‘State of Black Music’ Amplified at Forum

The pros and cons of technological advancements in the music industry, artists recording both gospel and secular music and the social responsibility of artists were just a few of the topics addressed at the “State of Black Music” forum on Monday.

The event, held in the Browsing Room of the Founder’s Library, was hosted by Lambda Chapter, Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. in collaboration with WHBC. The event featured a panel of gospel and secular artists including O. Christopher Buckner, Rachel Robinson, Anthony “Ice the Villain” Poole, Derick “Deontre Blayz” Bowers, Emmitt McGee III as well as the newly crowned Mr. Howard University, Melech Thomas.

The moderator, Joshua Mitchell of Lambda Chapter, Alpha Nu Omega, opened the forum asking panelists to define black music.

“Black music is multifaceted,” Buckner said. “That’s why there are so many faces here representing different genres of music.”
Poole defined black music as “powerful.”

“Music has influence around the world,” Poole said. “The fact that it is universal is what gives [music] its power.”

The advantages and disadvantages of music technology in the 21st century was another hot issue for the panelists.

“Technology is a double-edged sword,” Poole said. “Basically anyone can come out with two or three songs now if they have a computer.”

Bowers agreed with Poole, adding that it is the job of the consumers to differentiate between what is good and bad music.

Bowers said that creating music is easier now, considering the technology available. “That means a flood of people who are ‘wack’ can get an audience.”

Thomas differed from his fellow panelists, however. He said that technological advances actually bring forth individual creativity instead of the corporate world’s idea of what is appealing to listeners.

“I personally see it as good,” Thomas said. “[Technology] is giving people a venue to express themselves.”

The panelists also tackled what the “it factor” is that makes some artists more successful than others.

“The ‘it factor’ is God anointing you to do what you need to do in that time,” Robinson, a singer, songwriter and producer said. “If it’s meant to be, God will open doors and make it happen. Whitney Houston became a star because that’s what was in God’s will. It is the same for anything else, whether you become a doctor or lawyer.”

Mitchell also posed the age-old question of whether art imitates life or life imitates art.

“I want to know if you feel that artists influence culture or culture influences artists,” Mitchell said to the panelists.

Robinson said, “Black culture influences culture in general.” Robinson cited how the Fisk

Jubilee singers performance to Queen Victoria of Great Britain, the creation of jazz in New Orleans and the birth of hip-hop in urban America moved the masses to imitate black music.

The panelists also discussed the “R.Kelly effect,” artists performing both gospel and secular music, and whether or not it is problematic.

“I don’t find it problematic at all. There are all aspects of a person,” Bowers said. “My music won’t always be positive or negative but will depend on my mood and feeling.”

McGee said, “If artists like Kanye West want to do songs like ‘Jesus Walks’ they should be able to. They have the freedom of creative expression.”
The forum was the kick-off event for Lambda Chapter, Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Incorporated’s “EagleEye 2008,” the organization’s first annual week.

4 comments

Black Music Slaves in 2009

Thu Dec 3 2009 01:40

Black music today in 2009, is nothing more than a audio blueprint for "mental incarceration" and a continued misrepresentation of what being Black is all about in a White racist society(i.e., the watered down version) that millions of Blacks are in denial or totally oblivious about.

Marlon Jackson

Fri Nov 13 2009 11:39

Back in the 60s to 80s groups were making music, today they are making records. It freaks me out to hear people that make money on these records gloss over the tragedy of our times. The computer and track music is okay but there's nothing like the real thing. I rarely ever hear a song with the word love in it unless they use it as an action. Anybody is not suppose to be able to make money in this business. There actually used to be real stars because of their musical genius ala Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Gil Scott Heron, Chaka Khan, The Isleys, Temptaions and many others. We have sort of dumbed down our standard for music. Thank God he still gives us throw back talent like Alicia Keys. Music is powerful. It brought us through slavery and the Civil Rights movement. It spoke to our spirit and encouraged us to stand up, "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm proud." (James Brown) The youth of today are no different than we were in the 60s. They want to dance just like we did. It's just sad that the words they have to listen to are so nothing. So many songs that make little to no sense. If you want to hear some good music go to ITUNES and download our Howard brother Wayne Linsey's "Song Without Words." There's room for all kinds of music. I just believe artist must be mindful of the effect it will have on our youth, then again, maybe they are.

The Black Cynic

Thu Nov 12 2009 14:21

The state of "so-called" Black music is on a continued downward slope because it has become nothing more than a visual and lyrical "repetitive minstrel" shows. The ahistorical(or shall I say, the misinformed) and apolitical artists[most and not all] have been convinced (i.e., a seven figure signing bonus, an expensive car to drive[that's leased of course]by the various White owned music labels and White owned music distributorships and White owned corporations(i.e., Verizon, McDonalds, Burger King, Ford, GM, KFC, etc.) that eagerly supports the continuation of the perpetuation of negative stereotypes of Black life and culture.

The “so-called” Black artists have been convinced that the only “they” can acquire any sort of “record deal” is to: (a) sensationalize the sale and consumption of illegal drugs(which are allowed to come into our communities by the way): (b)the domestic terrorism that exists within our community (under the rubric called Black on Black crime): (c)the continued sexual exploitation of Black women(ok, Black girls because Black women would not willingly participate in such activities): and (d) to emphasize the instantaneous gratification, consumerism, materialism, and any other forms of debauchery that has been interpreted as the norm(unfortunately). Until those “so-called” Blacks affiliated with the entertainment industry are willing to challenge and hold these White owned corporations accountable for financially sponsoring and encouraging the subliminal denigration of our Black community for the purpose of profit motives. Not to mention that the collective Black community should as equally hold these entities accountable as well (artists included of course).

I would argue that until the “so-called” Black aspiring artists (all forms) develop a sense of “true Black pride” in which the majority of their respective work will emphasize the brilliance that originates from “us”. “We” will continue to be seen within the contiguous United States and abroad as nothing more than a group of people who does not contribute anything of substance to this society. By the way, simply because "we" someone (President Barack "The Black Judas Goat")in the Whitehouse who has Black skin(certainly not Black consciousness-see his policies accordingly) will not offset the bombardment of negative imagery of Black people. Then, “we” wonder why when foreigners here in the US have the tendency (unfortunately) to be disrespectful to one on various levels. Further, I even feel safe in saying that if any other specific group had committed the same disrespectful acts against the Jewish community, the Latino community, or even the Gay community, I’m very certain that the Jewish Defense League (JDL), the ACLU, the National Council of LaRaza(NCLR) or the Human Rights Commission(HRC) would immediately direct time, energy, and money to stop such behavior. So, the question should be asked when was the last time you recalled any “so-called” Black organizations (i.e., NAACP, Links, National Urban League, The Boule, or Black Sororities or Fraternities, "so-called" Black radio[which is nothing but 21st century Al Jolson],etc.) publicly and consistently attacking those who commit these crimes against the sanctity of our Black community? Until this happens, the Black community will continue to be the “carcass that everybody else is feeding off of while "we" continue to get weaker or even become extinct. Particularly with the onset on "so-called" diversity and multiculturalism and the way its currently practiced.

A. "ITV" P.

Wed Oct 22 2008 10:59

Great article! That Anthony "Ice the Villain" Poole is the MAN! lol.
Icethevillain.blogspot.com & Myspace.com/ice935.... Log on!

Shouts out to Alpha Nu Omega and the panelists! Much respect.

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