Here we are saying RIP once again to prominent people within the music industry. Not only are we just saying RIP, but we are saying RIP to our black queens and kings.
What will we do as a black community to avoid this? What will we do in our communities to make a change and be the change?
Talking about it on social media and self-reflecting isn’t enough, and won’t ever be enough. Should individuals in the industry be concerned about their well-being, lives, and their family? Is anyone safe?
As the black community, we should do better. Although I may not be in the music industry and don’t know what it’s like to be in the industry and the struggles that go along with it, I know from the outside looking in, it’s corrupt.
Everyone wants to be the “next” this and the “next” that, but aren’t putting in the work outside of the studio. For example, Nipsey Hussle was prominent in the studio and outside of the studio. He gave back to the community, placed his business in his community, and took the time to build those connections and relationships within his community.
Chance the Rapper has many nonprofits in Chicago, hosting spoken word nights where young aspiring artists can come and show off their skills and get feedback. When there is a big showing on a movie, he’s even done free showing for the community with a RSVP. Although he’s Chance the Rapper to the world, he’s just Chance to his community.
When you “walk the walk and talk the talk,” it makes a difference to where you can build those connections and trust the people that you are walking with, to avoid the violence. Not saying that the violence will stop, but it will make a difference when you earn the respect and are able to reach out to the ones in your community.
I’m saying your community, but honestly you can impact any community, especially if you’re in the public eye. During presidential races, candidates don’t just focus on their community, they go all over. I feel like as an artist you should do the same as well. If people all over the world look up to you and listen to your music, then why not give back as well? That goes along with building the trust.
Black Artists in the industry should be aware of what’s going on in the black community, and instead of stating that they are afraid or scared on what the industry is coming to, which is a relevant feeling, they should want to be the change and step out into those communities to build those connections, and come to the root of the issues that are arising in the communities.