The Year Black Music Became Pop Music | September 12, 2024

Overview

From language to fashion to music, it's evident that Black sounds and aesthetics have influenced every aspect of American and global culture.

In 2004, nearly every artist who claimed the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100—a benchmark for chart-topping hits—was Black. This year marked the peak of hip-hop, rap and R&B's ascent into global pop culture, the culmination of a process decades in the making. Two decades on, the importance and influence of that year, and the music it brought us, is apparent. This workshop series assembles the music of 2004 to explore the circumstances that propelled them into pop culture, and examine the legacies they have left, both independently and collectively.

Each workshop will instigate a candid and critical conversation that explores the different paths that have led us here— from the rise of sparse, minimalist sounds from the North to the conscious rap of the Midwest and the crunk and trap that dominated the South— and interrogate the stakes of this transition into the mainstream.

Workshop Description

Our last session ends with these batch of songs, all hailing from areas that had its own history and special moment in the rap and pop worlds: “Slow Motion” by Juvenile and Soulja Slim detailing the rise of Cash Money Records and New Orleans rap, “Lean Back” by Terror Squad representing the results of combing a dance move with the aura of the New York scene, “Goodies” by Ciara and Petey Pablo signaling the dawn of crunk music from Atlanta, and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg and Pharell offering a swan song to a West Coast pioneer while simultaneously bringing a new pioneer into the forefront. 

At the end of our session, participants will have to choose what song they believe was most influential based on our previous discussions and reviews.

Facilitator Bio:

Dela Acolatse examines the important moments in our lives to provide meaning and significance  in the journey of life. As an educator, photographer, writer, and researcher, Dela utilizes the interconnectedness of culture and community as a resource for one’s personal growth and development. By blurring the boundaries between academic and artistic practice, Dela hopes to build outcomes and initiatives that pass from generation to generation. 

In Person Attendees:

Health Check: If you're feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, we kindly ask you to stay home and join us virtually.

Sanitization: Hand sanitizing stations will be available at the venue, along with masks and a restricted supply of COVID-19 tests.

Mask Requirements: In accordance with the latest, safer COVID-19 guidelines, we require all attendees to wear masks during the event. 

Allergies: Refreshments will be served, please include any allergies and dietary restrictions in the provided space.

Note: Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot for this enlightening workshop. For inquiries and more information, please contact comms@ujimaboston.com.