My love for music dates back to the time where I would hear songs being played at home. My childhood not only brought me to the beauty and fantasy of television shows like Dallas, but also music was a constant.
I was introduced to rap music from my uncles who would make us watch the Up In Smoke Tour, that had the likes of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg as headlines, but also the beauty of South African music, that was showcased on the Graceland Tour. My upbringing as tough at it was at times introduced me to music, my first love. Things have changed though, especially in Hip Hop, and this might ruffle some feathers, but I love the change. I've embraced the change, I might not understand or know these artists, but fuck it, I love it.
Part of me starting this blog again, is the fact that I'm hoping to move onto a different phase of my life. I'm finishing school next year, starting my company, growing a platform that has meaning and direction, and ultimately building a future for myself. Now a lot has changed, apart from Beyoncé still being the queen of everything, and the fact that she has two fresh babies to add onto her glory. Musically things have evolved. Migos released a platinum selling record (they also proved to be just like every cis hetero male out there), Kendrick released a body of work that is critically acclaimed., Young Thug decided to release a country-soul-rnb-trap album. I fell in love with SZA and h.e.r. Then Jay Z happened, and the world stopped (at least till Donald Trump or Black men decided to ruin it).
As it is accustomed many think pieces and ill-informed takes were posted (unsolicited off course), that left all of us rolling our eyes, trying not find their locations so they can catch these hands. But part of the beauty of a social network like Twitter is knowing that people are bringing you into their minds, and thus their world. Yes, social media isn't always a reflection of the world, but the ability to get an instant idea of what some people think when an artist, especially one like Jay Z, drops an album. Part of the beauty of Twitter is getting a glimpse into someone's thoughts, which to me is a beautiful thing that we don't appreciate and honour enough.
However, there are some takes we just don't need to hear from. We don't need to hear how you wont listen to any of the new releases because its part of the "sheep mentality", no one needs to hear another reason why you think Black Women need to submit to their men, or that homosexuality is a westernized thing. Nope. Spare us. Let us enjoy and consume what the Lord allowed these amazing entertainers to bless us with.
Even with everything going on in the world, trans black women getting murdered at alarming rates, the SA Government not leading with the people as their primary concern, black men talking about black women as if we are their property, or that we don't matter, I was still able to revel in the glory of Black music around the world. I learnt about Giggs (through Drake's offering), Stefflon Don (through the podcast Gyalcast) and h.e.r (through another podcast The Friendzone). I was pleasantly surprised by Cassper Nyovest's Thuto album, I am enjoying the different offerings from Wizkid and Davido.
Ultimately music is everything to me. It keeps me sane, makes me happy, it gets me to reflect on my life, and where I want to go. Music is my lifeline, and I am nothing without it.
If you haven't heard of any of the artists I've mentioned above, please go and check them out. Support them, show them love, keep an open mind and enjoy yourself.
Peace and Love Always.
Lerato.
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