I was actually going to name this post: "Black people need to buy MORE music". Then I said to myself hang on... actually... Black people need to buy music full stop.
This afternoon I was having a conversation with my friend about the socio-economics of Black people. He asked the rhetorical question: "Why are black people so
tight with their money?" I said to him - to be honest - I'm not sure but the only thing I can be sure about is that there cant be a straightforward answer to that question. However, this is my theory. In the western world majority of Black people are not as well established as their white counterparts for numerous reasons - Slavery and Colonialism is just to mention a few. If we look at Britain as an example: Mass immigration of Black people only started during the 20th century. Caribbeans in the 40s, 50s and 60s and Africans in 80s onwards. As new immigrants we don't have "old money" as already established inhabitants do that have been passed down generations. I.e. No houses, no assets, no cash that has been passed down - because we're new here. Therefore, any money or assets we do have, naturally, we would strive to keep.
This afternoon I was having a conversation with my friend about the socio-economics of Black people. He asked the rhetorical question: "Why are black people so
tight with their money?" I said to him - to be honest - I'm not sure but the only thing I can be sure about is that there cant be a straightforward answer to that question. However, this is my theory. In the western world majority of Black people are not as well established as their white counterparts for numerous reasons - Slavery and Colonialism is just to mention a few. If we look at Britain as an example: Mass immigration of Black people only started during the 20th century. Caribbeans in the 40s, 50s and 60s and Africans in 80s onwards. As new immigrants we don't have "old money" as already established inhabitants do that have been passed down generations. I.e. No houses, no assets, no cash that has been passed down - because we're new here. Therefore, any money or assets we do have, naturally, we would strive to keep.Enough of the ranting - is this linked to buying music? In my eyes of course it is! When I was younger, I used to be one of many black people who used to download download download till my hard drive could take no more. Then I used to wonder why music wasn't getting any better - if anything- worse. If we as people don't invest in the music that we like how will the music grow and get better or become more popular?! - In short - it won't! This is why you see artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder switching up their style and their image when going mainstream. Don't get me wrong! There's nothing wrong with switching up your style if it's going to bring more money - afterall this is a Music..BUSINESS.
There's a quote from the movie Dreamgirls that is apt for this blog post. When Effie gets demoted to a backup singer within the group, her brother explains to her that the groups needs a "lighter sound to crossover to the pop charts". I.e. If the sound is to raw/"urban" - it won't sell. How about we change that mentality? But we won't if we keep downloading.
There's a quote from the movie Dreamgirls that is apt for this blog post. When Effie gets demoted to a backup singer within the group, her brother explains to her that the groups needs a "lighter sound to crossover to the pop charts". I.e. If the sound is to raw/"urban" - it won't sell. How about we change that mentality? But we won't if we keep downloading.
Everything you said is true!
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