In 1979, Jimmy Carter designated June as Black Music Month.  Though this designation is often overlooked by mainstream media, the significance and rich history of Black Music is undeniable.  Our music is always the blueprint for the success of popular music and is always stolen to achieve said success.  Our art sets the standard for everyone’s ears.  All Black Music -Hip Hop, House, R&B, Soul, Neo Soul, Jazz, Rock & Roll, the Blues, Zydeco, Funk, Disco, Dancehall, Reggae, Gospel, Funk, Doo-wop, and EVERYTHING ELSE – have always been the barometer for the very soul and essence of what music should be.  Our music has always determined the culture. 

With that said, we have had a very trying 2017 thus far.  Yet, regardless of what is happening around us in the world, in our nation, and in our neighborhoods, we manage to persevere and stay alive through Black Music.  Personally, June 2017 was a good month for Black Music. Below is my list of the best moments in Music for Black Music Month 2017.

1) The Xscape Reunion on the 2017 BET Awards

We were all waiting anxiously for the return of the 1990s R&B group Xscape to reintroduce themselves at the 2017 BET Awards.  Though there was much discourse about the performance, I, personally, got all of my life from seeing these beautiful Black women return to music.  And, I’m quite sure I wasn’t the only one screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs to ‘Understanding’ and ‘Just Kick It’.  Following the BET Awards, these wonderful ladies performed at the 2017 Essence Festival a packed house in the Super Lounge of the Mercedes Super Dome in New Orleans.  Their set was so packed that crowds of fans were denied entry.  They then performed 2 sold out shows in Detroit’s Chene Park.  It is such a joy to see these talented, successful, strong Black women back on the stage.  I hope we see more of them in 2017.

2) The Littles, the Bigs, and the OGs of New Edition on Stage at the 2017 BET Awards

New Edition, one of the best R&B groups of all time, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 BET Awards. The stars of the New Edition Biopic miniseries performed their tributes, which is what I was expecting.  However, I don’t think anyone expected the entire miniseries cast to join New Edition on stage, in all white suits, to perform ‘If it Isn’t Love’. 

3) The release of Jay Z’s 13th studio Album, 4:44

On June 30, 2017, Jay Z released his 13th studio album, 4:44, exclusively on Tidal, his artist owned music streaming service. Of course Jay laced our ears with double-entendres and intricate storytelling.  But, what I liked the most was the vulnerability he showed to the world.  He finally admitted to being broken and wanting to fix himself for his wife and his children. Salute.

4) Jay Z was inducted into ASCAP’s Songwriter’s Hall of Fame

June was a big month for Jay Z as he was inducted to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame on June 15, 2017.  He made history as the first rapper inducted into the hall of fame.  The moment became even more special when President Barack Obama did the honors.  Once again, salute.

5) The release of H.E.R.’s VOL. 2 EP

I must admit I’ve only recently fallen in love with the artist known as H.E.R.  She has the range! You really need to check her out.  I got my entire life, once again, when her VOL. 2 EP was released in June.  She’s certainly an artist to look out for and I can’t wait to see what H.E.R. career has in store for H.E.R.

Salute to Black Music Month 2017 and a hi-power fist to Black music all year round. 

-Sarabi

I do not own any photos depicted here.  All photo sources credited.