The music industry's efforts to segregate, label and gatekeep Black artists and their music has a long history. From "race records/music" to Billboard renaming it Rhythm and Blues. Or the racism surrounding the pop category, especially among Black female artists. The creation of different categories of gospel/Christian music. The Recording Academy just created a new "category" of country music after Beyonce's Country win. Hmmm, imagine that. Oh, can't wait for the piece y'all write.
I can’t WAIT to go down this rabbit hole for research because I can only imagine how deep it goes. Because I was going to connect it to how “they” did hip hop but now I’m going to make sure to broaden my research! Thanks Chloe!
I can’t wait to dive in! I knew Neo-soul as a category but not the politics around it. Feels relevant, as the proverbial “they” continue the practice of labeling new genres in a weak attempt to keep up with (control) Black artists and their genius. It also calls to mind Tyla and her comments about the afrobeats category at the VMAs or Tyler the Creator’s sentiments about his Grammy being in the rap category.
*adds names and events to list for rabbit hole research” because absolutely great points! The industry has been doing this in a copy and paste fashion but unfortunately we either didn’t see it or didn’t want to believe it. Either way I got something to say! Thanks so much for reading and commenting ALWAYS!
Wow… I remember Kedar. One of the few Black executives with signing power at that time. At one point he managed D’Angelo, Ginuwine and Joe and signed Erykah. Fun Fact….His brother is Daddy O from Stetsasonic. ❤️
So damn good right!? I was so excited curating this one because I knew everyone would enjoy it if they hadn’t already read them. And the neo soul topic is new to me too, so I brought it to the table immediately when it made sense. Thanks for reading and commenting love! ❤️
I love this piece, especially regarding neo-soul. I’m currently wrestling with my own thoughts with D’Angelo’s passing and what artists like him meant to me growing up. What neo-soul meant to us as Black people.
I know, neo-soul was a huge part of my childhood so when I learned about this through my decolonization efforts I was too devastated. However, like the word “nigga” we will claim it for the artists who embrace it is my opinion. Thank you for reading and commenting Ri!
The music industry's efforts to segregate, label and gatekeep Black artists and their music has a long history. From "race records/music" to Billboard renaming it Rhythm and Blues. Or the racism surrounding the pop category, especially among Black female artists. The creation of different categories of gospel/Christian music. The Recording Academy just created a new "category" of country music after Beyonce's Country win. Hmmm, imagine that. Oh, can't wait for the piece y'all write.
I can’t WAIT to go down this rabbit hole for research because I can only imagine how deep it goes. Because I was going to connect it to how “they” did hip hop but now I’m going to make sure to broaden my research! Thanks Chloe!
Oh yes, DEFINITELY what the industry did to hip hop. That's a whole documentary in itself!
Seriously!!!!
I can’t wait to dive in! I knew Neo-soul as a category but not the politics around it. Feels relevant, as the proverbial “they” continue the practice of labeling new genres in a weak attempt to keep up with (control) Black artists and their genius. It also calls to mind Tyla and her comments about the afrobeats category at the VMAs or Tyler the Creator’s sentiments about his Grammy being in the rap category.
*adds names and events to list for rabbit hole research” because absolutely great points! The industry has been doing this in a copy and paste fashion but unfortunately we either didn’t see it or didn’t want to believe it. Either way I got something to say! Thanks so much for reading and commenting ALWAYS!
Wow… I remember Kedar. One of the few Black executives with signing power at that time. At one point he managed D’Angelo, Ginuwine and Joe and signed Erykah. Fun Fact….His brother is Daddy O from Stetsasonic. ❤️
I wrote a nice little tribute Peace about D’Angelo. One of my favorite artists of all time. May he rest in power.
https://substack.com/@itsmicahb/note/p-176250440?r=1gvqdu&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
The reads in this one were so damn good.
I didn’t know that about Neo-soul!!
So damn good right!? I was so excited curating this one because I knew everyone would enjoy it if they hadn’t already read them. And the neo soul topic is new to me too, so I brought it to the table immediately when it made sense. Thanks for reading and commenting love! ❤️
we really be writing our asses off
I love this piece, especially regarding neo-soul. I’m currently wrestling with my own thoughts with D’Angelo’s passing and what artists like him meant to me growing up. What neo-soul meant to us as Black people.
I know, neo-soul was a huge part of my childhood so when I learned about this through my decolonization efforts I was too devastated. However, like the word “nigga” we will claim it for the artists who embrace it is my opinion. Thank you for reading and commenting Ri!
❤️❤️❤️
Appreciate you always always always 🔐
Got you always! It’s that Bay love! Plus you write really good so…
This was awesome!