Black Dye is a song that touches on racism found in visual depictions of the bible and breaking free from negative black stereotypes. In some artwork Cain is depicted as ‘black or at least significantly darker than Abel, most of it coinciding with slavery’. Some believed that black people were the descendants of Cain because they shared his skin color. The Mark of Cain is blackness. The song brings light to this racist explanation for black skin. This story of Cain and the artwork that has come along with it perpetuates the negative stereotypical black image. In some ways rap keeps this negative image alive. Rappers often portray a destructive and dangerous lifestyle while making it sound intriguing or fun. The second verse in the song is about avoiding this lifestyle and growing up in an environment where I was given the opportunity to see a brighter future for myself.

 

‘Black Dye’ is a reference to the melanin in our skin.

 

“Black dye on my skin 

Mark of Cain ain’t no sin 

Prophet man ain’t no friend 

Is that message from the heavens or below or just pretend”