospect of work. This is for the Fruitvale district, whose immigrant population has infused Oakland with a vibrancy we can now not imagine ourselves without. This is for Mexican-Americans in Arizona who now find their complexion is legal cause for harassment, despite the fact that their ancestors called the southeastern territories of the US home long before the white folks who now arrest them. This is for the people who labor to make this country move, and are compensated in inhumane wages, demonization and ICE raids. Know that you are appreciated.
No one drives this point home more than Stic.Man of dead prez. The underground legend appreciates the struggle of Latinos laboring in this country in a show of Black-Brown solidarity. dead prez and the artivists collectively known as BRWN BFLO are all talented emcees, but their gift is infusing their music with rebel spirit and socio-political awareness. Braggadocio and swag are indispensible pieces of hip-hop, but without the voice of the oppressed, hip-hop is nothing but a soulless corporate-controlled archetype.
In the words of the Panthers, "Power to the People."
In the words of the Panthers, "Power to the People."
Watch the video after the jump.
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