::OPINION:: THE ROLE OF MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS IN SOCIAL/POLITICAL ISSUES

::OPINION:: THE ROLE OF MUSICIANS AND ARTISTS IN SOCIAL/POLITICAL ISSUES
by Nicole Queen

"Strange Fruit," "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," "Say it Loud, I’m black and I’m Proud," "Fight The Power" all the way down to the revolutionary "King Kunta" contributes to an artist's role in social and political issues hovering around the world. Throughout the years, artists have used their musical platforms to weigh in heavily on these matters. I do not want to make this topic a history lesson but music has been used as a tool for healing situations across the nations for decades. 

People like myself look toward artists, musicians and poets to display social/political conditions via their creations or lyrics. Although, thoughts arise of covering these issues can be sometimes made taboo. “It is not so much a question of should artists address social issues like race and class in their work. For some, it is unavoidable. But we must also be flexible enough-compassionate enough- to permit artist to imagine and suggest worlds and ideas where these concrete issues aren’t applicable. They must be exonerated from pursuing a perhaps higher call”. –Ken Burns ( La Times)

In this moment, it is important for artist to stand an in organic element. This technique is how people connect and feel the truth of which an artist is trying to convey. Take for example: 1968 when James Brown calmedthe city of Boston after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The 1990 release of "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy, Wattstax celebrating the 7^th anniversary of Los Angeles Watts riots or, Marvin Gaye’s monumental album What’s Going On. All of these moments in history are still prevalent to today’s social and political standpoint.

Many of the artists of the past, present and future continue to shed light and be the people’s broken voice to the nation who sees half-truths and whole lies in today’s society. Many of these artists continue to give us a joyous feeling to say “Damn right, I am somebody!”

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::EDITORIAL:: ROBIN THICKE AND PHARRELL WILLIAMS TRIED TO BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN APPRECIATION AND INFRINGEMENT

::EDITORIAL::ROBIN THICKE AND PHARRELL WILLIAMS TRIED TO BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN APPRECIATION AND INFRINGEMENT
by Daniel Harris

"Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams is one of the best selling singles of all times. Given the current state of music sales today, that is saying a lot. It was nominated for a number of awards, including a Grammy, in 2014. Love it or hate it, there was no escaping its infectious and danceable sound. (You know you two-stepped to it at your uncle's cookout.)

In between all of that two-stepping, similarities and comparisons were drawn between "Blurred Lines" and soul legend Marvin Gaye's 1971 hit "Got To Give It Up." Truthfully, you don't have to be a headphone junkie to draw the same comparison. In fact, Marvin Gaye's estate felt that the 2013 hit single sounded a LOT like Gaye's song, so much that they felt it infringed upon his intellectual property.

Naturally, a lawsuit was brought against Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke. They both recognize the similarities in both songs. In fact, Williams admits that he "channeled that late 70s feeling" when he co-wrote the song.  However, both artists maintain that they did not copy Gaye's music. This past Tuesday, a Los Angeles jury decided in favor of the Gaye family and awarded them $7.3 million in damages.

Howard E. King, who represented Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams in this matter, is "reviewing the decision" and will consider their options. That's lawyer talk for he's going to appeal this decision. He believes that this decision sets a "horrible precedent for music and creativity" for other artists. Seriously, any fool could hear that these two songs sound very similar.

Mr. King is being very dramatic in his statement about music and creativity. There is a fine line between drawing inspiration from an artist or genre and outright copying their work(s).

Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk," which is currently No. 1 on the Billboard charts (and could possibly be No. 1 to get on your nerves by the end of this year) takes heavy cues from artists like Morris Day, Zapp and Roger. It's an homage to 80s Funk and Pop.

When Raphael Saddiq reinvented his sound and gave us The Way I See It and Stone Rollin, it was clear that he drew inspiration from 50s and 60s Soul and Rock and Roll. Saddiq even used analog recording techniques to enhance that experience.

Daptone Records draws inspiration from 60s and 70s Soul. Their studio and recording method is a reminder of days gone by. Their artist roster would remind any music fan of the Stax and Motown era.

Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d city and the more recent B4.DA.$$ by Joey Bada$$ are both examples of Hip Hop's Golden Era being brought back to life by an appreciation from a younger generation.

I could go on and on. The point is, the aforementioned artists understood the line between appreciation and infringement. What Pharrell and Robin attempted to get away with was blurring that line under the guise of inspiration.

While Mr. King may have taken his dramatic cues from an 80s soap opera, rest assure, those artists who know and respect the line, those who do not attempt to cross that line, are perfectly safe to create free from fear of reprisal.

I'm sure if Mr. King were representing Pharrell versus the Coca Cola Corporation and this clear rip off of "Happy," he'd change his tune.

Let us know what you think. Comment below with your thoughts or hit us on Facebook and Twitter.

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::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: YASIIN BEY AND MARVIN GAYE ARE AMERIGO GAZAWAY'S NEWEST "SOUL MATES"

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: YASIIN BEY AND MARVIN GAYE ARE AMERIGO GAZAWAY'S NEWEST "SOUL MATES"
by Daniel Harris

Producer and Nashville native Amerigo Gazaway first made waves in 2011 when he fused the music of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti with Hip Hop legends De La Soul. Fela Soul received critical acclaim from Roots' drummer Questlove and was declared a "virtual web hit" by MTV. Three years removed from the success of Fela Soul, Amerigo Gazaway is back once more with another installment to his "Soul Mates" series.

In his latest release, Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One), Amerigo Gazaway masterfully blends the music of Marvin Gaye and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def). Both iconic figures in the respective genres, Yasiin Gaye is an ingenious tribute to Marvin and Yasiin's contributions to music. Considering this album as just another "mash-up" would be a mistake and a disservice.

Gazaway strikes a beautiful balance that goes way beyond mashing two different beats together. It is much more than that, much deeper. Gazaway gives this album solid structure that is built on a frame of anatomized samples of Marvin Gaye's classic and soulful Motown sound and methodically weaves in Yasiin Bey's clever wordplay. Each track on Yasiin Gaye is crafted in such a way as to not give too much Hip Hop or too much classic Soul.

Music is often viewed as groups of separate entities. Even when the roots of some styles can be traced back to having the same origin, archaic notions of contradiction still exist. With Yasiin Gaye, Amerigo Gazaway bridges two quintessential genres, creating a true departure from these mundane views.

Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One) is available NOW for download.

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::RECAP:: Celebrating Marvin Gaye

::RECAP:: Celebrating Marvin Gaye
Photos and post by Leo Wilson

Last Tuesday was definitely one of those history in the making kinda days at the Official Marvin Gaye Day Celebration, held at Restaurant Marvin in DC. Mr. Sheldon Scott, manager of the venue and semi-event host greeted guests.

Stepping out onto the back patio,  a nice sized crowd of Washingtonian socialites, mingling and networking in cheerful exchange. The ambiance of the atmosphere seemed to be that of camaraderie and eager anticipation. It was evident that the patrons held high hopes for the upcoming performances. While making my way through the crowd, I was greeted by many of the familiar faces of the local music scene, all welcoming me with warm embraces and peaceful salutations but I also found myself also being greeted by some unfamiliar faces. The vibe proved itself to be all love. Shortly after my arrival, the first of the performances began

The artist, Barsheem, grasping the attention of the audience immediately with strong captivating notes accompanied by a power house performance; offering us a sample of his style, arguably reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, himself. Barsheem’s performance provoked one audience member to walk up in the middle of his rendition to hand him a wad of cash, which he gracefully and humbly pocketed without missing a beat.  Next, after Barsheem, Marvin Gaye’s Music Director, Gordon Banks, called upon an ensemble of local DC talent to put on a mesmerizing jam session. Included in the jam session were the seasoned talents of Kenny Wesley, Troy Sol Edler, Ne’a Posey, Tamara Wellons,  Alison Carney, Bam Bam on Bass, Smiles on Keys, and and Mr Banks himself.

 
Each musician, took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their talents while commemorating an assortment of Marvin Gaye’s selections with excellence. The audience showed it’s gratitude by remaining fully captivated. Once the jam session concluded, the crowd seemed more than prepared to enjoy the stellar combined performance provided by Ms. Maimouna Youssef and Mr. Martin Luther. Unfortunately, I don’t think any of us was truly prepared for such a jaw dropping show. The soulful sounds of the two balladeers personally kept my ears racing and the visuals of the performance were more than enough to maintain the attention of any and all onlookers.

Honestly, these two artists had absolutely no problem wowing the crowd with their style, flair, and precise musical execution. I definitely left at the end of the night, having a greater appreciation for our local homegrown talent. One other artist that graced the stage with the talents of the harmonica was Mr. Fred Yonnet Not only did Mr. Yonnet deliver non stop energy to accompany Maimouna and Martin Luther, but he also sprinkled his elements of his specialized gift throughout the remainder of the show.

While Maimouna and Martin Luther performed their last song for the evening I took a moment to look over at the area where the attending family members of the late great Mr. Marvin Gaye were sitting, only to witness a very personal and loving embrace between them. At that very moment, I truly felt that the evening had reached its high point. Love and remembrance was abound throughout the entire venue. 

The final performance of the evening came from The Marquees, Marvin’s original band. They not only entertain us but also educated us of his humble beginnings while taking the entire audience with them on a personal tour through time, showing us the meaning of true soul. The Marquees left us not only endeared further to Marvin’s musical legacy, but also endeared to them.

To view more pictures from the event click HERE 

Thank you to Restaurant Marvin and Sheldon Scott for giving us access and allowing us to cover this great event!

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