As an African American male who works in music / performing arts I just came to the realization of something. This something what what id like to call Comfortable Community Empowerment By this I mean, most musicians and artist of my race are only risen up by the community when the work in question is Comfortable enough community to share and enjoy. This notion is the same one that allows the decaying carcass of what is now considered hip hop and r&b to flourish. The Community became content with convenient simplicity over uncomfortable and thought provoking growth. When artist in our community lightly venture into other genre they are praised. Praised for an inadequate venture into another realm of music. Great examples of this. From Lil Wayne rock album ( and disrespectful handling of expensive guitars) to Snoop Lions reggie album. The list is long and winding. And yet its ok. Its ok because it comfortable. Where are these supposed visionaries our future youth will have to look up to. And im not talking about the john legends, or the Neyos , Or the Gospel singers. Im talking about the artist who actually going beyond their comfort zone to make something new. Our people know of Bruno Mars, but know nothing of Tosin Abasi ( A guitar genius of of time) He and his band have created music that has truly pushed envelop of what guitar based music could be. Or how about Chris Hart. An African American man who moved to japan, learned the language and created music blending his eastern and western influences. He played sold out stadiums, all over Japan. I really could go on with this list but you guys get the point. Why is it Ive never heard these names mentions on BET? I mean it is black entertainment television. And these are black entertainers who are truly breaking ground in their respective field. Not just replicating similar work that has been done by other artist. The reason is similar. It because its not comfortable for our community to digest. The idea that our artist can be more then just subpar outside of our comfort genres. And because of this sad truth the quality of our artist continues to decline while every other major community in the work expands their artist horizons. So to my african/ African american artist. Please, stop limiting yourselves. Growth cannot come from an unwillingness to change. If we cant perceive ourselves as more then what we are and what have been, then how do we expect the world to do the same. Thoughts ?
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 07:28:50 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015