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Black Country Singers Make Their Mark

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Country is a broad musical category that encompasses elements of folks, bluegrass, and blues. Whether you find it irresistible or hate it, the genre is as quintessentially American as apple pie.

While white men in cowboy hats will be the very first thing most individuals imagine once they consider country music, black country singers have been making their mark on the genre since its inception. We’ll take a take a look at a few of crucial contributions black artists have made to country music, in addition to the genre’s pioneers and a few of the undeniable talents making waves today.

Contributions by Black Country Singers

Let’s start with how black musicians have contributed to the event of the country music genre over time.

Unique perspectives and experiences

Black country musicians are in a position to offer unique perspectives that other artists within the genre simply cannot convey with the identical level of authenticity. Country music’s deep ties to the American South, for instance, tackle a distinct resonance within the hands of black artists.

Beyond their music, many black country singers have also spoken directly about how race has shaped their music and their careers. Darius Rucker, for instance, has often spoken about his experiences as a black man within the predominantly white country music industry.

Breaking stereotypes

Black country artists like Yola, Brittney Spencer, and Tanner Adell are difficult stereotypes within the genre. Yola uses a “genre fluid” approach to defy traditional categorizations, bringing elements of rock, Americana, and even disco to her music.

Spencer and Adell have notably worked to make use of their platforms to offer representation for young black women in country music. Both have been energetic on social media in speaking out in regards to the difficulties of being black in country music, saying it doesn’t mean you may have to vary who you might be to achieve success.

Redefining the genre

Black people bring a certain flavor to each genre they touch, including country music.

Blanco Brown and Lil Nas X masterfully mix country with hip-hop. Hits like Blanco’s “The Git Up” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” challenge genre norms while staying true to their roots. Now, we’ve got a complete latest wave of “country rap” taking on the music industry and certain shaping genre concepts for generations to come back.

Of course, we will’t forget Bey’s album Cowboy Carter. The album features appearances from Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and even the most recent country sensation, Shaboozey. The artist skillfully blends traditional country music together with her signature R&B style, and even became the primary black woman to have a No. 1 country album.

Impact on future generations

These latest sub-genres of country at the moment are having a big impact on future generations. Jimmie Allen uses his lane to rap about black excellence in a rustic aesthetic. Willie Jones stands for diversity in his unique musical style.

Lil Nas X has opened a ton of doors for increased representation in country music. He has not only influenced black artists, but he has helped create a whole path for LGBTQ+ artists in music as a complete.

Black Country Music Pioneers

Now let’s take a take a look at a few of the musicians who paved the way in which for black country artists while also shaping the sound of country music as a complete.

DeFord Bailey

Grand Ole Opry pioneer Carlos DeFord Bailey is seen on this mid-Seventies photo. The city of Nashville is naming a street after Bailey, the “Harmonica Wizard,” whose popularity and contributions to country and blues music are still celebrated a long time later. On Saturday, DeFord Bailey Avenue shall be officially dedicated in Nashville’s Edgehill neighborhood, where Bailey lived most of his life until his death in 1982. (Marilyn Keeler Morton via AP)

Bailey, a pioneer of black country music, was the primary black star on the Grand Ole Opry. He was also a master harmonica player, with incredible control over rhythm and tone. His performances within the Nineteen Twenties and Nineteen Thirties demonstrated the flexibility of the harmonica in country music. Despite racial discrimination, his influence opened doors for future black artists within the genre.

Charley Pride

Charley Pride at the 54th Annual CMA Awards at the Music City Center in Nashville
Charley Pride performs onstage through the 54th annual CMA Awards on the Music City Center in Nashville on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMA)

Charley Pride was an absolute pioneer of country music. He broke racial barriers to attain massive success within the Nineteen Sixties. He became an enormous country star within the Seventies, having 29 #1 hits on the Billboard country charts and winning three Grammy Awards. His smooth baritone voice combined together with his heartfelt performances cemented his legacy as a pioneering figure in the sport.

Contemporary Black Country Singers

In recent years, black artists have brought country back into the mainstream and altered the landscape of the music industry as a complete. Here are a couple of who’re making waves.

Kane Brown

Kane Brown at the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards - Show
FRISCO, TEXAS – MAY 11: Kane Brown performs onstage through the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) – Source: Photo Theo Wargo / Getty Images

Kane Brown began his rise to fame by performing a canopy of George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” on social media, which went viral. He is understood for his mix of country, R&B, and pop. These influences are evident in his chart-topping singles like “What Ifs” and “Heaven.”

Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton at the 6th Annual Orville Peck Rodeo, Night Two - Nashville, TN
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 24: Mickey Guyton performs onstage through the sixth Annual Orville Peck’s Night of the Rodeo, the second night on the Ascend Amphitheater on August 24, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship/Getty Images) – Source: Photo by Mary-Beth Blankenship / Getty Images

Mickey Guyton has been an outspoken advocate for diversity in country music because the starting of her profession. Her song “Black Like Me,” released through the protests following the death of George Floyd, highlighted her personal experiences with racism. It became a strong anthem that earned her a Grammy nomination, making her the primary Black woman to be nominated for a solo country performance.

Famous Black Country Music Artists

Beyond that, there are a couple of names that may surprise you who’ve had a big impact on country music as a complete.

Ray Charles

Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Minnie Pearl
L-R: American musicians Minnie Pearl, Ray Charles and Willie Nelson smile together during an undisclosed event, Nineteen Eighties. (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) – Source: Photo Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Most people don’t immediately consider Ray Charles as a rustic artist. However, he had a big impact on country music together with his groundbreaking 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. He combined elements of R&B, jazz, and pop with country to interrupt down racial and genre barriers. Charles’ willingness to cross genres paved the way in which for future artists to mix several types of music with country.

Linda Martell

Linda Martell on CMT
In this photo from a video released by CMT, country singer Linda Martell is seen being interviewed in 2005. Martell, the primary black woman to perform a solo act on the Grand Ole Opry, shall be honored on the 2021 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday. (CMT via AP)

As the primary black female solo artist to play the Grand Ole Opry, Linda Martell is a hidden gem of sorts in country music. She brought a novel perspective to the country world together with her song “Color Him Father.” The song describes her stepfather, who stepped in and took care of her and her six siblings, along together with her mother, when her father didn’t return from combat.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner at Super Bowl XXXIV
January 30, 2000; Atlanta, GA, USA; ARCHIVE PHOTO; Tina Turner performs through the pregame show before Super Bowl XXXIV on the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY NETWORK

Like Ray, Tina Turner just isn’t universally synonymous with country music. Nevertheless, along with her pop profession, she recorded a ton of country music together with her husband, Ike, and even released a whole country album. She was well on her option to country greatness and left her own unique mark on the genre before her premature death.

Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker at the Academy Of Country Music Party For A Cause 2022
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 23: Darius Rucker performs through the ACM Party For A Cause at Ascend Amphitheater on August 23, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Mickey Bernal/Getty Images) – Source: Photo Mickey Bernal / Getty Images

The world’s No. 1 country music star got his start within the rock band Hootie and the Blowfish. They achieved widespread mainstream success until 2008, when Darius decided to go solo. He began to top the charts on his own, surpassing even his previous band’s success. His cover of “Wagon Wheel” became an enormous hit, landing him in the highest five hottest country songs of all time.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X at iHeartRadio Z100 Jingle Ball 2021 - Show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 10: Lil Nas X performs onstage through the iHeartRadio Z100 Jingle Ball 2021 on December 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for iHeartRadio) – Source: Photo Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

Last, but definitely not least, the most well-liked Billboard Hot 100 artist of all time, Lil Nas X modified not only country music, but all the music industry. The success of his hit “Old Town Road” radically modified genre expectations, rejecting stereotypical notions of country as highly traditional and immune to change, and galvanizing Black and LGBTQ+ artists to bring their very own influences to country music.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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A short and absurd (but true) list of things I’d rather do than get slapped by Mike Tyson

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thegrio.com, mike tyson, jake paul, netflix, texas, boxing

Mike Tyson, 58-year-old former heavyweight boxing champion, is able to fight Jake Paul, 27, web personality turned boxer, on November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. If you are even remotely concerned with sports, you are probably aware of this. Heck, even in the event you’re only mildly concerned with popular culture, you could be aware of this, because Mike Tyson was an absolute staple of 90s popular culture and has been in and out of the general public consciousness for a spread of reasons over the past few a long time, good and bad. I mean, it’s Mike Tyson. He is at the highest of Rushmore People Named Michael together with Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan and Michael Harriot.

It’s…Mike. Iron Mike Tyson. This is the guy about whom Will Smith created a song (as a member of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince) titled “I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson.” There was a video game version of “Punch-Out!!” called “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” — Mike Tyson had a video game!!!!

Mike Tyson was such a ferocious and powerful fighter that he often knocked people out in the primary round. Then in 1997 he bit Evander Holyfield on the ear. I say: I like Mike Tyson, but I don’t desire to smoke with Mike Tyson. Jake Paul desires to have all of the smoke with Mike Tyson, hence their upcoming fight. And throughout the weigh-in before the fight, he stepped on Mike Tyson’s toe, causing Mike Tyson to beat the dog out of him. Look, Jake Paul took it the way in which he must have. He needed to act unmoved. He needed to pretend that not only did it not hurt, nevertheless it barely had any impact.

I’m not Jake Paul.

I don’t desire him to ever get punched by Mike Tyson. I do not even wish to be Mike Tyson. I would really like to satisfy Mike Tyson, shake his hand and say nice things to him. To illustrate how serious I’m about never wanting Mike to slap me, here’s a ridiculous but true list of things I’d rather do than get slapped by Mike Tyson.

1. Bathe within the Nickelodeon slime that was thrown at people during “Double Dare”

2. Eat a bucket of wasabi-dipped cauliflower

4. Pointlessly and annoyingly, call 1,000 people by the tip of 2024 and ask in the event that they would really like to alter their long-distance carrier, like I did once I was a student within the Nineteen Nineties.

5. Write down every subtle difference between the 1977 version of the Roots miniseries and the 2016 version.


Panama Jackson theGrio.com

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Mike Tyson’s shocking reaction to an awkward interview after it almost turned worst

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Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson does promotion for his upcoming fight with Jake Paul with comedian Funny Marco and fans are worried that he was upset. (Photos: @miketyson / Instagram; @funnymarco / Instagram)

Internet sensation Funny Marco is rising within the comedy world at a rapid pace, regardless that fans and guests of the Kansas City native are never quite sure whether he’s serious or joking.

His “Open thoughts” on YouTube incorporates thousands and thousands of views of interviews with celebrities who sit next to him as he asks them silly questions designed to annoy them, often leading to a storm. From Nicki Minaj to Kevin Hart, from Chris Brown to DaBaby, the comedian and talk show host has a knack for getting under people’s skin and making viewers laugh in the method.

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is promoting his upcoming fight with Jake Paul against comedian Funny Marco, and fans are worried he was nervous. (Photos: @miketyson / Instagram; @funnymarco / Instagram)
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is promoting his upcoming fight with Jake Paul against comedian Funny Marco, and fans are frightened he was nervous. (Photos: @miketyson / Instagram; @funnymarco / Instagram)

That’s why Netflix invited him to host a special promotion for the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, which can be broadcast continue to exist the streaming service tonight at 8 p.m.

The just over a minute long interstitial was uploaded to the Still Watching Netflix YouTube channel on Wednesday, November 13. He placed 31-year-old Marco and Tyson sitting on a couch and talking to one another.

The interviewer holds the microphone in his lap as Pride of Brownsville lounges, wearing black and with a fluorescent green logo that reads “LF*Go…Energy in a Pouch.”

“So, for a million dollars, would you like to take the punch or go to sleep?” Marco asks the previous heavyweight champion.

“I don’t know. I have no idea,” Tyson says calmly.

A couple of moments pass and Marco looks around nervously and says, “Mmm… I’m a little scared.”

He then asks Tyson in regards to the pigeon Paul gave him while the 2 sat face-to-face during an interview with rapper-turned-podcaster Cam’Ron.

– Will you explain in regards to the pigeons? Marco asked.

“What do you want to know about them?” – Tyson replied.

“When he sent you the pigeons, was it a good gift?”

Without hesitation, Tyson replied, “It was a beautiful gift, but the pigeon was probably infected with a disease.”

The next query was about what Tyson wanted to do first after winning the fight, and the previous World Boxing Association champion replied that he was eating “ice cream.”

When the short interview was over, Marco asked, “Can I hug you after the fight?”

Not too enthusiastic about it, Tyson said, “Maybe. I will pass it on.” Marco then joked that he was a great fighter himself and said, “If you need some tips from me, I’m 11 and 0 or I’ve lost two fights. … Is there something you want to ask me?”

Tyson suddenly said, “No. Nice to meet you” and held out his hand to shake hers. After a few shakes, he says, “Be careful.”

The handshake lasted for a moment after which Tyson said, “Please let go of my hand.”

Nervously, Marco says, “Okay,” but doesn’t seem to realize the conversation is over. Tyson then says, “Please stand up,” to which Marco responds, “OK,” and stands up.

When the morning TV with juices common clip from the interview, many followers joined in on the joke, laughing at how Tyson appeared to beat him at the top.

“Stop playing with this man before you end up beaten and bruised,” one person wrote. Another person said: “Old Tyson would knock his glasses off.”

A 3rd comment read: “You cannot play with everyone. He’s the one person I would not play this game with.”

“I’ve never seen anyone get up so quickly,” another person joked.

One comment read: “You can’t do it right away you killer bro, dangerous job.”

Most viewers didn’t realize that this was Funny Marco’s usual interview format.

One person added: “It’s all staged.”

This funny skit was also promoted on Funny Marco and Netflix Instagram accounts.

Although Tyson is terrible within the ring, he has shown over time that he has a funny side, often playing tough with comedians.

The boxer shocked people when he told his story in Great White style. a Broadway show”Undisputed Truth” was a success not just for its raw honesty, but additionally for its unexpected comedic moment as Tyson shared wild, unfiltered stories from his life.

He then gained a brand new audience by hosting his own podcast, Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, where he is thought for making guests and listeners laugh together with his blunt observations and unpredictable comments, often turning heavy topics into emotional moments. laughter.

Tyson even had an animated series on Cartoon Network called “Mike Tyson Mysteries” that ran for 4 seasons, softening his image and finding ways to get laughs from viewers as he and his pigeons jumped into various Scooby Doo-like capers.

One of the places you’ll be able to see Tyson is on “The Joe Rogan Experience.”

As the fighter shared funny anecdotes, viewers could see him as each relatable and funny. Despite his tough guy image, Tyson’s humorousness allowed fans to connect with him in recent ways, showcasing his unexpected wit and charm.

Maybe that is why so many persons are rooting for him to beat Paul.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Why Fantasia’s 2007 hit “When I See U” always seems to be on its radar in 2024

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thegrio.com, fantasia, fantasia barrino, when i see you, r&b, 2000s music

In early November 2024, a video of University of South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer appeared online. After South Carolina’s 44-20 victory over Texas A&M University, Coach Beamer decided to take this step have his players serenade his wife in the locker room on her birthday. And what song were his players shouting with enthusiasm at the highest of their lungs? None apart from singer Fantasia’s 2006 hit “When I See U,” a song that topped the R&B charts way back in 2007 but seems to be primary in the hearts and minds of individuals all over the world this 12 months of ours sir two thousand twenty 4.

To quote Kanye West: “Like SWAY?”

How did a song that was a hit before America had its first black president develop into wildly popular almost twenty years later? Well, the apparent answer is social media, especially TikTok. In fact, a straightforward seek for “Fantasia When I See You” on the platform brings up over 24 million videos. TWENTY-FOUR MILLION. There are videos of basketball players sing a song and folks join in their houses do covers. There they’re presenters AND dances. People have converted their very own versions. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Even though social media has decided that “When I See U” needs to get all its flowers and glory, what’s it about this song that makes adults, children, and perhaps even animals sing (and/or scream) the words on top of their lyrics? lungs?

Watch a video of the football team serenading the coach’s wife. The coach has heard this song enough times to know that his players find it irresistible. The coach knew they liked it a lot that if he played it out of nowhere, enough of his players wouldn’t only know the words, but would fully participate in sharing it with the world – and his wife. But have a look at this joy; as soon because the musicians heard those opening chords, they took flight. I do not know if Coach Beamer’s wife knows this song, however it doesn’t matter. Everyone in this room did it.

And everyone knows it, because “When I See U” is an undeniable hit. It’s jam. It’s sunny on your wedding day. He’s a cop who shows up in court to contest a speeding ticket. It’s finding an additional helping of fries in your bag if you only ordered one. This is gorgeous. It gets stuck and Fantasia gets stuck on it. “When I See U” is a song about nervously falling in love with someone. That’s lovable. It’s about infatuation. It’s a contemporary version of The Temptations “It’s Just My Imagination (Running With Me)” definitely certainly one of the best songs of all time. This is one other song whose opening chords make everyone who knows it lose their mind and switch into Temptations for a number of minutes.

When I hear Fantazja singing together with her incredibly beautiful, one-of-a-kind voice, I get excited. The song is an ideal mixture of beats, rhymes and life. It’s hip-hop in the shape of R&B with a beat that rappers like Fabolous used to turn into monster rap jams.

Also, let’s analyze this quickly: who DIDN’T feel like hearing the lyrics to this song? Who hasn’t caught your eye yet, that one who captures all of your attention and you would like to talk to them, but you are afraid to do it? For me, it was three out of 4 years of school. And true story, we’re all probably that person to another person too. We’ve been there and done that. That’s the plot of many romantic comedies in three minutes and thirty-six seconds, and who doesn’t love romantic comedies? (If someone doesn’t love them, tell me never to talk to these people again.) I’m married and I like the thought of ​​”new love” in moves I’ve watched 100 times.

Most importantly, “When I See U” is just incredibly fun to sing. There are some songs which can be perfect for karaoke. What comes to mind is “Return of The Mack”, anything by Luther Vandross, “We Are Never Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift, the SWV catalog, etc. “When I See U” by Fantazja is unquestionably in the highest ten of this list. And because so many individuals know these words, it really works well for big Black gatherings like churches, live shows, family reunions, funerals, and cookouts.

There’s really no bad time to play this song. One evening, for some reason, a bunch of individuals visited me, and the music person put on “When I See U” and everybody, young and old, sang the words in unison and joyfully. (No matter if you read this sentence, it is going to be true; there are ALWAYS people in my house.)

I do not know who decided that the 2020s needed a hit Fantasia as much because the 2000s, but that person is a national hero. In a world filled with chaos, I’m glad we’ve got Fantazja, her voice and music, which make things somewhat higher.

“When I see you” today, “When I see you” tomorrow, “When I see you” ceaselessly.


Panama Jackson theGrio.com


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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