The revolution taking place across the U.S. following the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor has just found itself an unlikely spokesperson: Atlanta rookie-ish rap star Lil Baby.
The powerful song and visual “The Bigger Picture” is a protest anthem that manages to strike even more poignantly by not inherently branding itself as such. Instead, the four-minute song sees the multi-platinum ATLien seamlessly articulating the frustration, confusion, and innate call to stand up for something much bigger than himself.
He’s also quite clear about what this is and isn’t. What this isn’t is a run of the hit piece on law enforcement. He notably references the widespread sentiment that all police officers are racist and oppressive (“All Cops Are Bastards” or ACAB), which has become a global talking point.
“Corrupted police been the problem where I’m from, but I’d be lying if I said it was all of them,” he raps — acknowledging that not all cops are inherently corrupt. Illustrating this is this one particularly moving moment in the video when a black female police officer hugs a little boy.
Lil Baby even acknowledges the human nature of many officers. The same ones that many of us have seen in videos crying in the face of protestors. The ones who are doing a job they were taught and directed to do.
However, as the song goes on to demonstrate, It’s not just about the police but the systems in place that put entire sects of the population into environments shaped to lead them down specific paths. It’s also about the authoritative forces of individuals trained to keep the peace in these environments that more often than not end up inciting fear in the very population they’re sworn to protect.
Atlanta City Councilman Praises Lil Baby’s Humility & Integrity During Protest
The song instantly garnered acclaimed amongst the 25-year-old’s elder peers, including Meek Mill, who wanted to ensure Baby received his flowers no matter what by christening him a “legend” after just a few years of activity.
While Lil Baby has long positioned himself as a reflection of this very environment, he likely hasn’t (in the past) been an MC that casual listeners associated with overt lyrical “wokeness” — and it’s something of which he’s acutely aware. “I can’t lie like I don’t rap about killing and dope, but I’m telling my youngins to vote/I did what I did ’cause I didn’t have no choice or no hope,” he raps to curb anyone with the ignorance to attempt to assassinate his voice.
Still, there’s a sense of hesitation amid his unwavering support and dedication to the Black Lives Matter movement. “Knowledge is power; I swear I’m a witness, I know that I’m gifted … I won’t go too deep because I’m scared they’ll get me. Ain’t scared to admit it, some shit I can’t mention, It’s people who can, well, here’s the chance,” he raps. While he makes it clear that he’s more than willing to take a stand for what he believes in, this song is ultimately a beacon to others to take actions.
Beyond voting, there are no answers, no clear path to the light at the end of the tunnel and no declaration of any sort. Really, how could there be? Change isn’t overnight at this magnitude, and whether it stays trending among those who can comfortably move on within a system that shines more favorably on their race or social status remains to be seen.
This song isn’t meant to incite riots, burn down institutions or lead a unified chant of “fuck the police.” For perspective, a confrontation with a racist white man landed him in prison for two years, so it could be excused if a more aggressive approach was taken — but it’s quite the contrary. This is Lil Baby venting and in its concise and clear format, it’s both empowering and moving.
“The Bigger Picture” is simultaneously the sobering deep breath and fire-starting rally for change Hip Hop needed at this exact moment. He may not be the leader of the NWO, but he’s a spark that could force a new generation of voices to shift their platforms away from various isms to focus on more pressing matters at hand.
According to Lil Baby’s Instagram, all proceeds from the song are being spread across multiple organizations and causes: The National Association of Black Journalists Breonna Taylor’s Attorney, The Bail Project and Black Lives Matter.
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Revolution lol might want to read about real revolutions in history I wish em the best though
There’s clearly one taking place right now. What are you even talking about mate?
Revolution will not be televised. CNN is commercializing this bullshit.
Clearly lol, missed all those revolutions with the scooters, camera phones, music video, product placement & no violence against the oppressor now be a good revolutionary and get back in the house by midnight so I can hashtag & like some stuff while everything you do is being tracked & logged..
What would the snowflakes do if they simply cut their internet, cell phone, payment services lmao they can’t even figure out how to get 3 miles without an app, trust they just don’t care 500+K for million man March, 250+K to hear mlk speak, la tore it up for Rodney king, it’s a few hundred here a few thousand unarmed noodle kids bless they hearts but ain’t nobody really worried bout them soon as the dispensary gets cut off they’ll flee back to wherever till the next scause, this nothing new over here mate
Like Rahm Emmanuel said, Never let a crisis go to waste. Instead of making a song and profiting off it could of dropped some $ in the poverty stricken communities. Fuck donating to organizations, the ghettos never see that money.
This dude is trash. Sounds just like the other 99% of rappers out here. Who listening to these clowns?
Dude your trash u never been thru shit in life if u cant relate. Get yo style up. U lame ass
No lie, I’ve never listened to a lil baby song until now. With that said, this song is really good. More so called trap rappers should take note and expand their subject matter and really get to the pain and the trauma through their perspective.
Im 43, been listening to rap as long as i can remember …lil baby is ?…he made other rappers sound boring to me …my turn is ?
Sorry the song just doesn’t hit for me. It feels too soft with the autotune . I like tracks that get me worked up . I got no feels when I hear this.
The lyrics and what Lil Baby is saying hits hard. It isn’t the beat some of you should check for. Listen to what he is saying. There’s a bigger problem than white vs black..
No he didnt Riley
Now this is greatness. #BlackExcellence
#BlackPower
So looting ur own neighborhoods and burning up ur own black businesses is a “revolution”?? .. lmao .. seems to me more niggas gonna be on welfare after this so called “revolution” dies down lmao