The word “Superstar” as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is “a star (as in sports or the movies) who is considered extremely talented, has great public appeal, and can usually command a high salary”. I associate traits like talented, undefeated, and unique with Superstars. Who in the music industry do you consider a Superstar? Think Beyonce and Micheal Jackson. I admire the growth of artists like these because of the inspiration they've given to the world. Music is a powerful tool that sends shockwaves through generations, lifestyles, and ideologies. Rhythm and Blues was created by black people and eventually went on to inspire many other genres. Oftentimes black artists are never accredited properly for their contributions. There is frequently the stealing, repackaging, or erasure of black existence. But within the black community the praise and love for these superstars are undeniable. These artists are held in high regard and even revered as saints. There is nothing comparable to black love.
As a black woman I hold a specific place in my heart for black artists. Knowing that we experience similar struggles yet they still exceeded expectations deepens the connections we feel towards these artists. These artists in turn make music about their experiences that shows the world who they are and how proud they are of their heritage and identity. For example child abuse is normalized within the many communities. The mentality that violence makes one obedient is a core value within the black community. Many of us can relate to Micheal Jackson’s childhood. The overbearing, abusive father using and mistreating his family. But the beauty that blossomed from that was MJ’s craft. The song Childhood discusses MJ’s desire for a normal childhood “People say I'm strange that way/'Cause I love such elementary things/It's been my fate to compensate/For the Childhood (Childhood)/ I've never known”. Music is a tool that heals, when musicians create a space of understanding by sharing their experiences it makes their craft all the more beautiful. These Superstars have resilience and love for art which has persevered above all.
Like I stated earlier black culture, art and inspiration are taken and misappropriated in ways that do not appreciate or value the culture. When it comes to artists like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé they frequently connect back to their roots of being black. This connects with the community in such an emotional evoking way that is so beautiful and unique to the black experience. Artists who are unapologetically black move the community. These artists exhibit their love for their communities with their art. The love in which these artists receive from the community, they pay back through opportunities for others.
As a young girl hearing Run the World by Beyonce filled me with confidence, I would run around the house in what I believed to be my best outfit, hollering the lyrics to my clearly overstimulated mother. If I wanted to have a sleepover with family friends we would use Micheal Jackson’s Thriller to create an over the top dance number to impress our parents. Beyoncé’s Lemonade has gone triple platinum in my room for 10 years now. First I was a little girl enamored with the beat, now I'm a young adult who can finally relate to the lyrics. As I’ve
grown as a writer, other black artists of many disciplines inspire me the most. When I’m out in creative spaces the first person I look for is someone black.
Beyonce is one of those individuals whose success and dedication inspire me. While I express my love for being black through writing she does it with phenomenal music. When an artist can make timeless music that can capture the attention of a wide audience they are a Superstar. These artists' music resonates with you in a way others can not compare to. In a Vogue article titled Beyoncé in Her Own Words: Her Life, Her Body, Her Heritage Beyonce states “It’s important to me that I help open doors for younger artists. There are so many cultural and societal barriers to entry that I like to do what I can to level the playing field, to present a different point of view for people who may feel like their voices don’t matter.” Messages and actions like this are why black Superstars are treated with such seriousness and respect from the black community. Opening doors and holding space for people who look just like them, despite them already being established. Black artists understand the black community more than anyone because they are a part of that community.
So let’s answer the big question: why are certain artists considered Superstars within the black community? These people are considered superstars because they have worked endlessly to perfect their craft. They are entertaining, charismatic, and beautiful. They opened a lane for themselves and no matter how much they succeed, they always contribute back to the community. There are so many debates about who is the number one superstar but the creativity and talent the black music community exudes is immeasurable to anything else in this entire world. These black artists put on performances, release albums, start brands that are revolutionary, and this is beautiful. These black stars are a reflection of what black excellence means.
Creative Director: Tayja Whyte
Production Manager: Chloe Kaleah Stewart
Photography: Alec Conwell
Production: Mickayla Davis, K Pereira
Talent: Elena Richardson, Melissa Alcindor, Nevaeh Adkins, Moram Hassan
