Culture & Society
Pickin’ cotton: Why Black artists still ain't free
We are better than BET. Get free or die tryin'
By: Edward M. Garnes, Jr.
(Add to your loop)
Wed, 06/09/2010 - 08:56
0
Votes
With the gradual decline of the moral authority of the Negro church, and the increasing irresolution which is paralyzing Negro middle-class leadership, there is devolving upon Negro writers this new role. They are being called upon to do no less than create values by which their race is to struggle, live and die.- Richard Wright (Blue Print For Negro Writing, 1937)
My Aunt Barbara never wanted her top shelf liquor or music water downed because the truth was always stirring in the blues. Somewhere deep in the sweaty walls of her juke joint ministers of sound elevated her mom and pop operation into a cathedral of soul with spiritual shout outs from the gut bucket book of Muddy Waters, do right women voodoo of Aretha Franklin, and get up off that thang politics of funks maestro James Brown. Auntie’s juke joint was my freedom song; a sanctuary where everyday black man blues was eased by the crooning of Eddie Levert or the Isley Brothers.
Being a black artist is ripe with inconvenience. And the cruel irony of Richard Wright’s compelling thesis on the obligation of people darker than blue, is that despite the ridiculous amounts of wealth of the new power generation they are still an underclass of indentured servants to white owners. The original recording of an album is called a master for a reason. Million dollar deals do not necessary translate into “real” power of one’s own lot. The "perceived" power of today's bling'ed out artists is often divorced quite purposely from the legacy of struggle and black activist traditions of Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Gladys Knight, all of whom used their social capital and fame to protest unjust wars, fight for civil rights, and free the spirits and minds of African people treading at the bottom of the well.
READ MORE:
- An open letter to Slim Thug: How much more 'Down' do you want Black women to be?
- I hate Drake. There, I said it.
- In the Loop celebrity interviews
- It's Black Music Month, so what's Black music anyway?
In age when Youtube views, Twitter followers, and Google Analytics determine the next musical phenom, too many modern day artists are willing to prostitute their art yielding to any market force that pads their pockets; often times at the expense of other black folk. The self aggrandizing styling typified by many artists, sans political consciousness, has little room to put beliefs over Bentleys.
And, why should they?
With mega churches more concerned with tax returns than spiritual bankruptcy, absentee parents content on living second childhoods instead of raising competent adults, and ego driven leaders jockeying for a seat at Master’s table, it’s easy to understand why shallow billboard hits are all pretense and no power.
It is high time we stop co-signing b.s.
RELATED STORIES
-
T.I., Wife Arrested on Controlled Substance ChargeThu, 09/02/2010 - 10:20Grammy-winning rapper T.I. was arrested along with his wife on suspicion of possessing methamphetamines, five months after the hip-hop star finished a prison stint on weapons charges, msnbc reports. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said the 29-year-old rapper and his wife, Tameka Cottle, were pulled over after deputies smelled mariju ...
-
My fear of raising a Black manThu, 09/02/2010 - 01:07The trials of raising a black man in a society so invested in our failure. ...
-
Charter vs. Public Schools: Fear and loathing in educationThu, 09/02/2010 - 00:33Without the actual facts concerning our education perceptions about charter schools can lead us astray. ...
-
Hip-Hop's Sommelier Branches OutWed, 09/01/2010 - 07:31Branson Belchie — better known as Branson B., hip-hop's unofficial sommelier — is not an artist nor is he a rap producer. He's the man who introduced Cristal and Moet to the likes of Biggie Smalls and Sean Puff Daddy Combs, among others, MSNBC reports. "I never particularly cared for Moet, personally," Branson offers. "Moet ...
theloop Twitter
- I am not in favor of charter schools as I feel yet another layer is added to the educational system ... On Charter vs. Public Schools: Fear and loathing in education
- While I don't disagree with the broad points of the article (don't try to keep up with the Joneses, ... On A "Lottery Ticket" is no ticket to wealth
- Kim Kardashian allegedly decided at a young age that she wanted to be the star of a reality televi... On Why Kim Kardashian is bad for Armenian women
- Interesting thought. Definitely something to consider. I think a lot of people like to stay close ... On It's time for a new Great Migration, out of the hood
COMMENTS
Post new comment
I have been lamenting this for so long. I got into a heated discussion just last Saturday, with family regarding the content or the lack there of in today's music.
I haven't listened to the radio in so verly long, I mean like YEARS. When I do it's the Gospel station, I am two seconds from shutting that down too. I no longer identify with "Black Music." I am stuck in a rut of old and some post 90's R&B.
I am VERY selective of what goes into the gates of my ears and eyes. I would like the whole man that I am to be addressed, I am spiritual, intellecutal and lastly sexual. All of which have to be addressed.. That's not what I get from Rhiana or Beyonce!
I can hardly stomach Drake and Jay-Z. When did my personal assets surpass the needs of the multitudes. There is only so much you can say to commend that "PHAT ASS" that you tapped, without tale of the trip to the free clinic as a result of the reprocussion of that action. I just need somebody to resurect Curtis, Donnie and get me a beat real soon!
EXCELLENT post..
I am so glad somebody called out Nicki Minaj. I hate listening to the radio. The writer really went in on the black church and leaders. But it is the truth.
This is a great article. With so much going on today, these artists need to take a stand.
Ed,
Like Richard Pryor, you encourage us to look at life in a way that's not always comfortable, but it's necessary. And the healing begins after a little antiseptic sting. Shout out to Little Brother, Badu, Shannon, Fahamu and everybody else helping us make sense of this world with their art. I love y'all like a chicken sandwich with the good mustard and all the trimmings.
-sug boog in the hood
Ed,
As usual, you are right on point my brother. There is no real substance in "our music" anymore. How many times can a person talk about the car they drive, the clothes they wear, the amount of weed they smoke, the amount of alcohol they consume, and the number of women or men they have got it on with? Sometimes I think I'm just getting old, but then I remember that the music that was "old school" when I was young sounds just as good today as it did back when I was a kid. Keep doing your thing Bro to help enlighten us, especially the younger generation!
Hi, my name is MANNY. I am not here for any publicity or unrealistic reason. I just want to point out the artist that don't make music for the industry, but do it because there are topics, that today, have never been touched in music. There has been countless songs made towards mothers, but never any towards fathers. All I am asking of you, is for you to just listen to one song, and judge for yourself that their are artists in the industry that want to make a complete 360 change to the thing we call a "GAME", but in realism, it's a single form of suicide, if we continue to let out youth grow up thinking that what rappers, not artist say, on records are right. One Song, I Forgive
www.myspace.com/mannythoughts
"I Forgive"
Great read and most importantly a great write. I commend you Mr. Garnes for addressing issues that need to be addressed. Personally I haven't listened to the radio or watched BET in I don't know when. I have know idea who Nikki Minaj is. Unfortunately I'm still trying to deal with my 3 year old daughter who wants to listen to Put A Ring On It all day long from her very own Beyonce cd that her mom brought for her. We as artist and parents appreciate what you do. Your voice is much needed bruh.
Disempowerment. A word that carries a loaded burden that'll put its finger to the forehead of and stand toe to toe with "entitlement," "real," and even "fear." I really dug this article-- not just for the discussion on the matrix of oppression located in the heart of the "black" music industry, but more for the call to arms. The call for us to cast down our emotional and psychological baggage where we are and be responsible for ourselves and each other. Let's begin to find comfort in the fact that the domino effect can lean towards the positive when we change the negative variables in the equation of our relationships with ourselves and others. Instead of turning around and pretending that you don't hear DeMarcus n dem cursing in front of elders and young children on MARTA, say something. Rather than looking at the important imaginary thing in front of you, smile when a brother or sister passes you on the street. Let's start being there and really seeing each other. Cold article, Ed.
Lack of good Television programming
Posted by West Coast Black TV Network on January 22, 2009 at 4:56am Why is that? Also with all the wealthy Black Film and/or TV stars why are we still begging?
Permalink Reply by Enoch Mubarak on January 24, 2009 at 1:55pm
Lack of good television programming why is that? Also with all the wealthy Black Film and/or TV stars why are we still begging?
West Coast Black TV Network
Why is that?
When blacks did have the opportunity to enforce positive black programming they backed off. They backed off when they were made to understand in no uncertain terms by the powers that be that there's a price to be paid.
Once upon a time in real -time and not very long ago a television network went up for sale and a black man motivated by providing positive black programming for African Americans made an offer to buy the television network. He was told by the network that the price has increased and that he did not have enough money.
Determined to provide positive programming for African Americans the brother gathered together other financially endowed African Americans and eventually raised the money he was short of. He returned to the television network and made the full price offer.
They network flat out refused to sell the station to him. Angered by his persistence the powers that be warned him to leave it alone.
However the brother was hell bent on providing positive black programing for African Americans so instead of leaving it alone the brother went to the news media and made the story public knowledge. Shortly thereafter the brothers one and only son is found shot dead along a highway from a bullet to the head.
The television network that was for sale was Channel Five and the brother that offered to purchase it is Bill Cosby. After adding 2 plus 2 black people backed off and decided for the lack of courage that the price for positive black programming for black people was to high.
With all the wealthy Black Film and/or TV stars why are we still begging?
Black Film and/or TV stars may appear wealthy in comparison to those of us standing on the outside looking in but Black Film and/or TV stars are not wealthy in terms of their peers in the industry. Black actors in an effort to display their acting skills or talents must do so while laboring under slave contracts, inferior working conditions and in-sincere representation.
In New York there are 6 agencies that dominate and determine the image you see of black actors, models or extras on television or the big screen. Black actors or actresses must pass through one of these agencies before appearing on television or the big screen.
Any and all black actors must serve as sidekicks, support or comic relief to or for white actors. Black actors must never walk in front of white actors, only behind white actors. The black women must appear acceptable to inter-racial relationships but only where the man is white and the woman is black. The most damaging neutered and castrating effect upon the black image is found in the requirement that all black men are to be shaved bald head-ed.
All the black men are required to be bald headed because for the agencies it is all a matter of perception. The long flowing mane of the lion is what makes the lion king of the jungle. The female lion is just as regal but she has no hair and therefore is perceived as weaker. A shaved/bald head is the ultimate perception of weakness.
It is by design that the agencies proliferate media images of bald-headed African American men. Images of bald-headed African American men alert and witness to the world and global media community that white men are the male lions and the black men are the female lions.
The 6 dominating agencies work in concerted effort to minimize and nullify any positive perceptions or images of black people as being smart, talented, gifted or capable of courage, leadership or respect. If however you are a black and gifted actor to the point that no matter what they attempt you still rise and shine then the agency will claim you as their meal ticket and immediately separate you from your kind.
Why are we still begging?
We are still begging because Black Film and/or TV stars despite the damage being done to the image and persona of black people choose to labor under slave contracts rather than display a strong and empower image of black people.
We are begging because Black Film and/or TV stars chose to take the money in exchange for dignity and self respect. They choose to labor under slave contracts, inferior working conditions and in-sincere representation rather than demand or command dignity or self-respect.
In the world of black Film and/or TV stars choosing dignity and self-respect over the money means finding another way to eat and live. We are still begging because Black Film and/or TV stars chose not to be choosy beggars.
Reply by West Coast Black TV Network on January 24, 2009 at 8:58pm
Dear Enoch Mubarak
This was a beautiful reply if I can answer you that way. In all our ways of doing business you have described everything thats wrong. I feel one major element is missing is manufacturing. Because when when we were seperate and unequal we still had a black hollywood. All the things that you mentioned happened not that long ago. But when Oscar Misceux was alive so was Black Hollywood. I hope to meet and intervierw you one day for my network
John McCartney-Founder/CEO
West Coast Black Television Network
www.myspace.com/wcbtn
www.musicinnercity.com
www.thebobbytshow.com
www.tpn1.com
Enoch Mubarak
President & CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
www.mubarakinter-prizes.com Sincerely, Enoch Mubarak
President/CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
www.mubarakinter-prizes.com
Re: Why Black Artist still ain't free
The old people (Elders) use to say "Be still", "Listen and learn", and "that energy is wasted on the youth", well I'm here to tell you that when wisdom is ignored grief follows. The path has been "shown" by those who have come before us, each person must make their choices you can only free yourself no one else can do that for you. "Why dont you check out your mind been with you all the time" Mr. curtis Mayfield's one of many suggestions. Re-connecting is definitely the key. You can't be born with Locs and no Keys. Peace to All.
“Historically, Black Entertainment Television (BET) has been a beacon of excellence for African Americans, highlighting the many nuances of just how beautiful our black is. In recent years, the network has fallen short to maintain the integrity of some of its programming. This group is designed for those who are fed up with the negative light in which BET allows SOME of us portray us. BET must raise the bar and enforce programming which portrays African American's in a first-class manner. Our people are better than all the *beeping* and other inappropriate behaviors portrayed on the June 28, 2009 BET Awards Show (as well as previous and other shows/programming). We can no longer expect the leaders in the African American community to come to our defense on issues of inequality, injustices, and ignorance if we continue to perpetuate the exact behaviors that lead to the negative perceptions - which are often times at the core of these accusations. We are intelligent, integral, inspiring, and innovative people; the network needs tougher policies in place to ensure THAT is being portrayed.”-FB Group
“BET is not run by a black man any longer and it shows. Now it glamorizes or sensationalizes activities that are criminal, degrading, sexist, stereotypical, or [prejudice].”-Petition to change BET
“Black Entertainment Television's exploitation of a powerful race of people is disgrace. This vision of us becomes impressionable to other people of other races, and it [embeds] itself quickly into their minds.”
As you can see, lots of people are tired of the misrepresentation of Black People on BET. We want to take BET out of the hands of Viacom and back into the hands of Black people.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/change-bet.html
http://www.petitiononline.com/h72w2a11/petition.html
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=120551516163#!/group.php?gid=120551516163&ref=ts
If you agree, please sign these petitions and join the Facebook group so that we can bring about positive changes for BET, because over the thirty years that it has existed it has never been so counterproductive as it is today.
The Facebook group was founded in response to the truly terrible BET Awards 2009 show, after a letter by Byron Hurt was sent to BET addressing the issues. BET issued an apology, and the group basically exists to make sure that BET holds up its claims.
To contact BET itself, go to: http://www.bet.com/site/site_contactus and tell them your specific requests.
To contact Viacom, the company that owns BET, go to: http://www.viacom.com/Contact/Pages/default.aspx