People News
Beyoncé's black music
Sep 22, 2006, 9:52 GMT
Beyonce makes her own music © Janet Mayer / Photorazzi
Beyoncé Knowles has sparked controversy by saying she only makes records for black people.
Since the 'Déjà Vu' singer made the astonishing statement sales of her new album, 'B'Day', have fallen by 70 per cent in the US.
Beyoncé, 25, said in an interview with Blender magazine: "I make black records. I write records like I speak, and I don't try to change my songs so everyone else likes them."
The singer has also admitted she can relate to celebrities who attack the paparazzi.
Beyoncé said: "It must be really scary to have your children in front of all these people. That's your kids. That's when Mama Knowles is gonna be punching some photographers!"
Meanwhile, Beyoncé's name was booed at the MOBO awards in London on Wednesday night (20.09.06) when she failed to turn up to collect her three prizes.
The 'Crazy In Love' singer received the most awards after her single 'Déjà Vu' won the Best Song and Best Video categories and she was named Best International Female at the ceremony - which recognises music of black origin.
(C) BANG Media International
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Older Talkback
page: 1
G. Well either your stupid or damn stupid.
Beyonce started out doing R&B music which (as we all know is majority done fairly represented by Africans).
So here outlook on life, would be of an African (American) experience so her music her style would be geared towards a black audience.
Now as for the rest of your rant, the majority of Black people do not have a majority of Caucasian DNA, as you stated in your post. However, all Caucasians have Negroid DNA (scientific fact do your research).
She has neither excluded the white population from hearing her music as she at no time made such a statement.
On a side note I think you need to go a diversity class to re-train your brain on the ills of making racists statements, hopefully monstersandcritics.com will delete your message.
I haven't seen the context for B's comment (what she was asked, and what the related discussion was about), so until I do, there's no way to assess it accurately. But to be fair, 'I make black records' does not sound like a racist statement to me. She DOES make black records. It's just a statement of fact.
There is such a thing as a 'black record,' because there is such a thing as 'black music.' I won't bother defining it here, 'cause it's lengthy, and it's quite possible that the people who are crying foul don't really care. But if anyone really wants to know what a black record is, I'll be happy to define it. Come see me at www.steve-burks.com, or www.myspace.com/positivemusic. (Not a plug. I'm just keeping it short here.)
So yeah, I think some of the offended parties are jumping to conclusions, if that's all she said. There's nothing in the language that suggests she meant to dis' anyone, 'black' or 'white.' Just my opinion.
I agree with what Stephen said and mostly with Leon. However I think Leon took G Wells' comment a little personally, even though it may be rather presumptuous to try and guess someone's precise ancestry and then say how they ought to act based on that.
Leon, you misread a part of what G Wells said. He didn't say that 'the majority of black people have a majority of caucasian DNA'. He was just saying that some people identified or who identify as being black may in fact have a majority of white ancestors. I think he does make an interesting point there, even if he makes it rather insensitively.
I didn't find Beyonce's comment to be racist. However, it in fact would sound quite prejudicial if a white person said such and such, which makes the system unfair. For instance, if Mick Jagger said he made 'white music' or 'white records', what have you, I think there would be a bigger backlash. And don't tell me that there is no such thing 'white music/records', because there is. Just as there is such thing as 'black music' and 'black records'. Just as Stephen was saying. In general, it's taboo for a person of caucausion descent to say that they embrace their white culture while a person of African descent has no problem doing so, as Beyonce and her contemporaries have on many occasions. And that's the way to be. It shouldn't be taboo for anyone, no matter what ethnic origin or race, to be proud of their heritage. Not for Beyonce, Bono, or any artist out there. It's just society in general that has everyone screwed.
I think that her comment was taken out of context. People are always trying to start contreversy and issues when there is none...that's a shame.
If you go to blender.com, the interview with Beyonce should be on the home page. It didn't sound like Beyonce was trying to offend anybody or say that she only makes a certain type of music for a certain group of people.
Can't wait until we have MOWO awards in the UK.
...we already know this...
...Eric Clapton said a similar thing..who cares?
I don't know how any of you can say this is not a racist comment, your only kidding yourself. You all know that if a white person said he made white music everyone would bash him and he would probable recieve a lawsuit as well. Music is music not a race or color, if you like a particular type it does not define you as a person and it certainly does not mean your black or white. Its just like BET what is that anyway, what only black people can be entertained by it? Try a real name like MTV or VH1 where they play all types of music, not for just one group. If you think im a racist or something you got this all wrong, not only do white people account for 70% of 'Black' music record sales but I have never heard of 'White Music'. So all of you Beyonce fans out there, I'm just glad you got the see the real side of her.....a racist!!!
The problem here is the comment 'black'. Saying something as stupid as that reflects the fact that Beyonce is just a pretty face that can sing a bit, not a intellectual or true enthusiast of music. Jimi Hendrix was 'black', among other things. So is BB King, Al Green, James Brown, Funkmaster Flash, the RZA and Carl Craig among others, and they make blues, soul, funk, rap, hip hop and techno music respectively. Music forms that evolved with other forms over time, all of which however were predominately innovated by muscians of African-American descent. The point is, Beyonce sounds nothing like these greats and I would never dare to reduce such disparate genres to one moniker, the colour 'black'. If Beyonce thinks that there is one musical genre called 'black' music, she just underlines her ignorance and lack of respect for the greatness of the legacies she inherits as an African-American. Typical for someone from the US, however, to want to reduce complexity down to a understanding fit for the lowest common denominator (like the phrase 'black' and 'white'). She makes 'urban' music, period.
PS She's got a cheek too, making those comments and not attending the MOBO awards. What a Uncle Tom.
Whenever a Black person is pro black or makes a pro black comment they are going to be attacked. There is nothing racist about her comment. Certain folks want everybody to be crossover and if you are well liked by the MINORITY they dislike it when you acknowledge that you are proud of yourself and your ethnicity.
First off most of you sound like idiots Beyonce is not a racist and shouldnt be called one the truth of the matter is people who arent huge fans like myself are just tired of seeing her every where and getting all the endorsements and deals because no female artist out here today around her age bracket (so dont bring mary j or mariah in this) can fuck with her. I think people want her to take a long break which is probably good for her because people are hating so damn hard and maybe they need time to miss her and listen to crappy as commercial r&b like cherish, cassie, ciara, and letoya. Truth of the matter is sells always go down that low in the second week they were predicted early even before that damn interview cam to light it happens to every artist for example mary j blige sold 730,000 her first week then in the second week did a little below 200,000 it happens damn and the same is said about justin timberlake. People want beyonce to mess up sooo bad and be a terrible person cause she hasnt yet and people cant believe shes so young successful, rich, humble and can sing her ass off and to any one who says she cant sing or has stage presence you are not only tone deaf but doesnt know music believe me ive been to plenty of live concerts in my life and beyonce and destiny's child are the real deal can sing close to the exact record and dance while doing it that takes hard work a dedication. So basically make accusations sit down drink your haterade because believe me when i say beyonce got loyal ass fans whose going to support her through whatever she will go mutliplatnum anyway peace.
hmmmm hmm!!! that's right you tell em!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i don't care what nobody say, b. is the shit
so what! to what she said,-the pc punks look for a chance to screw with everybody whose made something of their lives. I was never really impressed with the lady other than she's very lovely to look at.that is- until I saw and heard her sing some of the nominated songs on the academy awards show a year or so ago.the woman could really be voice of renown if she did cross over more often.But if black music is her thing then as long as she isn't preaching reverse racism or cursing; then as some of my 'black' friends(too old for all this afro american or euro white stuff)say you do it girl.
Let's put the shoe on the other foot. What would the reaction be if Britney or Madonna said 'I make white records'?
Then 'black' people would feel hurt, and also people of all colours would too (including myself), because the whole issue of segregating yourself or others by colour is just so 'last tuesday'.
Regardless of your genes, it's your upbringing and the society that you grow up in that shapes up you as a person. It does not matter if her great-great-great-great-grandparents were dark skinned immigrants from Africa, Beyonce is a Texan and that is something that she have put her emphasis on instead.
The rate at which western countries have foreigners coming in and integrating and mixing with the people already within them, the colours are changing all the time. So i think these sort of attitudes are just extremely prehistoric and will become more so in several decade's time.
Beyonce is just one of the many Champagne drinking, Bling wearing, Nike endorsed, Plastic surgery enhanced, Gangster bragging fools that taint our society with there wannabee famous brainwashing lyrics. There are too many of them hence too many eedjuts. Stop listening to that crap, do urself a favour & go buy yourself a Monty Alexander CD & wiseup. MOBOOL. I hope someone creats a real music of black origin award. This time invite some real musicians!
I think Beyonce is just confused. If anybody is 'pop' or 'white' it is her. She is the megast
First of all, people have too mcuh time on their hands. The Beyonce you are talking about doesn't even read all these postings. I don't think what she said was racial, its simply people trying to 'ring alarm' when there is no call for it. she said she makes 'black records', the girl is just embracing her roots, that doesn't make her racist. Maybe if she used 'urban records' instead, u might change your opinions. If you read her comments, she said she 'sing what she speak', the so-called 'black record' was only a reference to when she said 'ni***a please' in her music. Whoever feels offended by that should not buy her CD, like that is gonna affect anything. No matter what, she is still a success and will continue to be. She has made an impact in her own way. If a regular person says that, it won't mean anything. People stop being sensitive and learn that Media expantiates on unecessary stuff, its a shame people still fall for it. What is wrong with her making black records anyway? have u seen a successful black person in rock music as the band leader eventhough rock n' roll was first started by the black people. Beyonce, go ahead, we love you, say whatever you want. Some haters will always mis-interpret you. Music is universal but has its root and shouldn't be ignored because we are afraid of being called racist.
what if 'Britney or Madonna said 'I make white records'? '
oh well, i won't be hurt cos i think their music is white anyway. If a black person says he/she make 'black records', not too many attention is drawn. if a white person says he/she makes 'white records', there might be lawsuit..and to some pple 'it is not fair' but oh well the slavery wasn't fair too so start getting used to it.
and these people saying 70% of her music is bought by whites, how come most white act as if they don't listen to that in public then, hypocrites. Beyonce say whatever you want, its called freedom of speech and freedom to choose which crowd listens to your music.
start using ur brains, media makes stuff up so that pple like u can sit and read from their pc and start blabbing mouth
PEOPLE, THAT COMMENT DOES NOT SOUND RACIST TO ME.MAYBE YOU HAVE TO KNOW HER ANCESTORY 1ST :BEYONCE MAMA IS ONLY 1/4 BLACK, AND THE REST IS WHITE FRENCH AND NATIVE AMERICAN, HER MOM HAS GREEN EYES AND IS VERY LIGHT, ALMOST WHITE, THAT RACIAL GROUP SHR BELONGS TO IS CALLED LOUISIANA CREOLES, THATS 1/2 OF BEYONCE GENES THAN. I SPENT AGES FINDING OUT THAT. HER DAD IS BLACK. SO IF U MISUNDASTAND THE COMMENT THAT MEANS, BEYONCE CANT LISTEN TO HER OWN RECORDS CAUSE OF HER OWN ANCESTORY.
She is hiding the fact that she has white ancestry. Her mum even admitted that she herself was half-white.
She is hiding the fact that her mum is 1/2 white.
FIRST THING FIRST...you all have serious issues ...This shouldnt even be a DAMN TOPIC TO ARGUE ABOUT! first of all ...If beyonce wants torealease 'Black albums' Or what ever... THEN Let her!!! i bet HALF THE WHITE PEOPLE ON HERE THINK HER ALBUMS ARE BLACK...sOo what no1 is complaining...Same as Britney,christina agualiara,mOdenna it goes without saying...THere albums are white!!! but its just they aint saying it...sooo all you sados HushUp and do something better than read tooo deep into quotes from beyonce..~xPeacex~
this is stupid. Like some one said why would you really waist your time arguing about a beyonce quote. She is far from the smartest peach on the block.
She is brilliant in terms of her career, but she is not a proficient speaker.
I understand fully what she meant. I believe that race doesnt exist but for lack of better words she was just saying that her music is 'urban' ...'r n b'
but yet most of her sales come from 'pop' or 'mainstream' audiences. But she doesnt try to make music for them, she just makes music thats true to her and it crossesover. Thats all she was saying, even though she chose race to describe it, like most people probably would anyway. Doesn't make her a racist.
Did she say White people are dumb? Chinese people small like crabs? no she didnt. Get off it.
yeah if a white person said it, it would have been way more akward. But that does not change the fact that this is not racist
The idea that this is a racist statement is ridiculous. What she was trying to say is that she makes R&B music (which is predominatly black) and not pop (which is mostly white) or any other genre of music. I think it is what it is. It's black music. Just the same way Paul Wall, Eminem or newcomer Robin Thicke all sing black music. I'm glad she said what she did. Because for years many blacks assumed she was trying to be less ethnic by her hair color and make up choices.
You ignorant white people are in no position to parallel a statement like that, by saying “what if a white person said they make white records”. Idiots, there is a bit of a difference, it’s called CENTURIES OF SLAVERY that still have ripple-effects affecting society to this day.
You reap what you sow, and if what you sow is a society of blacks who have a bad taste in their mouth towards white people, and want to liberate themselves through acknowledging they openly make “black records”, then deal with it, or further cement your assanine ignorancy.
i feel u FYI b rockz so deal wit it!!!!!
Let's just leave the 'slavery' topic out of it.
You can't blame slavery on all 'white' people.
Many 'whites' worked for civil rights when slavery was a real problem.
Many sacrificed themselves for 'blacks'.
So slavery can go out the window.
And 'blacks' shouldn't be bitter towards all 'whites.'
'Whites' aren't enslaving anyone.
And I no one on here has been enslaved.
So let it go.
What I am going to say has already been mentioned.
But because people can't read I'll say it AGAIN.
'Black Music' isn't necisarily a racist comment.
She means 'R&B'. That's what kind of artist she is.
And because the majority of R&B/Hip-Hop listeners are of African decent she used the majority.
It's not a big deal so let it go.
First of all, if anyone makes white (pop) music it is this Bey-otch. Christina Aquilera sounds far more black than Beyonce does, maybe because she actually has talent. Beyonce is pure crap pop. It's her roots and where her fame and fortune came from. One does not choose who buys their records. The audience decides. And little white teenagers decided Beyonce sings for them. And they are right!
page: 1
G WellsSep 22nd, 2006 - 13:13:34
OK so what is 'black'? Many 'black' people have a large amount of Caucasian DNA - sometimes a majority. It seems almost racist to deny this, as if someone who is not 100% pure white can't be 'white'. Beyonce, who is light-skinned, may actually be more white than black -is she in denial? What's wrong with being mixed-race? Ashamed of the slave-owning class that may have injected that white DNA? But for good or ill that heritage is there.
Why not rejoice in who she really is? Isn't she being racist by saying she excludes whites in her music? Sure, we can remain true to our 'culture' but she is a national star and must take into account the whole community of that Nation not deliberately snub some of them.
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