What Difference Does it Make?

To me, when I listen to Black music I reminisce on the struggles of artist that came before our favorite rappers. I think of the political climate of the Marvin Gaye era, and the Prince era; and I realized not much has changed. As Black folk, we still use music as a social commentary, a source of liberation and empowerment. To our white counterparts, our music was a product that could sell. The purpose and soul literally has been sucked out by esteemed white bands like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and “icons” like Elvis Presley. No one wants to talk about the influence Black musicians had on other genres besides today’s R&B and Rap, so when I see white artist appropriating Black music, I assume they are not making music for the same reasons we are. To me, that makes all the difference.