Colorism & The Modern R&B Music Paper Bag Test | @Jouelzy

[@jouelzy]

Get the Audre Lorde shirt here: sbgbookclub.org/pages/shop Then sign up for more exclusive content on patreon patreon.com/jouelzy

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

You should definitely do a glee video

[@Loveislandcritic]

someone explain to jouelzy , that is not all about your skin complexion, if you have BIG NOSE AND VERRY ADRICAN FETURES, THAT CAN ACTUALLY BE WORSE, MUCH WORSE THEN HAVING DARK SKIN

[@_Alimm]

When people say "why don't we have anymore legends and iconic voices in music anymore" it's because we no longer have darker black women prioritized in our own genres.

[@MsBinnyb]

The origin, Patti LaBelle, etc ….,….

[@sixteen.candles.4644]

This

[@marchaeowens1211]

Normani , Queen Naija, etc are not music artists that I have on my playlist due to them not delivering every time they have a chance. I am sick of this colorism bull crap.. Quit blaming the failures of others and yourself on colorism. We all the same 24 hours a day... Normani isn't as successful as other music artists because she isn't authentic and we can tell. Normani tries to sell sex, which she doesn't look comfortable doing. She also tries to embody former female r& b artists, which is okay but the least Normani could do is do a good job at it. Normani begged to perform at the grammys and did a horrible job. Normani and other artists love to blame colorism and management, but when the spotlight is on them they don't deliver.... Beyonce, Chole Bailey, Rihanna, etc have suceeded because they don't disappoint their fans.. Normani needs to work more on actually performing better than trying to sell sex..

[@marilynmonheaux]

Facts

[@thebuttermilkgirlisback]

True…the game is too light skin.

[@mrahim1342]

This video has made me think of Coco Jones, she has an incredible voice and is gorgeous. Disney failed her. They have a pipeline where they introduce a star usually as a recurring character on a popular show. Then that kid gets a spin off show or their own show, they play in a couple of Disney Channel movies and all the while Disney promotes their music by having it featured in the shows and movies, they play their music on the radio, then the kid eventually moves on pass Disney to stardom. Coco never got that. Side note the songs in Let It Shine still hold up today, she did a great job in that movie.

[@missfrizzle6057]

She’s excellent on Bel-Air and has a song dropping soon, I hope she gets the support she deserves!

[@suzygirl1843]

@@missfrizzle6057 Is she a good actress? maybe she could be in The Bodyguard reboot

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

The fact that Zendaya got a whole album but coco only got an EP they forced that pop girl on coco but let zendaya give a whole r&b album not to mention a singing contest against each other coco is eating

[@mrahim1342]

@@missfrizzle6057 thanks for letting us know I’m definitely gonna check that out

[@mrahim1342]

@@Jessica.Shawnte yeah she should’ve had her own show and multiple albums, she 100% could sing circles around all the prominent Disney girlies of her time.

[@misscecemarie7283]

When Doja Cat won R&B album of the year over Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales I was shook. Doja is more of a pop singer to me, she raps more than she actually sings. I felt like I had been gut punched because Jazmine never gets her flowers😭

[@unpopular2]

She’s Versatile

[@JaeElise]

@@unpopular2 doja is very versatile and we aren’t knocking that but doja is definitely more pop . She appeases more to white audiences than black even tho she’ll dabble here and there in the r&b songs . Jazmine still got snubbed . I mean come on THEE JAZMINE SULLIVAN . It’s funny how Mos Def even said in the rapeover this music shit is ran by a white man 🙃

[@senayon85]

Yup...it was disorienting to say the least

[@butterflyneek5]

So true. . 😔 i feel the Same thing happen to Ari Lennox she never gets her flowers either im sick of this .

[@jadacampbell9331]

@@unpopular2 yeah, what does versatility have to do with being a strong r&b vocalist? Doja's versatility shoes that she ranges in different genres, meaning if you're a jack of all trades....YOU'RE A MASTER OF NONE!!!!

[@karmaserene]

The first time I heard Jazmine Sullivan sing, I said she should be the next Whitney Houston. There’s no reason why she shouldn’t be a global superstar right now.

[@PHlophe]

they used dark skin against her.

[@imacoolmom4893]

She’s one of the few singers that give me chills when hear her, especially when she performs live.

[@Faith_therian960]

Maybe the same career as Mary J. But she is no Whitney Houston.

[@amberjay82]

@@Faith_therian960 Agreed! She's def more the Mary j. Of her generation not Whitney....she was never pop....always soul always black women focused musically like Mary J

[@ForbsieLaLa]

@@imacoolmom4893 Often times I prefer you live pieces. Forever remains on my weekly playlist because of this.

[@dojax5422]

Oh man, that video of them not putting the spotlight on Normani just broke my heart, I cannot imagine being treated like that so publicly. She is so beautiful and talented and she deserves so much better. I understand why she goes M.I.A and is hesitant to put out music, let alone an album, she most likely has trauma from the racism and colorism she has experienced. I hope when she does drop black women and all women of color can band together and support her fully because she deserves it.

[@missfrizzle6057]

I truly believe the trauma and ptsd of the experiences in that group have had an impact on her artist development. She touched on it in her most recent interview with Zane lowe. We have to remember this group was put together and handled by La Reid, who has a history of this. I’m rooting for her and hope she has a successful debut album and career. There is so much talent and passion there.

[@missmussy4984]

People go so hard on Normani it’s makes me sad Normani feels she has to be absolutely perfect but Mariah the scientist can’t even sing and gets hyped up

[@dnicole4236]

She dropped her new single “Fair” out everywhere now

[@willwowxdrice642]

@@missfrizzle6057 *Simon cowell*

[@missfrizzle6057]

@@willwowxdrice642 they both played a part. LA was not only a judge on xfactor where the group was formed but also the head of the label they were signed to.

[@Moonstone93]

I feel like SZA at one point in her career was being overlooked in the music industry as well. SZA’s CTRL album, which is a classic and I still listen to that album TO THIS DAY, was nominated for five Grammys and The Grammys paid her dust. Meanwhile Alessia Cara, who made that one song and I never heard from ever again, won best new artist over SZA. 😒

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

Bruhh not only that but alessia debut album came out in late 2015 and she had more breakout hits in 2016 I was legit confused when she got that best new artist nomination and I was almost had a breakdown when she won

[@Myaccount923]

@20something it got me through the roughest times + heartbreak. I can’t even listen to it now or I’ll probably burst into tears lol she was so vulnerable on that album.

[@suoutubez19]

@SimplyRad trust me, you’re not missing anything

[@SZAliaBanks]

@@Kevin-rg3yc SZA STILL IS! Yes she has fans but where is her industry push? Where is the music? She should be WAY BIGGER. Same with Summer, Ari Lennox, all of the dark skin / brown skin girls! I feel like the PUBLIC supports these artists but the industry does not. Yet we’re constantly having every other race / shade being shoved in our faces and constantly promoted .. Other than Shae Butter Baby, I cannot name one song by a Black R&B artist that has major radio play in recent years , and I live in CA. Jazmine Sullivan applies as well.

[@liah6092]

@@MaejorArray Lmaooo not sis making Target music. Her song "Here" was pretty big when it first came out but now its dust for her. Shows you how SZA made a classic that is still enjoyed to this day but Alessia was the one who got the praise.

[@beautifulblacksoul8611]

That's why I go hard behind my Normani. The colorism is real. And a lot of black people support the colorism because if they have a foot in the door, then it's not colorism. And they refuse to see how colorism hinders people that should be superstars while holding up mediocrity like candy. Sidenote: Black blogs have an issue with colorism as well *cough* theshaderoom *cough cough* but many of them. A dark skin woman has to be flipping backwards to get posted while lighter hues can wear a t shirt and get promoted heavily. Check the last time a darkskin woman was posted except to generate hate, mockery or because they have accomplished something greater than great. There is no in-between with these black blogs that also have a lot of social power but adamantly stick to a brown paper bag practice.

[@hennyondatube3133]

a word

[@JulianSteve]

No lies detected. This is one of the reasons I do not fuck with @theshaderoom (or other blogs)☕️🐸

[@missmussy4984]

Shaderoom never be posting Normani or Ari Lennox or even Sza who is pushing mainstream atp

[@R0mbVs]

Shaderoom is also in my experience chock full of transphobia

[@missfrizzle6057]

@@missmussy4984 at this point it’s for the best so that they aren’t subjected to the cesspool that is TSR comment section

[@laura-rosemclellan4196]

I have loved R&B my whole life. At this point, though, we have basically broken up. The R&B genre has become a place for white, mixed, non-Black, non-American singers to blow up. It seems to me that the goal is to push Black folks (especially Black Americans) out of R&B and erase us from our OWN genre, that we created.

[@SunshineKK99]

Sadly, it will be yet another genre that Blk Americans have lost..just like rock n roll, jazz so on and so forth..

[@sandralawson4863]

@@SunshineKK99 add country music

[@sandralawson4863]

Black men are aiding white Jewish to erase ease bw from the music industry. The whites folks want to be the face of everything and those stupid bm help them or realizing they are next . Yet bw are always praising elevating those same colorist men. And this is why the arr lenox won’t get ahead. She is another pick me that goes hard for the snoop dog though .

[@pinkqueenscookie]

@@sandralawson4863 being antisemetic def isn’t gonna help your cause. ✌🏽

[@Model_Roe]

I heard someone described Justin Bieber as a R&B artist I was like I'm dead

[@NurseMercyMennie]

I'm rooting hard for Jazmine, Ari, Normani, and Sza! Also, I wish people like Melanie Fiona and Heather Headley got the credit they deserved for amazing voices and writing skills

[@camtra18]

Heather Headley is a Broadway star, she is the quintessential Broadway actor who has to be able to do it all. Broadway is extremely extremely hard to get into and remain in, I applaud for being the Broadway darling for years.

[@tabbym.7485]

Yes me too also for Teyonna Taylor, Sevyn Streeter and Ke Ke Palmer all have good voices and don't get the recognition.

[@tedmonds2049]

As well as Ledisi. But all of them (even Melanie Fiona) are experiencing ageism on top of all the other isms mentioned here. Apparently, only 30 and under women can be relevant to r&b. They get pushed into the Adult Contemporary market after 30. Beyoncé has been one of the only artists who can bypass that, and she’s also benefited from colorism.

[@smilergal89]

I'm glad you mentioned Melanie Fiona

[@sexyndacityable]

Teedra Moses is one of my favs that gets noooooo credit or love at all

[@melw9147]

Modern r&b is truly black *adjacent* folks. There’s no reason Ari Lennox shouldn’t be a household name right now; whether she wants to deny its colourism or not is another story (I know she doesn’t want to be labeled bitter but call a spade a spade!) Just like any other job sector; the thinner and closer to whiteness you are, the easier to navigate within your industry.

[@Churros1616]

Many rnb artists are not household names. Which light skin R&B singer is a household name?

[@25lighters91]

@@Churros1616 Beyonce, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Sade

[@melw9147]

@@Churros1616 the people the person above mentioned as well as jorja smith, ella Mai, jhene aiko, kehlani (although the last two are mixed and have light skin) snoh alegra like the list goes on. Only recently we got SZA and summer walker.

[@blackgira7056]

I really don’t like ari Lennox style. I’m more a sza girl. Just because someone is darkskin and have talent doesn’t mean they should be in the forefront. Is she delivering Tina turner, Gladys knight, Chaka khan. I just don’t see it. I like the idea of her music it’s just like a more soulful beyonce to me and I appreciate her palate. But a lot of millennials can’t relate. like is trying to be a pro black artist. And in reality black people don’t really support eachother like that. That’s why people go into the pop category.

[@melw9147]

@@blackgira7056 I didn’t say BECAUSE she’s dark skin she should be up there, but you just admitted she’s talented as well and I believe she is enough to be bigger.

[@FightsRightsAlways]

Bree Runway, SHOULD be on the same level as doja cat. She's attractive, a good dancer, makes creative music videos and her music is* chef's kiss* good. And yet...she's not.

[@jayfab4689]

Yes....gucci was a girl you could call

[@godivainc4593]

I agree ! But she’s a not an RNB girl my hood sis makes pop . She’s a pop star 💫❤️‍🔥

[@ammiiel]

She’s also British. I can’t think of any black British artists who have successfully broken into the US market.

[@jayfab4689]

@@ammiiel Sade, Floetry....not much though

[@jayashreeblack-lazo6726]

FOR REAL! someone said it!!!

[@makiahlyons4972]

Man I was waiting on this! The lack of dark skin (and fat and older) women in R&B is extremely disorienting. It's so disappointing to think that so many talents and acts that were incredibly instrumental in developing the genre, and related genres, into one of the most recognizable across the globe wouldn't have a shot of making it in our current climate. I've been looking around and wondering how we got here. Thank you for this.

[@shortbreadgirlscout3463]

That's why mainstream music isn't giving anything. It's lacking and this is one of big reasons why.

[@ashlovestoshop]

Quite frankly, I don’t engage non-Black women in R&B. I refuse to acknowledge it. I take so much comfort in knowing they’ll never be able to emulate our sounds. I see this because R&B traces its roots back so far, that if you don’t have an ancestral connection to it, it’s NEVER going to sound like us. Just never. Idc who you put in front of me. Adele. Sam Smith. Ari Grande. NONE of them have the sound.

[@PHlophe]

@@ashlovestoshop i think its time for black people in america to unite with dark skin breathren from France and the UK musically. the whole american capsule cannot be sustained . people don't f with dark skin like that. Aya nakamura is the only tall and dark skinned lady leading france black pop music. and americans are ignoring here completely. she out here having 800 millions of views for one video yet ain't talked about in america

[@mizrelmizrel]

🎯🎯🎯

[@TheNetReactor]

@@PHlophe No thanks. Black actors from Europe have already shown us what happens when we don’t gatekeep.

[@cassg3062]

"you giving watered down Sade boo" LMFAO that had me rolling

[@JulianSteve]

Same here. I did not expect the shade💀

[@vfr3589]

Safe is biracial

[@Ilovechicago100]

Remember they was trying to say she was the new sade on Twitter lmao….black woken shut that shit down

[@Yaurii]

And this is why I don’t see the appeal in adele. She’s basic and people hate to hear it. The only thing intriguing about her voice is that it comes from the body of a white woman. Other than that, put her voice in a black woman’s body, she’s nothing special. Peoples intrigue of Adele is rooted in misogynoir, racism and colorism. People get off on hearing a soulful r&b voice coming from a white woman.

[@sedi2066]

God forbid you think most of Adeles music is boring and like a select few. You'll get slow grilled for that, I've been dragged for sharing those sentiments lol

[@Soulflyy992]

Exactly

[@LaLa_856]

Factz I never have Adele on repeat. 🤣

[@iamlaurengill]

Points were made. I like Adele but can only take her in doses with her depressing ass music. Jazmine Sullivan is better than her vocally and should be stadiums too. I saw her on Sunday and ain’t no bullshit with Jazmine Marie Sullivan.

[@ashlovestoshop]

I have NEVER seen it for Adele. The girls will not convince me of nothing regarding her so long as Kelly Price and Deborah Cox walk this earth.

[@Thoughtsbyme-ts4jz]

Makes sense why Ari ended up on Mac G podcast. As a South African woman I didn’t understand how no one googled/ researched that irritating man beforehand before putting a woman in that situation. Her team doesn’t protect her

[@reginaa6080]

Ari said this herself that her management is horrible, I feel so bad for her because she's one of the few singers that can actually sing.

[@liah6092]

@@reginaa6080 I heard that she got a new management team so hopefully they do right by her.

[@reyhanajacobs1595]

I felt so bad for her 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@bean1944]

Love the video. Non black female R&B singers rely heavily on their proximity to black males for example (Sabrina Claudio and Snoh Aalegra) whose tone & range can't compare to that of Ari Lennox, Jazmine Sullivan or Riley.

[@dnicole4236]

Jhene Aiko as well

[@hatchibyebye]

Ariana grande

[@hatchibyebye]

Ariana grande

[@asiablackgrl6482]

That part 💯

[@ashlovestoshop]

And this is where the accountability aspect comes in. Black men are delighted to play a role in the ascension these mediocre ass women’s career. I mean, could there have been a better person than Michael B. Jordan’s colorist ass to be in Snoh Aalegra’s video? They delight in it. It’s sickening.

[@Breezy.Universe]

Sza felt so overlooked that she had to change her entire face and body to look more marketable. European or being mixed with European features is the standard of beauty, and is the only way to succeed in the American entertainment industry. Imo.

[@eryabolonha]

She didn't change that much though. She's visibly a black woman

[@Breezy.Universe]

@@eryabolonha The point is, she removed her Wide set nose and got her body done to be more acceptable for mainstream. She doesn’t look like her original self at all. Which tells me she didn’t think she could get where she is now with her original look. When Darkskinned women change their FEATURES to appear more European, they know there is a specific hierarchy look in society, and they know that there is a thing called pretty privilege! She didn’t believe she was pretty enough as she was originally. And while skin tone does play a part, it’s not just about her being a Darkskinned Black Woman, it’s about what’s acceptable for Black Woman’s features and aesthetic in order to make her more marketable and appealing in the industry. Can we please stop pretending like we don’t know the difference?

[@mon88c13]

Same for Sunmer Walker. 💯

[@VenusManTrap-777]

@@mon88c13 nah she just wanted her ass and nose done. She was already popping before

[@scarlettmasin1204]

FACTS! I’ve been saying this!!!

[@buildingourpwr]

Record companies acting like fat/dark-skinned/disabled black people (specifically women) won’t sell , is the biggest crock of shit ! Back in the day some of the biggest music superstars were black,fat, and/or dark skinned women. Mahalia Jackson was an international superstar. Bessie Smith, (older) Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald!!

[@ashlovestoshop]

Mahalia Jackson is an exceptional example considering she didn’t even make secular music! It’s just excuse after excuse.

[@rosalynbeatty8310]

Aretha - medium tone w/shapely weight. Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer Holiday. Diana Ross was popular & Janet too.

[@buildingourpwr]

@@ashlovestoshop exactly!

[@HoneyGoldJasmine]

Yup and the record labels are lazy. They aren’t the true creatives, they only want to keep beating down the same path of white centered marketing and “proven” sales.

[@Model_Roe]

They don't sell if they did you would see them out there doing it but MTV ruined that listen to that song "Video Killed the Radio Star" it says it all a lot of the singers we know and love from the sixties and seventies would not have a career today

[@moneyvegas]

On some real shit explaining colorism to black folks is exhausting. It's like they're choosing to be stupid on the issue. I'm in this Facebook group and the topic of Normani came up about why she's not selling. I said colorism and all the dudes said I was capping and then the females started saying I was delusional. Lol yo I was all alone on that thread fighting for me life lol

[@Nooooooooooooooooooooo7913]

Yeah it’s actually gross how our people CHOOSE to ignore it. I dead had to cut off a lot of niggas for this reason. They literally sound like white supremacist when they talk about this topic. It’s embarrassing.

[@dnicole4236]

Normani does sell and that’s also a part of the problem. Why do people continuously ignore her success

[@senoracheapee1864]

I’ve learned to not discuss colorism with black men or light skinned and biracial women unless they bring it up. It feels just like talking to white people about racism. Full of circular arguments that go no further than insinuating jealousy and other gaslighting tactics.

[@PHlophe]

@@senoracheapee1864 You basically described Tyrese. people that initiate a discussion about colorism then feign ignorance to exit the discussion with gaslighting as strategy.

[@SuburbanKween]

Yeah, you're right to not waste your time. When niggas bring up colorism, just say, "Oh, I don't know" and shrug your shoulders.

[@Princess_Weekes]

Another great video, you always break down things in a way that is cultural and socially relevant. It also says a lot that a dark skin woman can get involved in a “Twitter scandal” and never recover but for lighter skinned women who do the same kind of mess they are easily forgiven if their music is labeled as bop enough and it’s like who decided that? Is Tap In worth the lack of actual talent?

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

Your last comment made me think of a whole Harry Potter book full of lightskin mixed race girls in R&B and rap who got away from problematic mess it really is telling

[@theaansel8738]

Jouelzey never fails.

[@getitg44]

Queen Naija springs to mind

[@Thejanaylee]

Normani deservesss ! Ari Lenox deservess! Camilla and the rest of fifth harmony are going to the hot place 😭 I’m so glad you mentioned fantasia, Jennifer Hudson and even Mary j Blige. They can only be soulful,gospel, love struggling singers but artists like Jhene Aiko can sing about sex, their bodies etc and I stan Jhene but I also recognize the privilege she has being a women of color , not black, petite and light skinned

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

I get Camilla but what did the rest of fifth harmony do?

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

I don’t get the hype if Jhene most of her music is boring to me there’s some songs I really like

[@Thejanaylee]

@@Jessica.Shawnte let’s not act like they weren’t complicit in the silencing and disrespect of her, I haven’t seen the rest of her group member come to her aide but hey

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@Thejanaylee actually they did when the r@cist attacks happened her other group mates came to her side camila was just the only one who didn’t say anything

[@taesmani]

@@Thejanaylee lauren and ally weren’t silent. dinah on the other hand chile

[@bbgirl800]

Sis and I just went to see Sevyn Streeter show for 20 dollars. The girl had an outfit change, background dancers, amazing set list, and sounded great singing and dancing throughout the concert. My sister went to a Mariah the Scientist show for 20 dollars and it was dry, she was flat, didn't move at all and was done in 30 minutes.

[@marilynmonheaux]

Seven Streeters voice is unfukwitable

[@pointlessNYC]

I’m so glad someone said this. The colorism in OUR community even holds dark skinned women to higher standards. They don’t get to be unextraordinary and become a household name. They are expected to fit many tastes, and chase many whims for exposure. They receive management that is less than enthusiastic about supporting their careers. It would be tiring to do something you love and have to bust your ass to perfect this craft AND argue with everyone to prove you deserve what you want.

[@bbgirl800]

@@pointlessNYC yea I was throughly impressed with her

[@pointlessNYC]

@@bbgirl800 she definitely deserves more support and a better team

[@travpowell1986]

This was soooo good.. a part 2 is needed! Because there are a lot of dark and brown girls who have been over looked and are very talented performers and singers.

[@dianabryan7421]

I agree! A part 2 would be so greatly appreciated!!

[@karishajohnson6537]

Behind these non-Black singer, light skinned mixed singer is a Black person training them, giving them substance to be an R&B artist and appealing to Black people and non-Blacks. Normani gives 100% every time. And yet she receives so much harsh criticism. It's to a point I no longer read into how people just want to find someone belittle. Normani is POLISHED. So for Chloe to be pushed prematurely as a solo artist and we see how unpolished she is (though seriously talented) shows how colorism will intentionally push dark skinned women out of the way. I would love to see more of Normani thriving and watch Chloe get the polishing she needs to be a better performing solo artist.

[@jayfab4689]

Exactly

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

I feel the same way about Normani I’m so done with bad faith criticisms against Normani so much that it lead me to stop being cool or subscribes certain social media bloggers and KZbinr commentators who are using those bad faith criticisms against her for clicks and views (bye Zachary Campbell)

[@solargeknowles4354]

Chloe has two solo albums with her sister. And is Grammy nominated and has performed on Many stages since she was a child. Her expression on stage is just that. Always has been. Chloe is emotive and personable and exciting to watch live and SINGS LIVE. So who cares about being polished. Let her have her fun. Just say Normani deserves more rather than trying to dim Chloe’s shine.

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@jumpdumppyy yeah he does the initial video were about her team and the criticisms and critiques were valid but the last 2-3 videos recently have been in bad faith and low key it comes from the fact that Normani unfollowed him 2 years ago

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

It is Chloe's team and her talent that has made her a star. Normani is an amazing artist that lacks good management and support. Both of those black women are amazing.

[@j.rising7286]

Good stuff Jouelzy. Your discussions on the music industry are always top tier. This is definitely your wheelhouse, as an ex-industry insider.

[@TheDivineOne187]

Black women hold the purse! A lot of the colorism could be greatly deminished if black women stop supporting the colorist. I.e. Chris Brown, Kodak Black, Rick Ross…etc… should have been in soup kitchens but black women still buy their music and go to their concerts

[@SceneAndHeardPodcast]

What you said. I've been saying this for years. BW NEED to stop co-signing and supporting the insolence that is blatantly and overtly displayed against them.

[@camtra18]

Girl I see black women I know celebrating Pop Smoke(RIP), a colorist by all definition, it is very sad

[@iDIVAS-Tricia]

If truth be told, black women do not have standards or self-respect. Black women don't value themselves enough to cancel these men. They support actors, movies, comedians, music and even influencers that are clowning them without thinking twice. There is something wrong with black women as a collective--battered woman syndrome??? (I'm not sure.) Black women need to get on code and guard their image. Instead they accept disrespect as just a normal aspect of black American culture. They set themselves up to be the least desired women because they are asleep. Meanwhile, black men have taken some pages from the white supremacy playbook. They are making a lot of money just by poking fun at dark skin black women. It's a proven business model that makes throwing black women under the bus worth it for money hungry black men. Satan knows how to tempt their weak minds.

[@SceneAndHeardPodcast]

@@camtra18 I don't even know what a pop smoke is because I don't listen to dusty artists like that, heck I don't even listen to the colorist artists I grew up with anymore because of how they have trashed BW and our image.

[@camtra18]

@@SceneAndHeardPodcast the least you know about this pop smoke person the better, the dusties are out here just rampant, protect your peace🙏

[@youwomanyou]

What you said about Black women basically being used as disembodied voices in the Black church reminded me of all the amazing voices of Black women who were usually also bigger women as well in house music of the late 80s and 90s and how they would legit use a whole other person (usually thin “model-esque” in the music videos to represent them.

[@CulturalBackgroundsStudyBible]

Right?! Very good point! C & C Music Factory is one prime example. That's why Prince came up with Martha Wash and the 100 Tons of Fun chics, or something of that nature. But he was doing the same at some points during his career. Almagating a thin, non African feature(s) type. Seems like Dream Girls old and especially the new, alluded to this as well.

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

That's why I miss back then artist

[@jayfab4689]

@@CulturalBackgroundsStudyBible Prince or Sylvester

[@CulturalBackgroundsStudyBible]

@@jayfab4689 actually, it's _Rosie Gaines_ that sang background with Prince-Diamonds and Pearls. Two Tons of Fun is with Sylvester. Both big girls, two dif't artists. Both amazing talents that probably got limited preference.

[@CulturalBackgroundsStudyBible]

@@jayfab4689 Martha Wash also sang "Gonna Make You Sweat" vocals that i referenced in 1st post w/ C & C Music Factory.

[@SunseedStarchild]

When I tell you how HARD it is to find monoracial, dark skinned Black women in R&B... Specifically those who make music that vibes with me (shout out to all the black alt r&b girlies!). It sucks tbh. But truly, how do we protect our culture from these mf capitalist vultures?! What are the steps?????

[@sandralawson4863]

Stop inviting them to the cook out, stop worshiping bm especially the colorist ones that aids on our own erasure, boycotting them at all cost, darks skin women should unite like light skin women do, not support black hollyweird.

[@sohnaminta.9264]

Go listen to Tkay Maidza, I recommend Cashmere as a good r&b song.

[@Poufkimashoula1]

The problem needs to be fixed from within. Starting off with the black community being willing to address its issues and work on them. Can't let a threat take over when you have solid defenses.

[@Styl849]

Listen to Nao. She's different but I love her.

[@stream3333]

Ravyn Lenae, Bree Runway, Arlo Parks, Kelela, are alt. In fact Arlo is indie, which is rare to see!

[@LaFenyx]

I know colorism exists in the music industry, but I, personally, only listen to dark skin black women r&b artists. I support ari, summer, and sza at all costs.

[@bumemchukwuah5689]

Yupp! Even British r and b singers tiana major amara bb rayvn blk im supporting with my full chest

[@ourtruth216]

Period!

[@Shenaiscute]

I recommend Ojerime, Bayli, & Tems

[@bumemchukwuah5689]

@@Shenaiscute Yupp they are amazing too

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

Same! There are very few exceptions, less than a handful, but I do the same thing to balance things out. Same with actors too!

[@stephanienecolecleckley759]

It’s very sad back in my day I could admire so many black female artists that looked and sounded different Whitney Janet Toni Jody Whatley SWV En Vogue Karyn White Brandy Monica Lauryn Kelly Price and of course Mary J. Once the labels started concentrating on rap and pop music the r&b music fell by the wayside. The can make more money when racially ambiguous people sing it.

[@rodb66]

I agree.

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

Pop has always been the main focus

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

I find it ironic that the more power black (men) got, the lighter and less black our entertainers got. 🤔

[@rodb66]

@@LadyAstarionAncunin It seems that the powers that be wouldn't have it any other way. They either want them to be biracial, partnered with non blacks or highly identified with white.

[@everythingdivine]

Saw this coming yrs ago. All.by design

[@13579hee]

The way Normani has been treated by nonBlack & Black people will ALWAYS piss me off an tbh its why I will ALWAYS root for her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marilynmonheaux]

That wild side video is on rotation in my house.

[@dokessezeaka5159]

Omg the British light skinned biracials PLEASE TALK ABOUT IT!! so many amazing dark skinned women in music in England but you will NEVER see them cross over into the US or even on prime time tv. Like how many white whisper singers cab we get?? Halsey, Billie, gale etc, they ALL follow the same formula many don't have much talent but they will always get the oppertunitues that they don't deserve

[@tinaoliver7836]

Chile the Prince and Snoh tea had me HOLLERING 🤣Colorism is a cancer smh.

[@joiimful]

Very interesting that you brought up Ariana grande, she is a non black artist that definitely has influence from black women and I always described her way of singing as R and B in a pop package lol.

[@PHlophe]

she is a strategic black-fisher. she uses bits of blackness like ingredients , then spice it up with enough latina mimicry for different proximity.

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

She named a few of her influences Mariah,Whitney,Gwen stefani,Paula adulle(idk how to spell her name) and Celine dion it’s very mixed

[@rosalynbeatty8310]

@@PHlophe Ariana Grande's not even Latina. She's 100% Italian American. But she tries to pass as mixed or Latina

[@PHlophe]

@@rosalynbeatty8310 exactly, people probably told her *Grande* sounded latin-ish and she decided to get her spice on . but i can defo see the ambiguous biracial looks she is going for. i think when she steps in the shower before applying soap it all washes off.

[@chrisman3431]

@@PHlophe She came out as a white in the VERY popular Nickelodeon teen show Victorious in 2010. She didn't use tan back then. She had red straight hair. She was like a regular white girl. No blackfishing and no asian fishing. No appropriation of black culture, asian culture or attempt to be perceived as a "woc" or "latina". Even tho, they are white latinos/as anyways (cough cough the racist white cuban Camilla Cabello, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, Cameron Diaz...)

[@iamlaurengill]

“Aries season is the best season. I will fight you over that. Don’t try me.” VERY on brand for an Aries!

[@yendaaaa]

LMAOOO

[@Lola_Loren]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 - I agree, however, I ain't fighting nobody 🤣 - if they don't know, they can remain in the dark!!!!

[@MsElfMannequin]

It’s only good because it’s the start of spring season 😊

[@yveqeshy]

The colorism in the industry has made liste ing to rnb so hard, and then there's also thar part where we no longer have newer artists who are very vocally gifted to belt out tunes that will have you trying to mimic in the shower, suddenly it's whisper singers everywhere.

[@13579hee]

A SAD truth that folks dont wanna admit.............no matter HOW talented Chloe is, a LOT of colorist weaponize Chloe against Normani but folks just don't wanna talk about it.

[@solargeknowles4354]

Or they like Chloe more and vice versa.

[@dadao8564]

Black women don t have to fall for it...let s support both!!

[@tyboholley9879]

But music industry is a competitive business Beyoncé vs Rihanna,Mariah vs Whitney ,

[@lilyrose5410]

Chloe isn’t lightskin nor mixed, she’s just lighter than normani

[@TorreAlaine]

Chloe been doing this since she was a small child. She deserves everything she is receiving now! Her color shouldn’t affect the WORK she’s put in. Normani hasn’t put in HALF the work Chloe has. I honestly feel like y’all are the real colorists in these comments

[@jojoazevedo89]

Prince really did put on every light bright. I was just watching Upload on Prime and I knew the light-skinned actress looked familiar. I google her and bam she was a Prince protégé lol

[@toyatalksradio]

Dani Leigh was his protégée too

[@jayfab4689]

He was a colorist

[@elijahtrenton8351]

@@toyatalksradio I know you f*cking lying. Danni Leigh?!

[@rosalynbeatty8310]

That's all he dated/married too.

[@rottie615]

I can only think of one dark skinned woman he put on and that’s Jenelle Monae’

[@srn1e320]

the way the internet attacks normani is just crazy like she gets attacked for talking about her experience which is so weird when she does nothing and it’s always a certain group of people and ari lennox gets attacked for no reason

[@destinynicolexo]

I always got an entitled vibe from Normani. I think she feels like bc she was in fifth harmony she doesn’t have to put in much work.. which is not true. Colorism does exist but dark skinned artists aren’t the only ones who are treated unfairly. Remember Jojo, Tyneshia Kelly and more

[@laylah150]

@@destinynicolexo I disagree, girl can sing & dance her ass off. It would be entitlement, if she didn't have the talent to back up her confidence.

[@taesmani]

@@destinynicolexo she’s literally everything but entitled.

[@kaylabean3693]

This is only my opinion but I think Normani gets attacked and a lot of times it’s by black women and that includes darker women too. I believe a reason she isn’t as big is the same reason I think Kelly Rowland always got critiqued so harshly (people say she’s not that big but she actually is, not everybody wants to be Beyonce and sell their soul) is because people have internal hate and they project that onto artists who look like them

[@srn1e320]

@@destinynicolexo all normani has done is work her a$$ off and still does so I’m not sure where you’re getting the entitlement thing from I’ve followed her since 2013 her work ethic has always been top tier

[@AbduAliFree]

This also happens with rap/hip hop too. If you noticed there aren't many dark girls getting the major spot light as they should: Flo Milli, Bree Runway, etc.

[@mstiff321]

Had this convo this week about if Cardi B was darkskin would she be as big……my stance hellllll no!

[@ayadhyist]

Doechii as well.

[@vixxexo6855]

@@mstiff321Cardi B is not white either. I used to think she was black.

[@mstiff321]

@@vixxexo6855 oh I know but she still is of a lighter skin tone…. And fits the “preference “ look

[@CamelToeAndTheBeast]

You definitely could’ve taken a deep dive into the tangent around amber Riley and black women from tv not being able to translate that tv fame into successful music careers like their white counterparts. Selena Gomez can’t even sing, yet she’s had a wildly successful music career that coco jones and Keke Palmer have not even come close to mirroring though they have 10x the talent. This could definitely be a series!

[@MsBrwnBunni]

When Jouelzy said “Snoh Aalegra has no range…she gives us 2 sharps and a flat. That’s it!” got me dying because that is a fact. She does the bare minimum vocally with minimalist visuals & esthetics and it sells. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 never thought about that until now.

[@indiald3373]

Normani experienced what Naturi(3lw) and Kameelah(702) went through.

[@shellygarland8766]

OMG OMG NEVER FORGET Jorga was for some reason put on the remix for Peng Black Girls, replacing the original feature artist Amia Brave for NO reason. Black Women tweeted Enny the original artist on how it felt like a slap in the face for this music video and song which features SO many dark skinned black women and girls (including the artist and original feature), she just shrugged it off and pretended as if there wasn't a colorism aspect to that choice. And then when it got popular, guess who The Color Show invited to do the song Peng Black Girls? Certainly not Enny. They invited JORJA. i really couldn't with that.

[@shellygarland8766]

i just looked again and its looking like they edited it and put Enny in....for less than 30 seconds of the video. Hilarious.

[@shakeykirkir]

Tbh, that’s not shocking. There’s a lot of dark skinned women in the industry (and everyday women) who will act as though colorism doesn’t exist because they don’t want to be perceived a certain way. Or, it hasn’t personally affected them (featurism and texturism also plays a part). They’ll deny it until they have egg on THEIR face…similar to how KashDoll denied colorism existed.

[@godivainc4593]

@@shakeykirkir oh most definitely I just became comfortable as an adult to point it out. Growing up if you even mentioned colorism ppl just called you selfish.

[@rosalynbeatty8310]

@@shakeykirkir Few years ago, a well known African writer/activist jumped @ having her novel made into a movie. Biracial Thande Newton (of all people)acted as the lead. & although many Africans protested & boycotted this---- (erasure of dark Africans) -- the writer could care less at the time. Yet she said Obama wouldn't have won, if Michelle wore natural hair.

[@kim1570]

@@rosalynbeatty8310 The author is Chimamanda Adichie. She's Nigerian.

[@phylliewilly]

Love this! More of this needs to be examined in public spaces - people have internalized colorism so much that this is routinely denied by a vast majority of black people too!

[@asiablackgrl6482]

Joeluzy, let’s start a record label sis! 🙌🏿 or at least a handling team for black women musicians. Thank you so much for this video!!! The honesty. The callouts. The research. The flowers. The everything 👏🏿

[@soliloquylove2115]

No, seriously. Because this is getting out of hand. Let’s start the Upstart/Go Fund Me/Patreon.

[@sd8150]

Omg! That would be so dope!!!

[@jasminehill6312]

I would looooove that!!

[@spirituallife6296]

This needs to be pinned! It’s time we take our representation into our own hands and profit from it. I will definitely support any crowd fund started for this idea!

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

That's what I want to see. A fully black female led music industry and alternative to Hollywood! 😫

[@Songstress92]

Off bat, I absolutely love your headband Jouelzy! You look so pretty! 😍 I'm so excited to dive into this video!

[@algenis8552]

"AS CONSUMERS WE HAVE A ROLE" that's it.

[@JulianSteve]

Yes we do. This is why I have been diversifying what I listen to💯

[@TT-xz5sy]

@@JulianSteve just started to do that and messed around an discovered Tank and the bangers 😩😩

[@13579hee]

With Normani's 2021 VMA performance of 'Wild Side", the technical difficulty was that her performing against a red and white background was a last-minute solution to an "issue' that they had with footage that they recorded. She and her team literally recorded footage that was supposed to be played on the background and on the floor. The footage was recorded from behind and was to be shown on the background & floor, creating a mirroring affect of her and the dancers every moves. But somehow, ONCE AGAIN, only Mani's performance has issues. Its the colorist haters ALWAYS doing wrong by her, for me

[@TheSomethingnew1]

Man that would've been sooo dope to see 😩

[@13579hee]

@@TheSomethingnew1 I know!

[@kim1570]

It's incredible the lengths 'the industry' will go to sabotage Normani, my goodness!!! It's as if at every performance she's had over the last 3 years, there's been some sort of blooper by the event organizers/stage theatrics handlers, whether with the mic, costume, lighting, back-up vocals... People need to see this sabotage for what it is.

[@sarahgordino6695]

Wish you listed all these fantastic dark black skinned female singers in the description to help put them on. But you’re doing more than your fair share. 🙏🏾

[@LiahB]

I appreciate your take on this as I am an independent r&b artist (brown skinned)!

[@fluffybunny7668]

I just want to say that I LOVE this video; very well done. I love hearing and learning about topics like this. I'm a white, queer, woman, and being exposed to these kinds of well put together and thoughtful commentaries, on different aspects of our society and culture over the years from specifically black women's perspectives, has really been eye opening and impactful. I've listened to R&B, Soul, and Hip Hop music since I was a child. Conversations like this are necessary to not only develop a deeper appreciation for black artists and their talent, but to highlight the history of where we were and how far our society still needs to go. So thank you. Much love and keep talking about this.

[@Selenas627]

the range of knowledge in this video essay was just *chef's kiss* ... I respect people's opinion videos but your videos delve into sociopolitical history, cultural and social theory, marketing foundations, etc, that aren't brought up often in the echochambers of other content creators talking about similar topics. I really felt like I went to like a lecture in college. thank you again

[@nguzosmusic]

“Coonsongs” seems the more things change the more they stay the same. American popular music went from minstrelsy (parody of Black culture) to Motown ( Black people singing love songs to each other) back to the minstrel show with modern mainstream music…

[@moonrocked]

Thank you I have been saying today’s “black” music is just minstrel tunes. 60’s-90’s was the golden age of black music and just entertainment as a whole. The 2010’s is where you saw a huge shift in quality and a lack of black superstars. Also the 2010’s is the first decade since the 60’s that a black artist didn’t have a diamond album.

[@SOULarLioness]

Not “two sharps and a flat” 😂😂😂😂 She came out SWINGIN’ with THIS one! 👌🏾😂💖

[@carmencolita929]

Regarding the VMA comment about Chloe being booked while barely having a single out and Normani only being booked to replace Lorde after her fans campaigned. Would one be wrong to assume that aside from colorism, Chloe likely was given that opportunity because she's signed to Beyoncé who can pull industry strings?

[@jouelzy]

Beyoncé not making calls. It’s Columbia and the team at Parkwood which because of Beyoncé likely has more pull a how Columbia engages w Chloe.

[@titlepending1302]

@@jouelzy huh? Your last sentence

[@titlepending1302]

I agree Beyoncé is making the calls and pulls 🙄

[@jouelzy]

Lol I use to work at Sony. Do you know how labels & imprints are structured?

[@titlepending1302]

@@jouelzy understandable but Beyoncé putting in the work also

[@cameroncapers7807]

As a black man pursuing a career in music, this video is really interesting. I'm a huge fan of alternative, pop, and rock music and it's really frustrating watching black and brown people be included from those genres. But on the other hand there are white people running rampant through hip/hop with no regard or respect for our history. Even in 2022, being a black person in the music industry is hard and emotionally draining.

[@sankofaafari4374]

Rock and Roll is black music too. White people took it over. Same thing is happening to Jazz.

[@JennHayden]

@@sankofaafari4374 and basketball is a white sport. But who cares? It'a 80% black today. Folks constantly bring up that rock and roll is black music as if that means something today. So is country. So is jazz. So is folk. But it means nothing.

[@renae.peculiar4886]

@@JennHayden and you absolutely added nothing to the conversation 🙄

[@sankofaafari4374]

@@JennHayden Basketball is fully owned and controlled by white people. They dictate those black players salary and if they even become a basketball player. Same with football. This doesn’t happen in black music. Black people don’t own nor control anything with Hip-Hop, Jazz, and definitely not Rock&Roll. The owners of these big record label are white. They control what artists get signed and how much they get payed. Hip-Hop is a billion dollar business and it’s creators make nowhere that amount money from it.

[@sankofaafari4374]

@@JennHayden What do you mean it doesn’t matter? Knowing history and where something comes from is very important. Else you have a group of people that think they’re worth nothing and contributed nothing to the world. That’s the whole reason why Europeans tried destroying African history and black history in general and claim black people never build anything and everything was created by white people. When a people have no history they’re easily controlled. It’s funny that when it comes to black history we must stop talking about it....it doesn’t matter.....that was a long time ago. There’s always some excuse. Get out of here with that nonsense.

[@HoneyIYKYK]

Jazmine Sullivan also writes sooooooo much music for sooooo many artists. What a genuine empress. God bless her vocal chords💕💕✨ I need a shirt too cause I’m a whole fan lol Also on the “handlers”…I talk about this with my bf who is in the industry all the time. I agree having dudes on your team but Do you also think artists don’t want to pay for a bing team of handlers because so many people want to do things by themselves ?? This video is such a great topic of discussion. I wish Clubhouse was less toxic so we could talk about things like this there. I’m a new fan of your channel love. Keep flourishing 🌸✨💕

[@LiahB]

I love both but for Tyla to have a Grammy off of 1 song and Jazmine Sullivan nominated FIFTEENTH times speaks volumes 😅😅

[@asiablackgrl6482]

Kanye gets a pass but Azelia gets labeled crazy 🤔

[@rodb66]

That's a good point

[@shopece8807]

There's those extra layers of sexism & misogyny that we have to deal with too.

[@camtra18]

They are both questionable

[@berrygirlfinn]

True, but they is both crazy tho… 😬😬😬

[@dokessezeaka5159]

@@berrygirlfinn yh but she can make sense sometimes... But Kanye 😬. Funny how Kanye got coddled and we had to feel sorry for him because he had a mental issue, but they completely backlist azeela

[@45suad]

I find it heartbreaking that so many of these talented women are often sequestered in the background. The writers, the background singers, and producers for these pop artists are often dsbw who have the desire and talent to be lead singers but don't receive the backing. I'm thinking of Priscilla or Muni Long who's been out here writing for so many artists and has a versatile voice and look but she is only getting attention now because her music went viral on tiktok.

[@daintychick461]

Yes Jouelzy! Let me say 1st...been a long time subscriber since those natural hair videos and I still enjoy the content. This was a great breakdown and warranted call out of what is so blatantly evident but boldly ignored. Thank you Sis!

[@SunshineKK99]

No one is talking about the real tea here which is the lightening up of Blks here in America. 🤔 Before it was the Indians, Hispanics and now I believe it is happening with us That Mejorar La Raza, lightening up the race is in full effect with the Blk community and we're witnessing it within the music industry. There is a lot of overly biracial & multiracial representation of Blk people now and they are being embraced more by the dominant society.

[@sd8150]

You are right. They are whitewashing. Biracials will become the face of blackness. What space does that leave for real blackness? It's pretty sad.

[@CarmenSD]

Yep, I agree. 100 years from now, there will be significantly less darkskin Black Americans.

[@shaydee2775]

So many people co-sign that one drop rule and thats a problem.

[@dadao8564]

That s why we need to continue to push the movement of defining blackness... we are not a muddied race. If you are mixed race you are not black period!.

[@shaydee2775]

@@dadao8564 tell the truth and shame the devil

[@nikelnicole]

One of the major problem is that there is little to no black owned ecosystem; and black executive are always seeking validation from the outside. Thus black artists are treated with little to no respect. The other problem is that people don't serious search and support these hidden gems. Some of the same people who complain put their money behind these 'privileged' artists.

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

The black-owned ecosystem would have to be owned by non-colorists for it to work, however. And the chances of that happening are just as slim, really. But I'd love to see it. Say what you will about Tyler Perry (because he has a LOT of faults), but he's one of the few prominent black creators putting medium and dark-skinned black women on. Oprah does too. And yet they're problematic.

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

If you have a streaming music account, it's easy to support alternatives. I do. I mostly listen to artists who are not popular in the mainstream (or in it at all, really).

[@alleyinn1]

I think black ppl would be even more colorist. Its white folks who don't place the premium on light skin who give most dark ppl a chance

[@SuperFifi1588]

This topic and video was very needed. Thank you so much. Ari Lennox complications in the industry felt too relatable. I hope Ari and Summer Walker find the people they need for support

[@DashaTheDivineDivah]

I have been in Los Angeles for 18 years. And in the industry for 15. I have sat in front of some of the biggest executives and some very well known producers and writers. And every single time I have been passed on because of my color. I've literally been in front of a major VP of Sony music who came to see me specifically and then when my very very light skin model friend at the time walks in he completely ignores me and starts asking her if she's a singer. And even though she declined to be a singer he sat there in front of me with his back to me telling her that he could make her a singer. I'm a carmel girl so I'm not dark enough to be looked at as an around the way girl or hip hop R and B chick like Mary J But not light enough to be considered pretty enough for R and B. I have literally been told that I can outsing most of the girls in the game and that my pen is awesome but nobody would really work with me and I know my color esthetic is not what all of these men in the industry deem as valuable. It really doesn't matter how good you are in this business your color means something before your talent does. It's actually something I'd see and shake my head at daily. You'd be surprised at how many amazingly darker hued black girls or get overlooked for someone who is ambiguously black or of a lighter tone who just happens to rock black esthetics. With half the talent the talent. I've kind of given up on the idea of being an artist but I do still work in the industry and do still see this everyday. You also see it in the attitudes of some of these singers singers if you know what I'm talking about. I wish I would've known this one I was a little girl I probably would have chosen a different profession lol

[@justgoddessesonly]

Continue and a be a beast about it by any means necessary. Even if you have to go the non-traditional route around music execs to get yourself out there. Continue to do it because you have the unmitigated gall to know you're better than and you're talent is better than all these folks and tht the execs genetics can't produce in their own kids what you naturally have, and you will make it. It's radical and seems you have been locked out, and unfortunately you have to smoothly, swiftly, cleverly and craftily, out 'narcissize'😅 this very narcissistic, psychopathic industry, but my best advice is; have. the. unmitigated. gall. period👌🏾.

[@sakinahdiane7505]

Thank you for this Joulezy. I love your videos and the discussions they force us to have. So many people try to ignore these things in society and it's really upsetting.

[@TheeStrawberryLee]

PREACH!!!! My friend raved that "dele" was so soulful on her new album and i thought SO IS ARETHA, WHITNEY, FANTASIA, JENNIFER & JASMINE... FOH with that! I can't stomach "dele's" voice. Matter of fact, ONLY true talent is in my iTunes library. None of this made up fluffy mess. AG and TimberFake can get lost too!!! I immediately thought of Dawn and K from Dirty Money-- so MUCH talent but little to no push!!!

[@sd8150]

I totally agree!!! If a non black person imitates a black person they get so much praise and shine as if I am not surrounded by the real deal everyday. Gorgeous, talented black goddesses. I'm not impressed...

[@nik-at-nite]

Dawn is a whole different genre. She a mix of pop, electronic, and R&B now. A very eclectic sound that the black masses don’t really gravitate too. And idk what happened to Kaleena. I know she’s really a songwriter but I wish she would’ve capitalized from her time on LHH.

[@1LeeCarter]

Great video Jouelzy! Being a lover of music, I remember as a teenager when Aaliyah passed in 2001, then Lisa"left eye" R&B made a shift. Without going into detail it was definitely a weird time. Much Love!!

[@algamaboba167]

The 90s and 2000 had more inclusivity, not sure why but I feel that there was more diversity you had Lauryn Hill, Monica, Brandy, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, etc. Not sure what happened since then but the industry now feels like everyone has straight hair and looks the same.

[@vfr3589]

Racism, not colorism

[@algamaboba167]

@_PrettyBrownBrowncan't blame you, I felt as a young black girl I belonged and had representation. Even in TV shows i was able to see the lightskined girls in sister sister and dark skinned confident and desired girl in Moshea . it's all basically the same person now, no individuality and over sexualised but not on female terms.

[@annieschmannie8962]

Even with the male singers and rappers ratio. It was usher/Joe/Maxwell, then it was tupac/nas/jayz. Nowadays men rather be SoundCloud trap artists🙄

[@algamaboba167]

@@annieschmannie8962 yes! Using was better back then because it was diverse and authentically black, nowadays its a poor imitation or a mutilation of African American culture that ppl want to run around saying doesn't exist 🤔 I feel like it's a form of erasure

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

@@vfr3589 Both.

[@Londiebeantown]

INCREDIBLE JOB!! AMAZING!! You did an amazing eloquent job discussing the issues of colorism in the music industry, and you expressed it in the absolute most classiest way! You are such an incredible asset to the brown and black sisters that have experienced this pain. Amazing Job!!

[@iamthetruth1348]

Ledisi should definitely Get one of those best singer and most vocally talented awards for sure! They are taking too Long!! Ledisi is too notch!!!💝💝💝

[@beautifulsoultress3078]

One of my favorite singers!

[@pointlessNYC]

Seriously!! I’ve been saying this for years! She can do everything with her voice and she has amazing breath control. She even has great eclectic personal style and speaks well. But of course, “too old” and “too” black for industry standards.

[@princessm8977]

Jazmine Sullivan not being hailed as a living legend in all communities globally is criminal. Her voice is a masterclass. Unfortunately, I think Normani needs better music. She's stunning and talented but her music feels like it's missing something. I think Snoh Alegra's has some really good songs, but had def blown up because of white woman privilege and pretty privilege. Bree Runway and Coco Jones not getting their things is upsetting me and my home girls.

[@chrisman3431]

She's not really white. She was born to persian from Iran. She's middle eastern basically. But not like a full white person. She's white adjacent I guess. But not an Adele, Amy Winehouse, Yebba, Jojo, Jessie J, Tori Kelly, Lisa Steinfeild, Teena Marie, Janis Joplin... She's a "woc" not quite white but nowhere near black either way

[@JaeElise]

@@chrisman3431 dude 🙃🙃 her not being of dark skin and a different tone still stands . She is definitely a WOC but the less melanin she has the more she is able to push thru with no problem

[@devinngeorge]

Jasmine isn't given her flowers and she really the vocal Bible. Normani just doesn't give me the meal while having the ingredients Just doesn't come together or given the correct dish.

[@alexw853]

@@JaeElise There is no such thing as "women of color" you're either white, mixed or Black and most women who are not legally Black are LEGALLY WHITE SKIN COLOR including these women who you think aren't benefiting from white skin color advantages because of the fact that they aren't from Europe.. Blackness here in the United States is a unique construct and is constitutionally protected so giving that up for some stupid liberal WOC term to keep these other groups of people trying to equate themselves to us and our contributions is a sham and a load of bull. Oh and Native Black Americans are Freedmen which is a real federal status so how is that synonymous with this new made up WOC term? U.S. Freedwomen is not "WOC" and colored was a term used during U.S. slavery so to give other groups of people like Eurasians and Hispanics or ARABS or even Native Americans wiggle room when they were never classified as colored during the US. Colonial period and only identified by organized CULTURE, not race/skin color or ethnicity either, is you doing yourself a disservice.

[@alexw853]

@@chrisman3431 Sno is white, you need to effing stop. Arabs are legally classified as white here in the United States and benefit from the white skin color 1790 immigration laws which is what has kept white supremacy alive for so long here in the U.S. and if you think that they don't see themselves as the white ruling caste in the Emirates, EGYPT and other Arab controlled countries you can think again. Sno is a WHITE WOMAN speaking Arabic and English, who has no business being immersed in an industry pioneered by U.S. freed slaves. She needs to stay in a white woman's place race wise and ethnically speaking, in an ARAB'S PLACE. YOU'RE DEFENDING HER LIKE AMERICAN BLACKS, OR EVEN FOREIGN ONES OWE THESE ARABS ANYTHING? I want everyone to stop pushing recolonization of U.S. Black culture, Caribbean Black cultures and our other markets. LEAVE BLACKS ALONE

[@breefree1013]

Someone in the comments already mentioned this but SZA was done dirty. I always find myself looking over her discography and wondering how it took me so long to find her. Middle school me would have went ham and cheese for her lol😂😂 Her voice is elusive and shifted contemporary female r&b towards an airy and ethereal tone. Then I look at her “pre makeover” and understand that the world probably wasn’t ready for her…She was absolutely beautiful before and after to me. Additionally younger me loved Coco Jones in Let it Shine. I have been following her since it premiered on Disney and yet again wondered why she wasn’t being pushed more. Then I look at what would have been her contemporary’s….

[@tan_ya_]

You are so eloquent with your view points. I love it! Keep going sis!

[@michannamurphy6816]

Let’s not forget that Snoh happens to be cousins with No ID’s wife, so it’s definitely no coincidence that she has all the support behind her to “cosplay Sade”(that was brilliant) and rise to the top.

[@gloreymi]

This reason we need to support more black rnb artist who are not yet on super star level cause we’re definitely out there but we have to push our selves on our own

[@rodb66]

There wasn't this blatant colorism in the previous decades when you artists like Stephanie Mills, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston and a list of other brown skinned black women getting much attention but now the colorism is all in your face in the music and the overall entertainment industry. Look how they're using biracials like Zendaya to represent black people now.

[@jouelzy]

There's never been "a lot." Colorism has been persistent and Stephanie Mills would be a great case study.

[@rodb66]

@@jouelzy True but now it's much more overtly than in 80s and 90s. Peebles wasn't outshining Karine White in the 80's and Whitney Houston ruled the 80s and 90s. I doubt she'd be able to do that today. Personally, my favorite current R&B female artists are Jazmine Sullivan, Ari Lennox, Summer Walker, Teyana Taylor and Sza. I'm not down with fading true black women out. Thanks for your response.

[@carolynemusolo6188]

Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, whitney Huston are not dark skinned women at all. And this has been happening since time began, nothing is different, only getting worse.

[@rottie615]

@@carolynemusolo6188 They’re not close to light

[@rodb66]

@@carolynemusolo6188 All of those ladies are brown skinned full black women. What's your point?

[@nonnieJ94]

Why do we keep on begging and pleading with people outside of ourselves to do right by us, represent us properly, or deal with us fairly when they’ve told us time and time again they have no interest in doing any of those things. Why is it so hard for black people to have a sort of Exodus from the system? Furthermore are we even the same the black people who built this country originally??

[@sd8150]

So deep.. You are right ✅

[@LadyAstarionAncunin]

Because the "calls are coming from inside the house." We don't move on because the colorists are scores deep in the black community. I never care about being wealthy until it comes to stuff like this because I would LOVE to create my own fully black female led alternatives to Hollywood and the U.S. music industry. No, YT, IG, FB, TikTok, Twitter, etc; I'll make my own things and everyone will come flocking. But I'll use it to put US on. An entertainment empire to rival any in the world. And it'll be about US. That's something worth being rich for!

[@alleyinn1]

IMO, Black ppl are some of biggest colorists

[@scorpionoir4952]

Speaking of Snoh Aalegra being presented often beside a black man is definitely an agenda that's being pushed in more ways than one. The whole interracial love things is being heavily promoted as this hip cool thing. I can't speak for every black person but, I don't want to see that kind of love. I want to see black on black love. Nothing against interracial love but I'm a black person that is attracted to black people so show me something that I and most black people can identify with.

[@anissa2361]

Yes she always has black men her videos too.

[@slimjen1000]

Speak👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@RosetteAckesson]

i would love to see healthy black love.

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

@@anissa2361 has the singer Nicole Bus ever done this too ?.

[@anissa2361]

@@musiclover-cn7tb I'm not sure who that is.

[@jellybean5326]

Black Men were calling Ari Lennox ugly!

[@TreasureChest0806]

Not surprised. But I think she’s gorgeous!

[@rodb66]

Not this black man. When I first came across her video "Whip Cream, I was like, wow, this girl is hot.

[@jellybean5326]

@@rodb66 Did I say ALL?

[@rodb66]

@@jellybean5326 No, you didn't. I was just proudly expressing my thoughts on her lol

[@jellybean5326]

@@rodb66 ❤️

[@sameya3000]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR USING YOUR PLATFROM TO TALK THAT REAL ISH. FAN FOR YEARS. LOVE YOU JOUELZY xx

[@AbduAliFree]

I came back to say you ate this video up! Thank you for doing the work. Also I want to shout out Sevyn Streeter who also should be out here getting major support. Also Muni Long (aka Priscilla Renea) who has been out here for a long time and is a great songwriter but yet never got the major support she deserved. She literally had to go independent to birth Muni Long. But we can go on and on about the many dark skinned women music artists who never got their flowers. Kelly Rowland's solo career could be interesting to talk about to.

[@amberd8630]

Not the Prince drag😭 can't wait

[@Livinwithlysa]

I’m 20 seconds in and you going in sis! You ain’t never lied 😂

[@tiisetsonyikolebese]

INFORMATIVE & EDUCATIONAL GEMS WERE DROPPED IN THIS VIDEO. thank God I heavily support monoracial black talented women🇿🇦❤

[@Pizzagurl24283]

I didn't know you started the book club! Ive participated in months here and there but I also have your Audre Lord literary giants tee and bought the Toni Morrison one for a friend for her bday. Love yoooooouuuu and all the work you're doing!

[@dbd254]

"Two sharps and a flat" 🤣🤣🤣

[@joels978]

Normani is so talented and it hurts that she doesn't get her due and appreciation.

[@sankofaafari4374]

First time watching your video. Extremely good essay this is. The peak of black music and black excellence was the early 2000’s. Hip-Hop and R&B had a lot of black quality artists. R&B especially was still predominantly black. That was the last time black R&B artists was the face of our own music. All this whitewashing is being done purposely.

[@Kaykaywin1st]

Sis I ran into you today but I have to subscribe bc this my type of topics , u make me want to start a KZbin for us black girl stories n speak on problems like you doing now.

[@titlepending1302]

Do it !

[@channiballecter]

Do it.

[@megane5728]

My Freshman year, Jazzmine’s 1st album came out… that’s all that was running in my dorm up and down the hall! Great times w/Black women

[@Thula_Impala96]

💯 ♥️

[@GJ-yl9wv]

Thank you SO MUCH for this. The post-2015 crop of light brights do not have a modicum of musicality or talent, especially the British ones, my god. They only have careers because of Black men's self-hating erections. I said what I said.

[@DoraWinifred]

Your comment needs to be pinned. White supremacist and colourist black men are out here destroying the industry

[@berrygirlfinn]

Yep.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

Artists like Adele and Algebra should not be bigger than many of the black artists that were named. I'm not putting down those artists, but black folks made that sound, but white folks make it seem new. We did it first. Period!🥇

[@MPPG663]

And as far as Adele, her and her team are still stealing from underground black artists. Nothing has changed.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

@@MPPG663 I agree. 🤦🤦🤦

[@rosalynbeatty8310]

Adele is depressing. Even Rhianna agreed.

[@planetshlorp]

I can’t get into their music as well. I don’t see the hype at all.. but hey that’s just me I guess 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@rosalynbeatty8310]

@@planetshlorp Its not just u! I never cared for her music.

[@indigoace261]

Happy Birthday. Great commentary. Thanks for sharing.

[@denanewton1518]

I love Normani but, I truly feel as though her label doesn't know what to do with her. She came from a pop girl group, but I don't think they believe she can solely exist in a Pop space and it is sad. They see a non-ambiguous Black girl and think she automatically has to do Summer Walker and Jhene Aiko type of R&B and I see Normani doing both. Normani has cross over appeal because of how she can perform and how she carries herself. Labels sadly don't see it that way. I truly think her label and team want her to be solely and R&B artist and they want to see a return on that like Summer Walker has gotten in order for them to put more money and attention into her. She needs a label and people who will believe in her and she needs to continue to believe in herself because she can make history and break these barriers.

[@nicholasKMAmusic]

Such a good and insightful video! There’s a book idea here!

[@PsalmoftheStars]

I discover Snoh years ago before she blew up and something about her just rubs me the wrong way. I feel like the other shoe will drop at some point. Not sure why

[@MrAsharrison]

I am glad that I found channel because you discuss very important topics. Passing is the bomb! It personifies the tragedy of our sojourn in this country.