Is it simply black folks playing rock music, or is it a new sub-genre - or a new 'consciousness' of black-originated music?
Are politics involved, black folks creating a hybrid fusion of various sounds, cumulated from musical genres present and past, or is it simply the symbolism of black folks playing the music that they originated?
I dunno. Before I start, I suggest you head on over to my man Rob's site, Bold as Love.
I've been fascinated with the news of L'il Wayne's new 'Rock' album, slated for release in July. Granted, the last Hip-Hop album I purchased was about four or five years ago, but I've always been fascinated by him. His hooks are always awesome; his lyrics and rhymes? Bleh. I love his drive, though and the fact that he is creative, smart and seems a lot more 'with it' than many people think he is.
So I purchased the Rolling Stone and was sorely disappointed by the article. It only mentioned his rock album in the last portion. The reviewer seemed to think that it was crap, and from what I have heard, it basically is. But hey, I'm giving him an 'A' for effort - for doing something different in this age of mediocre Hip-Hop.
But will people buy it? I'm guessing that some white folks will. Black folks? I dunno. Black rock, as Rob says on his blog, is blowing up, but a lot of what I have heard over at Afropunk is shit. Sorry boys and girls, but if you are going to bring it, bring it.A lot of what I have listened to seems like the musicians are saying, 'yeah, we're cool and we rawwk' without paying attention to chord structure or melody. They understand that it is the latest thing, but have little knowledge of the classics. It's okay to listen to some of the older stuff to get inspiration and I suggest that they do.
Look, I'm an old school type of girl. I grew up on Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and AC/DC. My older sister turned me onto The Clash and the Violent Femmes. I'm not demanding that you refer to any of them as visionaries, but take AC/DC for instance: They have a structure that has worked for them for over 30 years. They know what their fans like, and despite the simplicity of their sound, they are solid musicians whom always bring something new to the table. It might be a slight variation from their basic chord structure, but it is current enough to maintain their fan base.
My definition of Black Rock? Black folks who know and celebrate their cultural identity through their music. It might not be a sound, per se, like funk/rock, Ala Fishbone or Mother's Finest, but basically proud black folks who are doing their thing. I've been writing a lot about musicians like Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage and God Forbid, whose new album is off the chain. Just because they do not fit into the Afropunk scene doesn't mean that they are not relevant. They are people who are doing their thing, in regardless their blackness and I think that black folks need to celebrate their individuality.
