The phrase "Who Will Survive in America" is notably associated with both Gil Scott-Heron and Kanye West, each using it to comment on the social and political state of America. Gil Scott-Heron's "Who Will Survive in America" is a powerful spoken word piece from the 1970s that critiques American society during a time of political turmoil, racial injustice, and economic hardship. His work highlighted issues such as racism, police brutality, and the struggles of marginalized communities. The song and its themes remain hauntingly relevant today, reflecting ongoing challenges in America including systemic racism, political dysfunction, and social inequality. Scott-Heron's lyrics urge listeners to consider who will endure in a nation marked by these deep divisions and hardships
. Kanye West's "Who Will Survive in America" is the closing track on his 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It samples Gil Scott-Heron's original piece and serves as a statement on the state of affairs in Kanye's mind. The song can be interpreted as a reflection on fame, personal struggle, and societal challenges, questioning who has the strength to survive and thrive in America’s complex landscape. Kanye's use of the title and sample connects his personal narrative to broader social commentary, echoing themes of survival and resilience in a difficult environment
. In summary, "Who Will Survive in America" is a thematic question posed through art that confronts the realities of inequality, injustice, and personal and societal struggle in America, asking who will endure these challenges and what it takes to survive in such a nation.
