Black music has gone through many transitions in the past few decades, and now hip hop dominates the playlists of the most prominent black radio stations throughout the country. Proponents of hip hop marvel at the thumping beats, and lyrics that sensationalize the urban culture. Opponents of the music mourn the genre that spews offensive language, denigrates our women, and lauds violence.
Where has all of the conscious music gone? Where is the music that used to uplift our people through words that made "black folk' feel good about overcoming their oppression, and who wouldn't seek spiritual solace through church? Back in the day, we could turn on urban radio and listen to Earth, Wind & Fire's, Phillip Bailey singing "Keep Your Head To The Sky." We could listen to Maurice White's African led rhythms on "Get Away" which focused on "getting away from the pressures of this troubled land," with Larry Dunn's synthesiser arrangement taking us to the rousing close led by Bailey's searing falsetto.
The discography of the "Greatest Black Band of All Time", should be required listening on everyone's IPOD, and a dissection of the groups songs should be done in music classes throughour our country.
Remember that we're all "Shining Stars", no matter who we are, shining bright to see, what we can truly be." Words performed by Earth, Wind & Fire, and an anthem for all of us going through "Changing Times", a bright look into all of our inner souls.
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