Black Music and Black Muses $7 / month

Black Music and Black Muses explores the intersection of music, cultural identity, historical trauma, and artistic expression within the Black community. It discusses figures like Nina Simone and Amiri Baraka, addressing themes of love, resistance, familial relationships, societal norms, and the complexities of fame and inheritance within Black music.

Cultural Identity Historical Trauma Artistic Expression Music Industry Family Dynamics Societal Norms Fame and Inheritance

The hottest Substack posts of Black Music and Black Muses

And their main takeaways

Due North

727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music Identity Race Family Performance
  1. Children of famous parents like North West and Blue Ivy inherit both spectacle and talent, performing what they are given.
  2. Grooming and understanding in relationships can hold complexities, influenced by societal norms and individual experiences.
  3. Celebrities like Michael Jackson faced grooming, identity struggles, and the pressures of performance throughout their lives.

Love's in Need of Love Today

904 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Music History Faith
  1. Love is crucial, especially in times of conflict and historical trauma
  2. Acknowledging and confronting genocidal violence is essential
  3. Expressing love and moral courage can combat hatred and genocide

The Bodygaurd 2

235 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Analysis
  1. The film 'The Bodyguard' explores themes of race, jealousy, and betrayal.
  2. The subplot of the movie reveals a twisted family dynamic with unexpected twists.
  3. The character dynamics in the film can be seen as a modern portrayal of Greek tragedy.
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If You Can Hear Me

412 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Analysis Musicians Family Dynamics
  1. Music can be a powerful tool for expressing deep emotions and connecting with loved ones, even after they are gone.
  2. The relationship between musician parents and their children can be complex, filled with both admiration and struggle.
  3. Art, such as music and poetry, can help navigate feelings of loss and identity, serving as a means of connection and expression.

Black Swans

687 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🎶 Music Artists History Influence Performance Lyrics
  1. Nina Simone's art was a blend of vulnerability and vengeance in her singing.
  2. Nina Simone's career and music reflected a battle between her desire to be a concert pianist and her role as a diva.
  3. Nina Simone's honesty and self-awareness about her path question the idea of success, sacrifice, and the road not taken.

Songs of Black Spring

609 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎶 Music Seasons Reflection Themes
  1. In black music, spring symbolizes renewal and opportunity, but also carries heavy melancholy.
  2. Spring in black music represents a time of intense emotions, choices, and responsibilities.
  3. Spring brings role reversals and challenges us to embrace collective new beginnings in black music.

Abide With Me

98 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Art & Illustration Music Literature
  1. The author explores the concept of the Black Backstage in their upcoming series and exhibition.
  2. The author reflects on growing up in the music industry, surrounded by influential figures like Willie Hutch and Charlie Murphy.
  3. The author contemplates their need to create original music and the impact it has had on their life.

Monk's Daughter Boo Boo Singing

157 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
  1. Monk's daughter and son both became musicians, with his son even playing in his band.
  2. Monk's daughter recorded a song with Clifford Jordan in 1977.
  3. Monk moved to New Jersey for privacy due to his wife's loud juicing habit.