Hip-hop lyrics have long served as a reflection of the Black experience, from messages of unity and resistance to today’s dominant themes of money, violence and survival. As the music industry continues to shape what gets heard, artists and scholars are questioning how modern rap lyrics are influencing identity, values and the well-being of Black communities—especially among youth. Many are now calling for a return to more empowering narratives.
Tag: black music month
The fate of art and soul in Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been accused of being an autocrat for vetoing $32 million in cultural and museum grants from his state budget, depriving countless communities of a vital human endeavor.
Black Music Month kicks off with highly anticipated local eventsÂ
Baltimore is celebrating Black Music Month with events such as Wine on the Water and Jazzy Summer Nights, featuring performances by Davon McCoy, Jeffrey Bradshaw, Eric Roberson, and more, highlighting the rich legacy and ongoing influence of Black music genres.
Black Music Month has evolved since the 1970s. Here’s what you need to know
Black Music Month, founded in 1979, celebrates the cultural and historical significance of Black musicianship and highlights the contributions of Black artists to American culture, with President Joe Biden’s 2024 proclamation recognizing the month as a way to drive the business of Black music and promote the next generation of Black artists.
Five albums to listen to during Black Music MonthÂ
By Michelle Richardson Black History Month isn’t the only time of the year dedicated to the culture. Along with Juneteenth, June is also Black Music Month. Black Music Month was created by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to “celebrate the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural […]

