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Questlove

Do Artists Avoid Message Music For Fear Of Being Blackballed?

imageDo Artists Avoid Message Music For Fear Of Being Blackballed?

The short answer is “Yes”. Of course, I’m an artist who has never avoided  writing what they used to (and what others, including Patrick Flane7ry at Billboard.com, apparently still do) call “protest music”. But indie and major label artists alike tend to shy away from controversial material.

Have I lost opportunities because I’m labeled too political? Probably. Is that going to make me stop saying what needs to be said? Not a chance.

If I don’t say it who else will? If no one speaks up, how will we change the world?

Questlove: Fear of Being Blackballed Prevents Artists From Releasing Protest Music

© Nadir Omowale