The term, "woke" has become super popular in recent years, and many creatives have incorporated the term into their work. Justin Michael Williams is one such creative. 

You may remember Williams, who exclusively launched his #Power28 list with Blavity, from his Motivation for Black People initiative. Now, Williams is back, showing his own unique "power," with a new mini-medley he calls "Stay Woke." 

"Stay Woke" takes 11 songs and turns it into a explosive creative mash that digs deep into the conflicting nature of the black struggle in under 60 seconds. Williams describes the new video as "very Todrick hall, but for the culture."

The recording artist sat down with us to discuss his inspiration, what it means to be "woke" and navigating the struggle between hopefulness and hopelessness. 

What inspired you to make this video?

To be totally honest, it's taken me a little while to find my voice as an activist in the community — especially when it comes to my music. This video is the first thing I've ever released musically that's officially and unmistakably for the culture. And I'm so proud of it.

I have an original song called "The Turning" coming out next week, but before I release that, I wanted to honor the artists who have come before me who have created music for the movement. Solange, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Janelle Monae, Jamila Woods, and more — they're all in the medley and I'm so proud to stand beside them as an artist who is unafraid to use his voice to help build the kingdom.

What does "woke" mean to you?

Being "woke" isn't just about knowing things and talking about it at brunch, it's about putting that knowledge into action to break generational patterns of oppression. It means being self-reflexive to unravel the things that we are doing in our own lives to uphold these systems. It means letting go of the toxic habits, patterns, routines and foods that have been passed down to us through "culture" but are ultimately for our demise. It means having the hard conversations, opening our minds to alternative ways of thinking, and seeing through the facade that main stream media puts in our face every day to keep us numb. What are you reading? What are you watching? What are you talking about with your crew? Where are you spending your money and time? And most importantly: What are you actually doing in your own life to stay awake in the midst of all this darkness?

How do you toggle between "hope" and "F*ck" this sh*t!," (as well as the warring of emotions that come with both) in everyday life?

I feel so torn. Sometimes I have hope for the future, and sometimes I want to just say, "F*ck it!" and burn it all to the ground. Being black in America is such a paradox. I watch Oprah on the Golden Globes and I feel like we're on top of the world. Then, the next day I see one of my brothers getting killed for no damn reason on the news. It's so jarring.

So many of us are out here doing our best to change, and grow, and evolve, and create — yet everything around us tells us we aren't enough. What I've learned most is that black people don't need to change. We are doing some pretty incredible things despite the hand we've been dealt. What we need is for people to get out of our way so that we can BE the magic that we are. That's why I put three versions of myself in the video — to represent this torn feeling inside.

Oh, and in case you're wondering which songs Williams covered for his video, we got you! See below — we suggest you make this your "woke" playlist: 

"Hell You Talmbout" – Janelle Monae
"Redbone" – Childish Gambino
"Freedom" – Beyoncé
"They Don't Care About Us" – Michael Jackson
"VRY BLK" – Jamila Woods
"Glory" – John Legend
"What's Going On" – Marvin Gaye
"Be Free" – J Cole
"Alright" – Kendrick Lamar
"Say It Loud" – James Brown
"FUBU" – Solange

You can learn more about Justin Michael Williams on his website.