New Slaves

Kanye West's 'New Slaves' is a powerful critique of systemic racism and the modern forms of oppression that African Americans face. The song's lyrics are a raw and unfiltered reflection on the ways in which racism has evolved from the days of slavery to contemporary society. West juxtaposes historical racism with its modern counterpart, suggesting that despite the progress made, black people are still subjected to different forms of enslavement, be it economic, social, or cultural.

The song opens with a reference to his mother's era, where racial segregation was overt, and then transitions to the subtler, yet still pervasive, racism of today. West points out the materialism and consumerism that are pushed upon black communities, implying that these are the new chains that bind them. He criticizes the expectation to conform to certain standards of wealth and success, which he sees as a distraction from the real issues at hand. The repeated line 'I know that we the new slaves' serves as a haunting reminder that the struggle for true freedom continues.

Kanye West also addresses the prison-industrial complex, suggesting that it is a deliberate system designed to keep black people in a cycle of incarceration and disenfranchisement. The song's aggressive tone and confrontational lyrics reflect West's refusal to accept this status quo. He vows to fight against these systems of control and encourages others to do the same, rejecting the notion of being a passive follower in favor of being an active leader in the struggle for justice.