Racism is alive and casting lots of un-wellness among the people of our nation. While millions find it hard to believe… “Stay Woke,” as it’s when one is blind that ye suffers most. Through it all – racism then and now – multi-millions come together through music…
Rag-N-Bone Man, ZZ Ward and Post Malone, are three music talents whose stars, are steadily on the rise. “Complexion it don’t mean a thing,” are words of wisdom from Kendrick Lemar’s CD, “To Pimp a Butterfly.” Rag-N-Bone’s hit single “Human,” may be interpreted several ways, however I can’t imagine aspects of racial injustices didn’t occur to him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3wKzyIN1yk
ZZ Ward’s second album, “Storm,” has topped the Billboard Blues chart. She took the stage recently with Fantastic Negrito, for a performance on, “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Her choice for a collaborator, is a reflection of her respect, for the origins of ‘The Blues.’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Wvg12xwe4
Post Malone has been declared one of this year’s biggest hip-hop artists. A brother that delivers raps over R&B tracks, he’s got his own style with a blues flavor, emphasized by his southern drawl. His debut CD “Stoney,” features 18 tracks including the singles, “White Iverson,” “Congratulations,” and my favorite “Rock Star.” Justin Bieber, Quavo and 21 Savage are featured on “Stoney,” and Malone has made guest appearances on records for Kanye West, 50 Cent, Gucci Mane and Lorde. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_209r9TMB4M
Throughout history several artists have acknowledged the root of their influences, while others have not, and some are not even aware that all music began with a drum. “I’m a rolling stone,” is the Muddy Waters line, that gave The Rolling Stones their name. Any artist that draws on dynamics of oppression through their craft, is simply professing, that they have a certain level of insight regarding those oppressed. Music has always been a vital form of social communication, as well as a means of resolution and escapism, for a sole individual or group to relay to the masses. It still is today.
Although performers like LORDE, James Arthur and Julia Michaels are not exactly soulful, their music concepts are definitely FUNKY, given their attention to aspects of certain lifestyles and having “Issues.” Of Lorde’s first big hit “Royals,” she says ‘all those references to expensive alcohol, beautiful clothes and beautiful cars – I was thinking, ‘This is so opulent, but it’s also bullshit.'” Her ability to tap into this reality expressed through hip-hop, set the foundation for her to drop her new CD, “Melodrama.” James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go,” is among the top-10 best selling song of the year. Thematically, it’s reminiscent of Babyface’s hit, “Whip Appeal.” Here’s his appearance on The Tonight Show w/ Jimmy Fallon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuHA2U2xprQ
Michaels has now performed on the ‘Tonight’ show, twice, the first time she did her hit “Issues.” Recently she took the ‘Fallon Show’ stage again, to introduce her second single, “Worst in Me.” Michaels’ direction on her EP “Nervous System,” points out her flaws, for the purpose of self-improvement. That’s just a great philosophy for life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgNMcMwEcxs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuBxwZfYD6U
The featured image above is a photo of “Grime Artist” Stormzy and Ed Sheeran from the UK. Sheeran asked Stormzy to perform w/ him earlier this year, at the Brit Awards, in his efforts to calm racial tensions there and around the world. Read the full story here… http://crackmagazine.net/2017/02/brits-2017-stormzy-duets-ed-sheeran/
Other Blue-Eyed Soul artists throughout history include: Len Barry; Billy Joel; Bobby Caldwell; Dr. John; Hall & Oates; Kenny Loggins; Laura Nyro; The Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald; The Osmonds; The O’Kaysions; The Righteous Brothers; The Rascals; Steely Dan; Three Dog Night; Boz Scaggs; Wild Cherry; Esthero; Jane Child; Gino Vanelli; Sia; Herbie Mann; Robyn; Robin Thicke; Fiona Apple; Christina Aguilera; Justin Timberlake (ala Timbaland); (BRITS) Led Zeppelin; Toto; The Animals; The Bee Gees; Eric Burdon (WAR); George Michael; Boy George; Average White Band; Rick Astley; Joe Cocker; Elton John; Joss Stone; Duffy; Annie Lennox; Lulu; Steve Winwood; Sheena Easton; Peter Gabriel; The Human League; Natasha Bedingfield; The Beatles; The Police (Sting); James & Van Morrison; Robert Palmer; Mick Hucknall of Simply Red; Dusty Springfield; Lisa Stansfield; Rod Stewart; Jessie J. and ol’ school performer Tom Jones.
Eminem’s performance from BET recently… https://www.cbsnews.com/videos/eminem-rips-trump-his-supporters-in-freestyle-rap/
for the LOVE of Peace through MUSIC
c-dub
