We have made it to the halfway point of one of the most impactful years in world history. 2020 has been eye opening to say the least. In the midst of the world dealing with one of the most deadly viruses to ever surface, we are also smack dab in the middle of a revolution. The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor & Ahmaud Arbery have pushed the world to its brink. Unless you’re living under a rock, you can turn your Television to any news outlet or go on your favorite app and see that the world is uprising and fighting back against racism and oppression. It’s beautiful to see the Black community, which has been systematically pitted against each other, come together for something that has been derailing our progress as people since our ancestors for centuries.
However this time not only is the Black community fighting back against the system, the entire world is taking a stand. Changes are being demanded and in some instances they’re coming to fruition. For instance the music industry, which has made an absurd amount of coin off of Black culture, has finally realized some of it’s wrong doings. Republic Records, home to artists such as Drake, Nicki Minaj & Pop Smoke has banned the use of the word “Urban”.
According to Merriam-Webster, “Urban” is used to describe the characteristic of, or constituting a city. In spite of that, “Urban” in the music industry has been used to generalize & marginalize Black artists. Many labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group and Warner Music Group have all made donations to organizations operating in the Black Lives Matter space, as well as various bail funds for protestors, which is a step in the right direction. Hopefully more will be done to ensure that this isn’t just a trend but becomes a standard throughout the industry. Donations and banning of words are great but the real power comes in the form of hiring Black people to work in these companies and have positions of power within them.
While I appreciate what these labels have done, I have to highlight the efforts of the artists who make these companies thrive. Musicians like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and YG have all hit the streets and joined and even organized protests in their cities. While we may expect artists of their caliber to protest and speak out about racial and societal issues because they have done so in the past, we have also seen artists like Kanye West, Swae Lee, & Lil Yacthy join in the movement.
Having artists speak out about racism and police brutality as well as join in on protest is significant because they have the platform to influence the masses. It is only appropriate that Black musicians are a part of the movement. For years, music has always provided a soundtrack for the times. This Can be seen during the late 60’s and early 70’s when artists like James Brown made songs such as “ Say It Loud, I’m Black & I’m Proud” while Marvin Gaye released “What’s Going On”.
Those songs and artists inspired the next generation to speak on the sociopolitical issues of their time. In the 80’s Public Enemy reminded us to go out and fight for change with “Fight The Power,” while N.W.A became the voice for many black people with “F*ck Tha Police”. That tradition spilled over into the 90’s with 2Pac, the son of a Black Panther, who regularly combated social constructs with his music. Those same ideals were passed on to modern day rao with artists like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Nas, YG, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, & Rapsody. All of these artists have used music as a way to speak out against injustices that directly affect Black Americans.
While music is not as thought-provoking as it once was in the past,, there are still artists willing to go against the grain and speak out on these issues. Music has the ability to drive and inspire, that’s why when you hear protesters blasting “FDT” by YG & Nipsey Hussle you feel empowered and eager to do more.
That is why when we see an artist like Lil Baby join in on protest after becoming one of the biggest stars in Hip-Hop we all collectively feel the need to share it on our social media. Not only does it connect the artist back with everyday people, but it also shows that these artists are willing to stand for what they believe in despite the criticism and backlash from their labels.
Since we’re highlighting the movements for equality and human decency for Black Americans and how music has always lended its hand to the movement, it’s only fitting that these events are taking place in June, which is also Black Music month.
Back in 1979, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the month of June as Black Music Month. A group of Black executives — including the “Black Godfather” Clarence Avant formed the Black Music Association in 1978 and conceived Black Music Month in 1979, to celebrate Black music’s contributions, mobilize Black economic power, and for us to have more control over our own businesses.
Black people have had an effect on every genre of music. While many tout Elvis Presley as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” he was heavily influenced by Chuck Berry, a black guitarist, singer and songwriter of the 1950s.
Although Carter proclaimed the month in 1979, an official presidential order announcing Black Music Month during the month of June didn't happen until 2000, when the House of Representatives approved House Resolution 509 officially recognized the importance, study and celebration of African-American music.
Black Americans' style of music has been imitated for years. From our flamboyant and boisterous flair which is displayed in our performances to the grace and soul carried in our vocals, the passion of Black artists have been studied and stolen without proper credit which is why having a month dedicated to our contributions is the least that can be done.
It is important that we continue to stress the significance of Black Music Month, because we have had a hand in influencing every genre.
When celebrating Black Music Month, we have to be sure to celebrate Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop has dominated the charts for the past couple years and fans of all races flood venues to see their favorite acts perform. Hip-Hop is a descendant of Jazz music which shows how influential Black Music has always been and will continue to be.