Behind the Beat: On the Systemic Racism in the Music Industry

The music industry is celebrated for its creativity and artistry- exactly how it should be. Behind what we perceive, however, this has long been a microcosm of inequities where racism casts an ominous shadow over the creative process and inhibits the well-deserved opportunities for artists of color. If we dig deep to find its roots in the US, what awaits us is a long history of segregation and discrimination. For Black artists, the path to success has been riddled with pitfalls of systemic racism which, unfortunately, still continues to influence their careers, representation, and the very soundscape of music itself. This issue is so deeply embedded in the industry’s structure that it has engulfed everything from production to promotion, distribution, you name it.  Even the legacy of Black artists is no exception. Not only in the US, but also in the British music industry racism is "serious, upfront and personal", says the author of a new report about the experiences of black musicians.

The Historical Context

Such a towering wall of discrimination could not have been manifested within a span of a few decades,  the roots of racial inequality in the music industry trace back to the early 20th century, although the Civil Rights movement was supposed to put an end to this inhumane practice. Black artists in genres such as jazz, blues, and gospel often found themselves struggling for recognition whether through frequent appropriation or underpayment. For example, the great blues singer Ma Rainey, often called the "Mother of the Blues," found herself marginalized despite her foundational role in shaping the genre. 

It is unfathomable how mistreated the aspiring and rising artists are if someone like Ma Rainey had to endure this much. Back in the early days of recorded music, major labels were reluctant to sign Black artists. And this led to a practice where Black musicians had no choice but to play for white-owned labels where their music was being capitalized without offering fair compensation. 

The "King of Rock," Elvis Presley himself acknowledged in later years how much he drew from Black artists, yet these pioneering Black artists were being overshadowed for decades just because their skin color is darker. Even rock-'n'-roll icons Chuck Berry and Little Richard who were vital to the genre’s creation struggled for recognition during their lifetimes. To clarify, these stories flash out the white-dominated society's view of the Black artists, not white artists'. 

Racism in the Modern Music Industry

Despite decades of change, racism continues to impact Black artists in many shapes and forms. One significant example would be the problem of gatekeeping, where executives and decision-makers determine which artists get exposure to a bigger audience and which ones don’t. According to a 2018 study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the University of Southern California, Black artists made up only 21% of the top 100 songs of 2018. 

Black culture has been undeniably significant in shaping the mainstream music scene, especially when it comes to genres like hip-hop, R&B, and pop. But another study by this initiative also found that across 70 major and independent music companies, just 13.9% of top executives were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.

Furthermore, Black artists often find themselves cooped up in certain genres, impeding their creative freedom and growth. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have spoken out on multiple occasions emphasizing how the industry controls the narrative around their art.

On Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without acknowledgment or respect. In many forms of art, imitation is seen as the highest form of flattery, and rightfully so. It is no different in the field of music. But the "lack of respect" is the key point here. The careers of many artists, like Iggy Azalea, who was criticized for appropriating hip hop, expose how Black musical innovations are often capitalized without crediting the original artists.

Artists often draw from the greats whom they find inspiring, which is truly a great gesture. However, in many instances, a White artist who has frequently incorporated elements from Black musicians does not face the same criticism as a Black artist would have. Moreover, if we focus on how Black music is marketed and consumed, it becomes obvious that the commercialization of the unique aspects of Black culture brings substantial profits for record labels and companies. But the originators enjoy way less financial or creative benefits than they deserve.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) found that Black artists in the UK earned less per album sale compared to white artists. Apart from album sales, such discrepancies exist on streaming platforms, where Black music is heavily consumed. Black artists continually receive fewer royalties and less financial compensation.

Artists Speak Out

Nina Simone used her music to protest racism in America with her civil rights anthems “Young, Gifted and Black". Contemporary artists have shared their experiences with systemic racism and incessantly raised their voices against this. Hip-hop artist Jay-Z has always been vocal about the systemic racism he has faced throughout his career. In his song “The Story of O.J.,” listeners can hear him criticize the way the industry profits off Black musicians while denying their ownership and control over their own music.

Duke Ellington said once, 'If jazz means anything, it is freedom of expression.” Creativity and freedom go hand in hand. So, many musicians, like Chance the Rapper, have started avoiding traditional record deals and striving to stay independent. This way they attempt to challenge the industry's archaic practices of exploitation. 

Final Words

The struggles of Black artists are far from over, but their unweaving courage and passion for what they love continue to shape and influence modern music. It is necessary for the industry, artists, and fans to stand sternly against the blatant display of inequality in the industry, and ensure that every artist is appropriately recognized for their creative endeavor. Equity in the music industry will be established only when all musicians, regardless of race, are given the opportunity to thrive. Until then, the fight will go on, as this fight is as much about culture as it is about justice.