Faith vs Fear Mixtape

 Rymir Ware

My mixtape talks about the binary opposition of faith vs fear through the argument of W.E.B. Du Bois vs Booker T. Washington. I will explore some passages we read, including “Of Mr. Washington and Others,” “The Awakening of the Negro,” and “Atlanta Compromise Speech.” Articles like these will be able to help me connect and show how faith vs. fear was used in the arguments of W.E.B. Du Bois vs. Booker T. Washington. Both of these men had the same goal, which was to help Black people in America with racism and take a step forward. The only problem with this is they had 2 different plans for reaching the goal. One option was fighting fear, while the other option was having faith. Washington wanted Black Americans to have faith and patience while educating themselves. Du Bois' path was different. He wanted Americans to know the fear of waiting too long can cause progression to never happen. He wanted immediate results and wasn't with the waiting and patience plan. These arguments showed Faith (Washington) vs. Fear (DuBois).  This mixtape tells a story through music about how people had a path to take between faith vs. fear. The first few songs of the mixtape are about W.E.B. Du Bois's paths in fear. The internal struggle that Black America is going through. The top of the mixtape is a dark and confusing vibe. Which Black Americans felt because these songs are meant to represent the fear and the struggle of life. It's how Black Americans felt after slavery. What they were afraid of—will they ever find freedom? As we get towards the middle of the album, it talks about maybe the faith option Washington was attempting to take. Faith. Washington showed faith and progress through education. This gave Americans 2 options they could’ve taken. The tone from the mixtape in the start changes from fear to faith. This gives the Black Americans 2 options they could’ve chosen. Towards the end the music becomes strong and joyful, showing that both options eventually led to Black progress in America. It also reminds them that everything isn't perfect for Black Americans, but slavery is no longer an option. You hear the joy in the music. 

Faith vs Fear Mixtape 

1. “Demons”- Imagine Dragons This song starts the mixtape off by showing the fears and shows the struggles that people face at the beginning of their journey with slavery and poverty. 2. “Thriller” - Michael Jackson Thrillier gives the mood a spooky and dark one. A suspenseful tone that shows the fear and scary childhood that kids have gone through. It continues the mood of fear.  3. “All Falls Down” - Kanye West All falls down shows the little to no hope they had. It also talks about how much african americans are behind. Everything they do is only to help the white men. Shows the doubt 4. “No ”One”—Alicia Keys Marks the beginning of faith, showing confidence, peace, and belief in oneself, even in moments of uncertainty. 5. “My Mind” - Tems a. Shows the emotional battle that people faced, between fear and faith, highlighting doubt and uncertainty in either one, but this also shows the strength that some kept about keep moving forward. 6. “Power” — Kanye West a. This song represents the stage where faith replaces fear. It follows Washington’s belief that hard work and self-confidence lead to progress. 7. “Girl on Fire” - Alicia Keys This song represents stepping into your strength and realizing your own worth, faithfully replacing fear. “”Freedom”—Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar shows breaking free from fear and demanding equality, a mix of both Washington’s and Du Bois’s messages. 8. “Power” - Kanye West Bold and confident; shows taking control and refusing to be held back, fully showing faith over fear. 9. Never Would Have Made It” - Marvin Sapp Starting the celebrations, gratitude and growth after overcoming fear. 10. The Bigger Picture” - Lil Baby Reflects awareness, growth, and hope for the community, celebrating progress beyond personal struggle. 11. “Happy” - Pharrell Williams Joyful celebration of freedom and personal success, showing the emotional high point of the journey. 12. “Black or White” - Michael Jackson Reinforces equality, unity, and social faith—showing that true progress benefits everyone.