Feministing Jamz: Soundtrack For Surviving Trump

It’s Day Four of Donald Trump’s presidency and it’s already looking bleak.

Immediately after Trump took the oath of office, WhiteHouse.gov deleted all of its content on LGBT rights, civil rights, climate change, and health care. A few hours after taking office, Trump signed an executive order rolling back Obamacare. His press secretary spent Saturday arguing with the media about the size of the crowd gathered at the inauguration, calling it “the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration.” As he spouted lies from the White House briefing room, the biggest protest in U.S. history took place down the street.

If the past few days are any indication of what’s to come, we are in for an exhausting and challenging four years.

Yet, as easy as it can be to feel hopeless and powerless, I’ve drawn inspiration and strength from some of my favorite music. Art has always had an important place in my life. My papi’s stories about the rock music he listened to during the military dictatorship in Argentina taught me to value music’s potential to protest injustice and bring about political change. I’m convinced that we need music and art now more than ever, which is why I’ve created a soundtrack for surviving, thriving, and resisting the next four years.

For when you’re sick of people asking why you’re mad: “Mad” by Solange Knowles. Let Solange’s soothing voice remind you, “You got the right to be mad.”

For when Trump’s administration threatens to steal your joy: “i” by Kendrick Lamar. They can erase us from WhiteHouse.gov and try to take away our rights but even on the hardest days, we will love ourselves.

For when you need to be reminded that “change, it comes eventually”: “Everything is Everything” by Lauryn Hill. Keep your head up: “Tomorrow, our seeds will grow, All we need is dedication.”

For when you’re over Trump’s nationalistic, xenophobic, border wall bullshit: “Borders” by M.I.A. I also wanna know, “Borders (What’s up with that?) / Politics (What’s up with that?) / Police shots (What’s up with that?) / Your privilege (What’s up with that?)”

For when you’re feeling bogged down by the heterosexist, transphobic, misogynist patriarchy: “Antipatriarca” by Ana Tijoux. The French-Chilean musician tells us a woman’s place is in the revolution, “No sumisa ni obediente / mujer fuerte insurgente / independiente y valiente.”

For when you’re losing your faith: “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West. I’m pretty sure “we don’t want no devils in the house” is a direct reference to Donald Trump and The White House.

For Black girls when you’re doubting your magic: “Blk Girl Soldier” by Jamila Woods. Jamila Woods reminds us that Black women are now, and have always been, the leaders of the resistance: ” See she’s telepathic / Call it black girl magic /Yeah she scares the gov’ment / Deja Vu of Tubman.”

For immigrants who (may or may not) know our worth: “Immigrants (We Get The Job Done)” by K’Naan. Trump claims we’re murderers, rapists, and drug dealers. We know this country couldn’t survive without us.

For when you’re feeling outright defiant: “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” by YG & Nipsey Hussle. YG offered to perform this song at Trump’s inauguration for $4 million. Shocker that Trump didn’t accept the offer.

For when you’re ready to fight back: “Freedom” by Beyoncé (featuring Kendrick Lamar). I’ve been playing this song on repeat for the past week, always remembering that, “I break chains all by myself / Won’t let my freedom rot in hell/ I’ma keep running / Cause a winner don’t quit on herself.”

Listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Header image via Elle.com.