Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)
I recall Jada Pinkett-Smith saying in a Vibe article some time ago, “For black audiences, I think it’s important that we start expanding ourselves. You know, black people say, ‘Oh, rock ‘n’ roll is our music.’ Yeah, but you don’t listen to it. Why’s that? Sometimes I feel like we’re our own worst enemy, because we limit ourselves more than anybody.”
Allow me to introduce you to Jamie Lidell, an English soul singer.
In my book, there’s no such thing as “black music” or “white music”. The only differentiation I make when it comes to music is whether it’s good.
And this is…well, partially. I’ve been enjoying the second half of Jamie’s latest album, Jim since last month. I deleted the other half after the first listen. That’s beside the point, though.
The last track of the album, “Rope of Sand“, is my favorite and has quickly become one of my most played songs.
JMarie said:
I love music period. However, I’m not feeling his sound at all. It’s not my cup of tea…but I love the blazer! now that is something worth commenting on.
I do agree with Jada on the how Black people truly limit themselves and its disheartening. You can even push that comment towards fashion as well. I remember back in high school I wore this orange top, a pair of jeans and white sneakers. This guy that I had a crush on at the time was like what are you wearing? your shoes don’t match your shirt. Needless to say after that comment I stopped liking him as much, but I was just amazed at how the Black people that I grew up around really have the mentatility of everything must be matchy matchy or else you look crazy.
That was a long aside,and I do apologize. But honestly fashion and music to me is a creative form of expression and that’s something that has no boundaries or boxes. I wear what I feel and I listen to whatever and I think if more Black people were supportive of that thinking we could really do some phenomenal things.
kaykay said:
hmm so no black music…do you believe in black anything as far as ownership or origin is concerned? i.e. food, literature, culture, aesthetics. I’m all for positive “black” things as long as your mind is open to other things-notice I said positive, lol…b/c I acknowledge there’s a engative pitfall of using such labels.
And as far as Jada’s argument goes, I feel her on black origins of R&R but when something is co-oped or should I say very appreciated by the white main stream what should the collective “black” response be if they’re not feeling the co-opters take, interpretation or re-packaging of said genre? Does she feel as passionately about black people not being huge supporters of country music-I mean it’s the same phenomenon imo.
With all this said I love Teena Marie, Rod Temperton, The Doobie Bros., Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Hall & Oats, Taylor Dayne,Wham!, George Michael, Swing Out Sister, Joe Jackson, Lisa Stanfield & white sounding and singing white artist as well b/c like you said good music is good music
The Brwn Drby Haberdashery Blog » “White music” vs “Black music” said:
[...] there really such a thing? Music is music and I agree with J.Dakar when he says that he doesn’t subscribe to that theory, only to the notion of good music vs. bad music! So here is some good music, thanks to J.Dakar [...]
Breia said:
I’m kinda feeling this dude. I don’t know why, but I’m getting Frankie Beverly vibes when I listen to the song. May have to check him out.
J. Dakar said:
Black culture, definitely…and since everything else you mention, kaykay, falls within that category, I do believe in black ownership/origin.
However, my statement regarding “black music” and “white music” was meant to stress Jada’s point…although after reading your list of artists, I realize I’ve distinguished a few of them as “blue-eyed soul” artists and that, in itself, implies that soul is a black genre of music and those artists are, in a way, trespassing. So much for my point. Haha.
kaykay said:
lol @ blue eyed soul! love it, gotta use that one-haha
Bahama said:
I love any kind of music as long as it speaks to my soul or feelings. This guy has a nice voice, i like it.
C said:
I’m going to listen to this song but Multiply? Some garbage. Ha ha.
J. Dakar said:
LOL! That was pretty bad, although I did like “What Is It This Time” and “Game for Fools”.
modi said:
great fucking look.
his music is pretty damn eclectic. experimental. i have a feeling his live concert is gonna bring out some spooks and goons and goblins, along with the cool ass kids and the hard core electro dudes.
i’m ready for it all. great fucking work. bloggers run shit, in my opinion. we know the fucking deal. yzr.
Reuben Powell said:
George Michael is also a great singer and was quite famous in the 80’s era.~~’
Colton Diaz said:
George Michael have created lots of scandal in the 90s he he.-`