We all know that President Obama is no stranger to expressing his love for music, especially our music. Black music. You know, the sounds and groove lines that makes us who we are. He has even stated that he is a fan of Jay-Z, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. Let’s not forget that gracious moment when he sang an Al Green song. It is no surprise that he wants to express his love for black music in a way that is as big as he is. On the last day of May 2015, President Obama released a proclamation on why he declared June to be a month of appreciation for African American music.
In one section of the declaration President Obama states:
“By honoring the timeless sounds that define our past and help transform our future, we celebrate not only the musicians who move us, but also the spirit of resilience and renewal they embody. This month, let us remember the essential role music plays in breaking the barriers of our time and guiding us toward a more inclusive and more equal tomorrow.”
As of now, it is the beginning of June in 2016 and Drake, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Pusha T, and Kanye West have released new music in a matter of hours apart from one other. DJ Khaled released a song with Drake titled, “For Free” which uses samples from a Too $hort song. Rihanna and Mike Will Made-It teamed up to make “Nothing is Promised” which is a great up tempo. Pusha T & Jay-Z came together to make a Tidal exclusive song called “Drug Dealers Anonymous”. Lastly, Kanye just released a song with Gucci Mane, Desiigner, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz called “Champions” that will be on GOOD Music’s upcoming album Cruel Winter.
I am very grateful for a President that loves his people and has an appreciation for music like funk, jazz, r&b, hip-hop, and soul music in general. He wants to educate everyone on the positive impact our music has had and will have in the future.
BLACK&GIFTED 