Kendrick Lamar 

Kendrick has become a household name between Rap and Hip-Hop lovers, with many fans branding him as the new king of Hip-Hop. Through his honest and candid lyricism, of which he speaks on topics such as police brutality, alcoholism, and growing up in Southern California, he has won over hearts. Kendrick’s most recent release is a collaboration with Baby Keem titled ‘family ties’, which we have been loving.

Kendrick is well-known for sampling and giving a nod to genres that were forerunners of Hip-Hop. Many Hip-Hop artists do this by fitting elements of Soul, R&B, Funk and The Blues into the genre. This can be done through various techniques such as Sampling, Vocal Technique and Instrumentation. 

A great representation of this is in Jay Z’s track ‘The story of O.J.’. He samples Nina Simone’s vocals from ‘Four Women’, a song which still stands poignantly today, with Simone’s soulful voice getting her message across in such a beautifully harrowing way, as she sings lyrics based on society’s inability to see and acknowledge Black Women of any shade. Jay Z used slices of her vocal phrases to fit ‘The Story of O.J’s’ narrative, a song based on how financial success doesn’t counteract race issues. 

Little Simz

With influence being such a vital part of Hip-Hop, we couldn’t not mention Little Simz, who is heavily inspired by the styles of The Notorious B.I.G., has previously spoken on her love for his lyricism sounding conversational, something which she strives to achieve in her own songs. Simz is a British Rapper, who is highly regarded for her storytelling ability and honesty within her lyrics. Earlier this year, she released her latest album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’, which has gone on to receive high praise and ratings. 

“The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits.” Said Blues musician Willie Dixon. This message still stands, as the Blues was the basis for many genres invented, such as; R&B, Rock n Roll, Jazz, Soul, and Hip-Hop. The music we listen to today is rooted in Blues, a genre that was born from the oppression and struggles African-American’s faced in the late 1800s.

Rico Nasty

An artist who merges Rap with the intenseness of Rock is the wonderful Rico Nasty. Rico has released multiple mixtapes, which all gained traction, leading her to release her debut album ‘Nightmare Vacation’ in 2020. The album received compliments for her high-energy delivery and experimental approach. Her most recent release is a feature on Token’s fun track ‘High Heels’. 

Ivorian Doll 

Ivorian Doll, a 23-year-old British Rapper is making moves with her music, following her 2020 release ‘Rumours’. She is repping for the Drill scene, quickly becoming well known in the genre for her witty personality and bold lyrics. 

Shaybo

Nigerian born rapper, Shaybo, has become a big success within the UK Rap and MC scene. Following her successful release with Jorja Smith earlier this year, Shaybo released her debut mixtape ‘Queen of The South’ in August. The mixtape featured another beautiful collaboration with Jorja Smith, with an accompanying video released. 

As we educate ourselves on Black Culture and history during Black History Month, we must recognise the sacrifices Blues musicians made for us to now consume and enjoy the evolution of their original compositions, and how their innovation and determination is how we came to have access to the UK’s favourite genre, Hip-Hop.

Words by Nadia Clasper

_{Photo Credit: Jorja Smith “Bussdown” Ft. Shaybo}

The post You Can’t Enjoy The Rhythm And Ignore The Blues; Voir Celebrates Black Culture In Music appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As it’s Black History Month we thought we’d create a playlist detailing and celebrating some of the most culturally relevant and powerful songs created by black musicians, we’ll be taking a look at music from both past and present that highlights some of the most important and influential music in history.

Tupac – Changes (1998)

Despite being tragically murdered before it’s release Tupac showed us why he’s one of the best rappers of our time with this powerful message detailing the struggles African Americans face then and now still.

2Pac – Changes (Official Video)

Arethra Franklin – Respect (1967)

Arethra Franklin’s signature song was a groundbreaking female empowerment anthem of the late 1960s, with overtones for the civil rights movement and gender equality it is one of the most impactful songs of all time.

Aretha Franklin, Respect

Dave – Black (2019)

This lyrical masterpiece caused hundreds of complaints in the UK after Dave performed it live during the BRIT awards and his performance is goosebump-inducing. Dave tackles the issues of racial and social inequality throughout the track giving a glimpse of the black experience in Britain.

Dave- Black (Live at the Brits 2020)

J Cole – Be Free (2014)

Recently released to streaming services, this track is a heart-wrenching tribute to Michael Brown who was unlawfully shot by police in 2014. Cole also added an incredible new verse with his performance of the track on The David Letterman Show.

Be Free- J Cole

Public Enemy – Fight The Power (1989)

Public Enemy urge people to rise up and fight against injustice in one of hip hops most important songs. Public Enemy’s Chuck D wrote the lyrics, drawing influences from James Brown and Bob Marley, while simultaneously calling out white American celebrities like Elvis Presley and John Wayne.

Public Enemy- Fight The Power (official music video)

Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing) (1998)

Lauryn Hill is one of the most creative and important artists of our time and on this iconic track, she pushes for female empowerment which gave her a number one hit and two Grammy’s for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Lauryn Hill – Doo-Wop (official video)

Marvin Gaye – What’s Goin’ On’ (1971)

Marvin Gaye asks an important question after a number of high-profile incidents of police brutality. The song marked a different sound for Marvin as he strayed from the Motown style towards more personal material

(Marvin Gaye- Whats goin’ on)

Nas feat. Lauryn Hill – If I Ruled the World (1996)

Nas and Lauryn Hill join forces to give us an uplifting hip hop classic from his 1996 album It Was Written. The single was nominated for a Grammy in 1997 and is considered one of the greatest rap songs of all time.

Nas Feat. Lauryn Hill- If I Ruled the World

Kendrick Lamar – I (2014)

Kendrick Lamar is arguably one of the most substantive rappers of the modern era, his 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly won numerous Grammy’s and while the album is full of flawless tracks from start to finish ‘I’ is a standout for its positivity and encouragement for the listener to simply love themselves.

Kendrick Lamar- i (official video)

Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture (2020)

While many may class Lil Baby as just a fun trap rapper with nothing substantive to say, he wipes the floor with all those presumptions with ‘The Bigger Picture’. Lil Baby addresses the unrest after the unlawful murder of George Floyd with one of the most hard-hitting tracks of the year.

Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture (Official music video)

Common feat. John Legend – Glory (2014)

Written for the soundtrack of the 2014 film “Selma,” the song is inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and Ferguson protests after the shooting for Michael Brown. The singer and rapper duo discuss how one day, the protesting will lead to a victory.

Common, John Legend- Glory

Sister Sledge – We Are Family (1979)

This iconic feel-good song encourages everyone to come together on one of the biggest soul anthems of all time.

Sister Sledge – We are Family

N.W.A – F**k Da Police (1988)

One of the most controversial records and a group of all time, N.W.A turned the music industry on its head with their unapologetic raw and edgy sound. After having many racially motivated attacks on them by police N.W.A refused to bite their tongue and released this all-time classic, which, unfortunately, is still all too relevant in today’s society.

N.W.A Fuk Da Police

Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (1964)

This song was inspired by various events in Cooke’s life, most prominently an event in which he and his group of friends were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. Cooke felt the need to write a song about his struggles and those around him. the song went on to provide a soundtrack for the civil rights movement.

Sam Cooke- A change is gonna come (official lyric video)

Kanye West – New Slaves (2013)

In 2014 Kanye sat down for an interview with Zach Baron of GQ, Kanye claimed to have engaged in numerous meetings that included what he dubbed “Stay in your place” type of conversations. These were what led to him creating ‘New Slaves’ which is a modern-day protest song which also challenges the US justice system.

Kanye West New Slaves

Words by Chris Saunders

Graphics by Frances Scott

The post Black History Month 2020: Essential Anthems for Your Playlist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

This year marked one of the biggest civil rights movements throughout the world. Following the death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter protests, we realised that we still have a long way to go. One of the best ways to fight racism is by informing ourselves more, consuming the right media and content in order to better understand history, and there’s no better time to do so than now. October is Black History Month, a time to celebrate black culture and the contribution of black people, not only in the UK, but the world.

It’s time to learn and push the discussion further. It’s time to find out about all of the influential black people that have shaped the culture that we so love and consume. If you’re unaware of where to start here’s a selection of our favourite media to raise awareness and help in educating ourselves more.

1. Dear White People

The satirical Netflix series revolves around a group of black students and their daily struggles in a modern and “post-racist” American society. By following their lives in a predominantly white Ivy-League College they help us reflect on topics such as cultural appropriation, social injustice, sexism, colourism, and many more issues that need our immediate attention. It’s a fun and educational series worth a binge-watching session.

2. The Shadow King

A captivating book that immerses you in the story of the second Italo-Ethiopian war of 1935. The story written by Maaza Mengiste, which was also included in the 2020 Booker Prize Shortlist, tells us everything about the role of women in this war and their fight against racism and sexism. It’s not your usual book about women’s path to independence, it’s an emotional story about a woman’s journey through the battlefield, her photographic descriptions of the scenery, and an alternative perspective on a crucial moment of African history. It’s time for the new generations to see these events from a new set of eyes and this book helps you do just so.

3. Black Sheep

A heartbreaking documentary following the death of Damilola Taylor in November of 2000 and how it marked the life of Cornelius Walker. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s one of those documentaries that needs to be seen and shared. It follows the life of Cornelius in a predominantly racist neighborhood and the coping mechanism that led him to self-destructive behaviour and being integrated into a culture of violence and hatred. It’ll help you understand that events like this happen recurrently and even if we may just see them in the news they can change someone’s life forever.

4. Black History Month Photo-Open

An online photography exhibition celebrating black culture and historical moments. With more than 100 images submitted by 24 emerging artists, this online exhibition shows us everything from empowered black women at work, traditional carnivals, musicians in the streets, and struggling men affected by the pandemic. It’s raw and that’s exactly what we love about it. As you know, an image can be as powerful as any other media so take your time, have a look, and share this piece of history with us.

5. The Survival Guide

Jendella Benson discusses everything relating to the life of black women in our current society. In this podcast’s informative yet entertaining podcasts she interviews strong independent women such as Tobi Asare, founder of MyBumpPay, and takes us on their journey and daily lives. If you want to better understand the perspective of black women who challenge the outdated aspects of our so-called ‘modern’ society this is the right podcast, you’ll hear everything from dating advice to salary inequalities.

6. ESSENCE Magazine

A lifestyle magazine for African-American women. You might ask why so niche? Well, these are the kind of products that we need, a specific market that targets the needs of black women around the world, Essence does just that. The magazine talks about fashion, finance, and much more with an intimate one-to-one tone that catches your attention and captures your heart. It acts as a mirror for the wants and needs of African-American women and immerses anyone interested in being informed into their culture and their way of experiencing the world and the current issues affecting it. With a beautiful design, high-quality journalism and compelling stories this magazine deserves every bit of your attention.

7. The Distracted Journey: Poems From A Slave

A digital event celebrating black culture through poetry and conversations with Donovan Christopher, an artist of all forms. Thursday 15 October from 7 pm to 8 pm on Kirklees Libraries social media accounts you will be able to participate and listen to poems and tales about black history and lives through the eyes of the poet. No booking or confirmation is required, just a login, so why not dedicate an hour and take part?

8. By Any Means – Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith delves into her experience with social injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement through the lyrics and melodies of this song. It’s a heartbreaking yet powerful song that was even used as Roc Nation’s lead single for their Reprise project in their duty to support organisations fighting social injustice and division. As the singer explained herself, it’s more than another song or social media post, it’s a statement and it needs to reach everyone. So go have a listen and take in a new message.

9. The Idea of America

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones analysis and dismantles America’s history from 1619 onwards in this powerful essay. She points out how slavery cannot be forgotten when discussing democracy, and shows us all of the efforts made by the black community to change the false conceptions we’ve had of history and the distorted definitions that we have of the American model of “democracy”. If you want to understand the underside of capitalism and the wrong perspective of the government of the issues of inequality this essay should be the one for you, or actually, everyone.

10. When They See Us

Based on a true story, this Netflix series narrates the infamous Central Park Five case of 1989, when five black boys were wrongfully convicted for a crime they did not commit. The four-season series, capturing a story over the span of 25 years, demonstrates the failure of a justice system that’s meant to protect us, and everything that these five boys went through after being accused of rape, convicted, and then exonerated in 2002.

Words by Chiara Ferrari

Graphics by Frances Scott

The post Educate Yourself and Consume the Right Media for Black History Month appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Today, we’re honouring Tracee Ellis Ross. No, not for her fabulously hilarious ‘rich aunt’ style Insta videos featuring her on vacation (which we all love), but for her new hair brand Pattern Beauty which centres itself on “fulfilling the unmet beauty needs of the curly, coily & tight textured community”.

The Golden Globe award-winning actress who starred in Black-ish and is currently producing spinoff Mixed-ish has always been an activist in her work. Sitcom Girlfriends gave an insight into the everyday experiences of a diverse group of African American women in the 2000’s and made history for being one of the only shows on primetime television featuring an all-Black, predominantly female cast. Mixed-ish follows in a similar route in the way it illuminates the African American experience, but it mainly focusses on the identity crises of mixed-race children growing up in the 80s.

Certain scenes from the show resonates strongly with the motivating force behind Pattern Beauty, particularly in the way black children are frequently told by teachers or authority figures to control and “neaten” their hair. Mixed-ish as stated by Ross on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah took inspiration from the real-life scenarios of her childhood. Despite having a natural-haired style-icon mother (the Diana Ross) Tracee still felt that:

“Growing up, society told me there was a right way to wear my hair and a right way to look. Those ideals didn’t match what I saw in the mirror, so I tried to beat my curls into submission— putting body lotion in my hair, sleeping in rollers, blowouts, relaxers, texturizers, ponytails so tight they gave me a headache”.

Over time, thankfully, she managed to begin the “healing journey towards loving [her] hair” and Pattern Beauty is most definitely an emblem of this. The range features 7 highly-anticipated products including conditioner, shampoo, washday towels and claw clips all tailored towards 3B to 4C hair types. What is particularly commendable about the range is it’s the affordability – the products range from $9 to $42 – which Tracee pushed for as “everyone should have access to their most beautiful hair” despite their economic background.

At a time where more black women than ever are embracing their texture, initiatives like Tracee’s are much needed. The philosophy of this line stated on patternbeauty.com – “Don’t feel the need to “tame”, “control” or “stifle” your curls & coils”, along with Tracee’s personal experiences resurfaces deeper issues of American society surrounding black, or natural hair.

Only earlier this year was hair-based discrimination officially recognised as a type of prejudice in New York City. Cincinnati on Wednesday followed in the same footsteps and became the second state to make it illegal to discriminate against people with natural hair. Although change is occurring, cases like Andrew Johnson, the high-schooler who was forced to have his dreadlocks cut to participate in a wrestling match in 2018, still occurs.

We can most definitely see the raw authenticity behind Pattern Beauty. We love how its ethos parallels the ‘Black Is Beautiful’ movement of the 60s and how Tracee, by being open about her experiences, helps contribute to a much-needed paradigm shift surrounding big and bold hair. Pattern truly adds to the 21st century natural hair movement by creating “products made by and for us” and we’re excited to see how her line will expand over time.

Artwork by Luke Walwyn

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