By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
No matter the genre- lyrics hold power. Whether the words to your favorite song praise God or celebrate life and love, there’s no denying that many times one of the strongest influences can be a message provided through song.
This week, in honor of Black Music Month, the AFRO spoke with artists and members of higher academia to answer an important question: In 2025, how important are the lyrics?
“Lyrics literally live in your subconscious… that’s probably one of the most important parts of a song,” said Ashia Bello, a vocalist, songstress and music professional with more than 20 years in the industry.
She emphasized how many of today’s hip-hop lyrics, rooted in struggle, have the power to shape listeners’ mindsets—even if they haven’t lived those experiences themselves.
“Music is a really useful mechanism for controlling all kinds of things… if you’re not really in control of what’s being said, then most likely you’ll adopt it,” she said. “Rap and hip-hop lyrics are birthed in struggle. And I think when you listen to that constantly, then you adopt the struggle, even if you don’t have the struggle.”
Dr. Rice, a professor in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Coppin State University, also weighed in.
“Rap and hip-hop music, from a historic as well as contemporary lens, provides insight into the lived experience of people and communities through the words and lyrics of the artists in this genre,” he said “At its best, rap and hip-hop music promote love and respect while educating, inspiring and motivating people to improve conditions. At its worst, some aspects of the music reflect misogyny, greed, violence and premature death, issues that society, particularly Black communities, continues to grapple with.”
Tamara Soden, a musician and lyricist, echoed similar concerns about the power of repetition and representation.
“At first, rap lyrics were in tune with what was going on around… it was speaking to the condition of the people,” Soden said. “Now, it’s a lot more self-centered.”
For Soden, the power of lyrics is undeniable.
“Words have power. That’s the reason why, when you hear a song, it moves you… whether it’s a good place or a bad place, it still puts you in a place,” she said.
She also believes the music industry itself plays a significant role in shaping negative messaging.
“If there is an agenda, it’s from a producer standpoint… the label chooses who they sign, who they put out,” said Soden.
Both Soden and Bello expressed a strong desire for change in the tone and messaging of modern rap music.
“I wish today’s music had a little more positive effect instead of having us in this thing where they are out for the money because of marketing,” Soden said.
Bello echoed that sentiment. “I would love to hear more positive, uplifting music, even in rap… something that makes us see ourselves as something more,” she said.