Music: B.Dolan's "Which Side Are You On"

- by Señor Editor, 22 June 2012

Good songs with a strong and relevant message are few and far between nowadays, and that's why whenever one shows up it deserves all the attention it can get.

Rhode Island rapper B.Dolan has been a favorite of some of the Trash Mutants for a long while now and his new song (from the recently released "House of Bees Vol. 2" record) focuses on some important issues in a way that's hard to ignore. The song, titled "Which Side Are You On", is produced by Strange Famous labelmate Buddy Peace and samples the 1930s labor song of the same name by Florence Reece. Dolan's anti-homophobic, anti-misogynic message is delivered here in a commanding, straight-to-the-point and charismatic way that would make KRS-One blush. And it's a message well needed both in rap music and beyond it.

Dolan has been known for his social activism since the beginning of his career (the website KnowMore.org that he co-created with Sage Francis definitely being a good example of that), but the musical progression he made since then is nothing short of astounding. His lyrics and delivery right now are easily some of the best in hip-hop, and the subject matter of his songs make him a much needed voice in music in general. What I probably like the most about this song is the challenging nature of it. Taking a stand like that and making others (both rappers and listeners) follow suit is both progressive and admirable.

But enough about why we like it. Read Dolan's own words about the song below and then scroll to the bottom of this article to listen to it and check out some helpful links. Support independant artists who are taking the effort to make a change for the better.

Maybe my favorite song on the album.  I’ve been wanting to sample this song forever, and it has a rich and storied history of its own. (Check this video out)

Buddy’s use of the banjo to create a kind of bouncing reggae feel is nothing short of genius, and allowed me to lay a lot of things out more plainly than ever before.  The song speaks for itself in a lot of ways, and the response to this one at live shows has been immediate.

It feels like it’s time in my life for a song like this, and I believe it’s also that time in the world around us.  Desmond Tutu said, “if you are neutral on situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”  As a working class heterosexual white man, as a feminist, anti-racist, LGBT ally, as an emcee and an American citizen, I feel that it’s my duty to be clear about whose side I’m on.

- from BDOLAN.NET

Listen to the song below. You can find the lyrics to it over here. To buy "House of Bees vol. 2" visit the Strange Famous Records website. Check out BDolan.net for some free downloads, videos, updates, tour dates and any additional info you may want.

Tagged: music.

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