Social and Environmental Awareness in the Lyrics of Mike Shinoda: 'Kenji' and 'Nothing makes Sense Anymore'

Abstract

A third-generation mix-raced Japanese American, Mike Shinoda is a renowned rock and rap musician. Thanks to his two bands, Linkin Park and Fort Minor, Shinoda has been able to raise his voice to condemn social injustices or environmental damage and degradation. The following paper will focus on two of his songs “Kenji” and “Nothing makes Sense Anymore,” which include references to those issues. By analyzing the lyrics, we will evince how they distill criticism on social discrimination and environmental damage.