Fresh Roundtable: Black Music Month

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5 Young Black Americans. 5 Questions. Then we send them through the fire.

Streetz: 29, NYC, Blogger

Brittney: 25, St. Louis, Family Law/Criminal Law Paralegal

Imani: 20, Washington D.C., Entertainment/ Fashion Media Writer & Publicist

Ray: 31, Columbus OH, Founder/Editor-In-Chief – HIPolicy Magazine

Ainslee: 24, Cleveland, Analyst

Check out what our Fresh Roundtable participants discuss and chime in on your own at the end. Kickin’ knowledge and having fun… it’s what FXP is all about.

1. What do you think of the current state of Black music?

Streetz: I think “Black Music” is in a great state. If by Black music you mean Rap, R&B, Jazz, etc you can see all races ages, creeds, and cultures  accepting and embracing our music. Look at Nas and Damien Marley’s Rap/Reggae collabo. Look at Eminem. Look at all the overseas tours rappers do that sell out. We are worldwide and not going anywhere, but need to diversify in order to remain relevant. The internet helps with this luckily. With technological innovations, info sharing is easier and abundant. We are no longer slaves to radio stations. We find and promote the music we want!

Brittney: Quality R&B and Hip Hop music and artists are out there, underground & mainstream.  This is evident by Black artists that could have been slept on but thankfully have won and/or are still winning our eardums over, i.e. Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Maxwell, Dwele, Lupe Fiasco, Outkast, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, etc.  I believe the main problem is that there are so many talented individuals with amazing content that don’t have the money behind them necessary to spread their music to the masses. A sad reality is that ”WE” aren’t in control of “OUR” music anymore. Somewhere along the way, dumbing it down became such an easy formula to follow and that’s what makes it to the radio.  Cue your Souljah Boys, Gucci Manes, and all of the little rinky dink R&B and rap groups that somehow make it on the radio. That doesn’t mean that’s all ”WE” have to offer, though. If you’re turning on your local Hip Hop & R&B radio station or your television in search of quality music, you’re losing. There are too many music sites floating around the internet, and internet radio stations for that matter, that highlight GREAT music by artists who may never even make it to mainstream radio (let alone the 106 & Park couch), to be complaining about the state of Black music. Take matters into your own hands. Quality artists are most definitely out there. Also, support these artists. Show them just how much “WE” love them & give them that motivation to keep creating that good music we yearn for.

Imani: It is not a good representation of our culture. It is a fad, something that is wanted at this point in time.The real music comes from musicians like Erykah Badu, J*Davey, Janelle Monae, NERD, The Roots. That revolutionary music and even they say ” They want commercial music, and maybe you will never hear my stuff on the radio, until someone breaks the cycle of bullsh*t”.

Ray: African Americans have always been the trendsetters when it comes to music. At this point, I believe that a majority of our music is designed to have a mass cross-over appeal which is good because it expands our audience.  The main concern that I have is the type of content found in our music, more specifically, those songs with extreme sexual undertones, i.e., Lil Wayne’s – Lollipop, Ciara’s – Ride, Usher’s – Little Freak, Rihanna’s – Rude Boy, etc.  While they all have catchy beats and clever hooks, I believe its sending the wrong message, especially to our young people.  Sure, most would argue that these are just the modern day versions of Marvin Gaye’s – Let’s Get It On or Wreckx N’ Effects – Rump Shaker, but at least these two songs left something to the imagination and their content was no where near the lyrics of “Little Freak”.  I believe that we have come along way in the music industry, but we still have a long way to go.  At the end of the day, when we can create, produce, print, market, develop and OWN our music (and) music companies then I believe we will be a true dominant force in the music industry.

Ainslee: I think artists are starting to find themselves more instead of following trends. Plus some of the major artists (Kanye, T.I., Drake, Jay-Z) have been constantly putting out music so it doesn’t given “trend rap” much room to breathe.

2. Lil Kim feels that Nicki Minaj jacked her style and owes her some respect. Do you agree with her? Furthermore, what do you think of the current state of the female rapper?

Streetz: Wrote a blog on this here.

Brittney: It’s totally obvious that Nicki was inspired by Lil Kim growing up. It’s hard to be oblivious to the fact that much of Nicki’s persona that’s been presented to us is a carbon copy of what Kim’s already done. The same style and/or color of her wigs, rocking outfits almost identical to ones in Kim’s previous videos/photo shoots, mimicking Kim’s Hard Core pose for her mixtape cover . . . I could keep going.  Nicki actually has publicly paid her respects to Kim & admitted that Kim was a huge influence. I’m not exactly sure what else Kim’s looking for. Is Nicki supposed to bow down & grovel at her feet or something? They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. Take that & run with it. I’m a Kim fan, but she hasn’t made quality music in . . . *crickets*. Kim left the gate open for someone to come through, take her spot, and create a “Barbie movement” doing what Kim originally started. If Kimberly Jones wants her spot back at almost 35 years old, she needs to quit hanging around with Ray J., get in the studio with some top notch producers, & hone her rap skills. Until then, I can’t take her seriously. Earn your spot back. Stay relevant for something other than plastic surgery.  Currently the concept of a female rapper is something like a joke for me. Unless I’m sleeping on somebody, I can’t name any female rapper these days that would make me want burn their album for $Free.99, let alone buy it.  The last female rapper that put a CD out worth my time had to be Eve or Missy. Female rappers just aren’t talking about anything that’s capable of holding my attention right now.

Imani: Yes, I do, I feel that Lil Kim has been jacked, just like Rick Ross trying to live up to Biggie with Diddy’s help!! Honestly, Lil Kim laid the record straight. But this is probably bias since I do not like the image Nicki Minaj has and her influence on the younger generations that we can save.

Ray: Well they all say that impersonation is the highest form of flattery! I believe Nicki is just an extension of Lil Kim and that she is tapping into a whole new audience.  If anything, I believe Kim would appreciate the love and instead of going against her, use Nicki’s fame to re-launch her career.  After all – when was the last time we heard an album or single from Lil Kim?!  Is there a current state of the female rapper?!  I think that Nicki Minaj is entertaining, but not really a lyricist. What happen to female rappers like MC Lyte, Nikki D, Roxanne Shante, Monie Love, Da Brat, Rah Digga, Bahamadia, Eve…shoot, I’ll even throw Trina in the mix, but even she has fallen to the side.  I think in order to have a ‘state of female rap’ you have to have more than just one and right now the state has been dissolved.

Ainslee: Absolutely. Nicki is 70% Lil Kim, 30% Lady Gaga. But nothing is new under the sun. Nicki is the only female doing it on a major level right now. There’s no one that’s really close to her in popularity. She’s definitely re-opening doors that have been closed for females these past few years. Hopefully, female rappers as a whole will realize that you don’t have to emulate Nicki to reach her level of success. There’s room for many styles.

3. Who are the best male and female R&B groups of all time?

Streetz: Male: Boyz II Men, New Edition, Jodeci, BBD (New Edition #swindle), 112; Female: Envogue, SWV, Destiny’s Child (all iterations), TLC, Total

Brittney: Best male R&B groups: New Edition, Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, 112, Guy, Toni! Tony! Tone!, Blacksteet . . .  The Jackson 5! lol.  Best female R&B groups: En Vogue, SWV, TLC, Xscape, Destiny’s Child, Brownstone . . . can I throw The Supremes in there?

Imani: Jodeci, EnVogue, SWV

Ray: This question is SUPER hard! First we have to remember that the 90′s brought an explosion of male/female groups.  Second, most of these groups have dissolved or broken up into single acts.  But if I had to pick.  For me, best male R&B group would have to be Jagged Edge.  I say that because since they hit the scene in 98′ they have been the only male group to consistently put out albums and maintain a semi-quasi form of stardom.  The best female R&B group would have to be TLC.  They still remain the top selling female group of all time (even more than Destiny’s Child).  Even today, their songs have transcended time and continue to inspire and entertain people all around the world.

Ainslee: Destiny’s Child is the best female group of all time. I was one of those teenage groupies so there’s really no room for debate on that one with me. Best male group I’d have to give to the O’Jays.

4. The jazz genre is often overlooked in Black music history. Why do you think that is?

Streetz: Jazz became more “underground” I think. Earlier generations kind of “held on” to jazz and didn’t pass it to the generations. You can also look at how rap began, the effects of Reagonomics on our communities, and the paradigm shift to rebellious music portrayed in Black music through hip hop. What’s funny is Jazz was rebellious, soulful, and real. Still is. I don’t think a young, famous “marketable” jazz icon has stepped up yet to “put Jazz back on the map”. In any major cultural city though, you’ll find that Jazz still pops and is 2000% relevant!

Brittney: I’d say the demand for jazz music has decreased, which makes it easier to be overlooked. Going a little deeper, I don’t think the average person these days has the patience or appreciation for a genre that often lacks words to accompany the music.  We’re too concerned about a bassline and nonsensical lyrics . . . can’t poison the minds with jazz music. But I won’t go there, lol.

Imani: No one can imitate it that’s why. That music will always be timeless.

Ray: Jazz is an unique style of music.  It typically serves as the basis from which all other songs are created in this industry. The crossover appeal of jazz is in fact far greater than any other genre, but for young people, the lack of lyrics makes it hard for them to ‘sing-along’ with.  Furthermore, without jazz we wouldn’t have the ‘samples’ that are used in so many of our hip-hop or r&b songs.  Dig this, jazz is as fundamental to music as a speaker is to a microphone.  They go hand-in-hand.

Ainslee: Jazz has alsways been viewed as something old. People feel you have to be a certain age to appreciate Jazz. No one really talks about it. The last time I hear Jazz mentioned in the black mainstream media it was on the Cosby Show.

5. If Jay-Z were to retire from the rap game (for real this time) who would be next in line to take his spot? Or is his spot at the top of the rap game already taken?

Streetz: You assume Jay-z is the undisputed #1 . In your example, I truly feel that Lil Wayne, Drake, J.Cole, Jay Electronica, could all eventually get that #1 spot. The wild card is Kanye West. He now garners excitement for releases in the same manner as Jay. He built that as a member of Roc-a-Fella and on his own. If Ye wants it, it’s his to take. Don’t rule out “old heads” like Nas either. All it takes is production to have people talking. Easier said than done though!

Brittney: I’m a Jay-Z stan and this is such a tough question for me to the point where I don’t even want to answer it.  Right now, I honestly don’t think anybody can touch Jay. He’s a seasoned vet; he makes everything look too easy. The way his whole style & flow has evolved from Reasonable Doubt to Blueprint 3 is crazy.  I’ve always been curious to know how things would be if Big & Pac were still with us, and who would take the crown in my personal top 4 of the greats (throwing Nas into the mix).  I wouldn’t mind seeing Kanye at the top . . . but it would definitely not be based totally upon lyricism. Lupe Fiasco is another one of my favorites, however I don’t see him ever achieving that necessary star power.  Andre 3000 or T.I. would be two other rappers I’d like to see at the top of the rap game.

Imani: Hmm… if Drake tries to keep diversity in his music, maybe him..But, I think someone more conscious about reality with some swag.

Ray: First of all Jay-Z will never retire.  I believe this dude likes to hear himself rap.  He will be 80 years old still sagging his pants and rocking a Yankee fitted while performing in NYC to the Blueprint 35.  Personally, I have never really been a big Jay-Z fan.  He is a great lyricist, but his music reached a high in 2005 with the Black Album.  Since then, he’s just been putting out albums for the heck of it.  To me, it reminds me of Michael Jordan trying to retire…he just can’t seem to let it go.  Next up to take his spot?  Quite a few – Those that have crossover appeal – Kanye, Drake, Andre 3000, Lupe Fiasco.  Those who are gifted but will never sell 40 million albums – Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco (yes I mentioned him twice). I guess we will have to wait and see.

Ainslee: Jay is an icon. Once you reach icon status, your place can never really be “taken”. Jay is the best right now. Biggie is known as the best before Jay. But Jay didn’t replace Biggie. It’s not a mutually exclusive thing. I think (pending the next album), Kanye is next in line. As far as impact and game changers, Kanye is next to hold the crown.

FXP in the Fire: The black community has been notorious for shunning artists for their homosexual lifestyle. Will homosexual musicians ever fully be embraced in the black community?

Streetz: Homosexuality has always been taboo in the black community. Unless society/culture has a complete paradigm shift and overhaul, then the answer is a resounding NO. Especially in hip-hop (whats funny is homosexuality is SUPER prevalent in the entertainment field, but not openly).

Brittney: I don’t believe so. I personally don’t have a problem with anyone’s sexuality, as long as it doesn’t directly affect me (i.e. someone I’d be dating/in a serious relationship with), so an artist’s sexual preference means nothing to me.  If I found out that Jay-Z likes men, I’d still be a die hard fan. I’d just be side-eyeing him for wasting Beyonce’s time and creating this whole “Big Pimpin’”, “Money, Cash, Hoes” womanizing image in his younger days. It’s evident that a lot of “our” values and beliefs somewhat stem from that of the Black Church and also the fact that masculinity is so important in our culture. I just don’t see the Black community embracing musicians that come right out the door with awesome music and are OPENLY gay (I have to capitalize “openly” being that some of our most revered musicians could be leading secret homosexual lifestyles, for all I know.  Nothing surprises me anymore). When faced with homosexuality within our own families, we tend to be more understanding and accepting, but that fear of the unknown, our culture being deeply rooted in the history of the Black Church, and the emphasis we place on masculinity and the male sex role seem to make that all null and void when put to a larger scale.

Imani: When they start making sense… yes. I think if Drake were a homosexual, some may give in or give up on rappers and that fake image. It’s all an image. But if it were a female artists… it probably wouldn’t matter, but people are selfish.. next generation needs the attention.

Ray: I believe we already have…we just don’t know it yet. (smh)

Ainslee: There’s a market for everything. It may be a niche market. On a grand scale, I doubt it. The church is the root of the black community, forever and always. So unless the “black church” changes its stance, homeosexually will always be somewht taboo.

That wraps up this week’s roundtable. Let us know what YOU think about these topics in the comment section. If you’re interested in being on a future Fresh Roundtable, contact info@thefreshxpress.com.

Tagged as: Black Music Month, Homosexuality, Jay-Z, jazz, Lil Kim, nicki minaj

Article by FreshXpress Staff

theFreshXpress.com is a collection of free thinkers and individuals that have come together to give voice to a nation of young African Americans. It is our mission to provide fresh thought, fresh perspectives, and fresh debate on issues relevant to the African American community.

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