Established as a bandleader, composer, and player with Conjunto La Perfecta, Eddie Palmieri presses forward yet again. Immersed in the New York scene and seeking to infuse the music with new sounds, Palmieri begins a new phase, bringing elements of funk and soul into the mix. He recorded four albums under the Tico label, which were considered to be his finest work to date. It is the second release, Justicia, which marks a distinct turning point; social commentary and politics. We can see the seeds from the previous response to Mozambique, but now the message is more direct; lyrically pointed with calls for justice for Boricuas and African Americans and ending with a message of unity and brotherhood. It is here we see the breadth of Palmieri’s understanding of the history of captives and slaves, and the diaspora that spreads music to fuel hope. The album seems to have inspired others on the scene, notably Tony Pabón's La Protesta and Manny Oquendo's Conjunto Libre.

Justicia tendrán, justicia verán en el mundo y los que deseamos, recompensa ellos verán, no serán, no serán perjudicados. Si no hubiera tiranía, todos fuéramos hermanos, dulce paz y armonía, alegría tu lo verás... Justicia tendrán, justicia verán en el mundo y los que deseamos, recompensa mi tambo, oye mi tambo la justicia yo reclamo... hay cuando llegará la justicia.