(June 22, 2016) If it’s one thing we know about award winning artists Gregory Porter and Common, it’s that socially conscious music is a big part of their repertoire. Porter includes a conscious song or two on each of his four releases, starting with “1960 What?” on his debut, Water, and including “Stay Sweet” and the glorious title track from this year’s Take Me to the Alley.
Long before Kendrick Lamar, Common was the definition of a socially conscious rapper. With his most recent claim to fame being the Academy Award winning tune “Glory” that brought him together with John Legend for the song featured on the Selma soundtrack.
So, it’s not too surprising the Common and Porter teamed up on a protest song. The topic, the worldwide refugee crisis that is definitely timely, as evidenced by the role that immigration is playing in the Brexit debate in the United Kingdom and the presidential election in this country. There are an estimated 65 million refugees worldwide. On “Running (Refugee Song)” Porter and Common remind listeners that these 65 million people are more than data and rhetorical talking points. They are people with real stories. Take a listen to this powerful piece.
By Howard Dukes
Gregory Porter and Common
“Running (Refugee Song)”
