Huey P. Newton was a leader and co-founder of the militant Black Panther Party for Self Defense.
Newton was the intelligent, articulate, and wellspoken leader of one of the most controversial organizations in America. Armed with a extensive knowledge of California law, due to his studies at Oakland City College, Newton advocated martial law to the nearby African American communities. Influenced by the likes of Malcolm X and Che Guevara, Newton became actively involved in starting a revolution within the African American communities and surrounding areas
Newton openly spoke out against such issues concerning these communities like police brutality, discrimination, and poverty. His attempt was to attack the administrative and corporate structure of America that oppressed the poor and working class citizens of not only the black community, but other ethnicities as well. It was particulary Malcom X's "by any means necessary" mentality, that influenced Newton and the Black Panthers to bare arms as a means of protection resistance and intimidation.

Huey P. Newton Interview

I think that one of the most representative songs of that time period was the late James Brown's "Say it Loud". This song was one of the central ideas of the Black Panther Movement: restoring pride in the African American communities. James Brown not only inspired the African American community but embodied the voices of many African Americans feeling the struggles of growing up in America. It captured the very essence of the principles that Huey Newton was trying to instill in many African Americans.

James Brown "Say it Loud"

The first verse in the song is the perfect example of the ideas of Huey P. Newton, as Brown sings:

Some people say we've got a lot of malice
Some say it’s a lot of nerve
But I say we won't quit moving until we get what we deserve
We have been bucked and we have been scorned
We have been treated bad, talked about as just bones
But just as it takes two eyes to make a pair, ha
Brother we can’t quit until we get our share

Lyrics
"Say it Loud"

Gil Scott Heron's "Revolution Will Not Be Televised" was a sarcastic, but frank call-to-arms for a change in the America. Heron uses this song as a means to ignite a spark to any of the skeptical, lackadaisical, or stagnant individuals. It cleverly name drops many of the popular brand names in retail, and entertainment. Heron is trying inspire people to get up and take action, instead of waiting for something to happen. This is the same idealism that Huey P. Newton shared when he encouraged the people to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting on government assistance. I can see this song almost as an inside look into Newton's head when he began trying to get people involved with the Black Panther Movement.

Gil Scott Heron "Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

The sarcastic, yet inspiring tone of Heron can be seen in such lines like this one:

Green Acres, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Hooterville
Junction will no longer be so damned relevant, and
women will not care if Dick finally gets down with
Jane on Search for Tomorrow because Black people
will be in the street looking for a brighter day.
The revolution will not be televised

Lyrics
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

I think that if Huey P. Newton was still alive Greenday's "American Idiot" would without a doubt be one of his favorite songs. Greenday discusses thier displeasure with the current administration of American government. The song emphasizes a nation paranoid from being controlled by the influence of the media. These ideas share a similar concept with Newton, in encouraging the American public to think for themselves. It attacks an authoritative influence on our lives much like the Panthers did with the corporate structure. It challenges the integrity of the American media just like Newton did of the government.

GreenDay "American Idiot"

The verse that best exemplifies the attack on authority is here:

Don't wanna be an American idiot.
One nation controlled by the media.
Information nation of hysteria.
It's going out to idiot America.

Lyrics
"American Idiot"

If you were to tell Huey P. Newton to record music, I think he probably would have come up with the group, Public Enemy. Many people are now recognizing the group because the antics of its popular hype-man: Flava Flav. Before his stint on his reality series "Flavor of Love", Flav was a MC for one of the most controversial groups in hip hop music. Public Enemy was a group that discussed political, social, and economic issues that related to the black community. Their presence in rap music was similar to the Black Panthers in the community. Public Enemy even had members dressed in military uniforms that marched uniformly in the name of black power. It would be accurate to assume that much of their act was based on the Black Panther movement. The song, "Fight The Power", would be like an anthem to Newton's movement.

Public Enemy "Fight the Power"

I think that just an excerpt from this song would not do you any justice. I highly suggest you click on the following link:
Lyrics
"Fight The Power"

Many people already know about one of the most popular figures in not only hip hop, but world music was Tupac Shakur. A decade after his death, his presence is felt in every ghetto, barrio, and etc because of his music. He represented the poor and working class, writing songs that were diverse in their range of issues. He discussed topics like teenage pregnancy, gang violence, politics and the list goes on. I would consider Tupac, a direct descendant of the Black Panther Movement and the ideas of Huey P. Newton. His mother, Afeni Shakur, was a member of the Black Panthers, and even served prison time due to her involvement. His godmother was the exiled Black Panther, Assata Shakur, and his godfather was the incarcerated Geronimo Pratt. As you can see Netwon's influence was heavy in the life of the deceased rapper. The song "White Man'z World" is a perfect example of the influence that Newton had on Tupac's life. The song discusses the difficulties of growing up in a world of racism and discrimination.

Tupac "White Man'z World"

You can see Newton's influence in the following lyrics:

Bein born with less I must confess only adds on to the stress
Two gunshots to my homie's head, dyed in his vest
Shot him to death and left him bleedin for his family to see
I pass his casket gently askin, is there heaven for G's?
My homeboy's doin life, his baby momma be stressin
Sheddin tears when her son, finally ask that questions
Where my daddy at? Mama why we live so poor?
Why you cryin? Heard you late night through my bedroom door
Now do you love me mama? Whitey keep on callin me nigga?
Get my weight up with my hate and pay 'em back when I'm bigger
And still thuggin in this jail cell, missin my block
Hearin brothers screamin all night, wishin they'd stop
Proud to be black but why we act like we don't love ourselves
Don't look around busta (you sucka) check yourselves
Know what it MEANS to be black, whether a man or girl
We still strugglin, in this white man's world

Lyrics
"White Man'z World"

We all know Marvin Gaye as the soulful crooner from the 60's and 70's. He was popular for his melodious tunes that were heartwarming and sensual. He has often been acknowledge for his songs of love and affection; however, few people remember him for his music that reflects on the times. He was also an artist that embraced the African American community and its problems. The song, "Innercity Blues(Make Me Wanna Holler)", is an example of his compassion for the African American neighborhoods. It is this sympathetic evaluation into the innercity life that he shares with Newton. I think this song represents the same feelings of Huey P. Newton as he observed the status of the African American community in America.

Marvin Gaye "Innercity Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"

Much like Newton, Gaye discusses the problems with America:

Crime is increasing
Trigger happy policing
Panic is spreading
God know where we're heading
Oh, make me wanna holler
They don't understand

Lyrics
"Innercity Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"