Session 417: Black Music Month - Artists Redefining the Norm w/ Mankaprr Conteh & Delisa Shannon
Digest
This podcast episode celebrates Black Music Month 2025 by examining the current musical landscape, characterized as individualized, exploratory, and global. The discussion features music journalists sharing their career paths and insights. A significant focus is placed on the innovative and genre-reclaiming work of Black women artists, emphasizing their authenticity and vulnerability, and the double-edged sword of social media's impact on their careers. The episode delves into Beyoncé's *Renaissance* and *Cowboy Carter* as examples of genre-bending and the reclamation of Black identity. Emerging artists pushing creative boundaries are highlighted, along with the crucial importance of Black women having creative control and ownership within the music industry.
Outlines
The Current Music Landscape & Black Music Month 2025
The podcast introduces the current musical landscape as individualized, exploratory, and global, setting the stage for a discussion on Black Music Month and the contributions of Black artists. It also includes the personal journeys of the music journalists involved.
Black Women's Innovation and Genre Reclamation
This section focuses on the innovative and genre-reclaiming work of Black women artists, their authenticity, vulnerability, and the positive listener response. It also addresses the impact of social media, both positive and negative.
Beyoncé's Impact & Genre-bending in Music
A deep dive into Beyoncé's *Renaissance* and *Cowboy Carter*, analyzing their impact on genre-bending and the reclamation of Black identity within American culture.
Emerging Artists and Future Trends in Black Music
This segment highlights several rising Black female artists who are pushing creative boundaries and achieving success through authenticity and genre exploration.
Creative Control and Ownership in the Music Industry
The discussion concludes by emphasizing the importance of Black women having creative control and ownership over their music and careers.
Keywords
Black Music Month
Annual celebration of Black artists' contributions to music.
Genre-bending
Musical style blending elements from multiple genres.
Authenticity in Music
Genuine expression of an artist's identity in their music.
Social Media's Impact on Music
Social media's influence on music discovery and artist promotion.
Creative Control
Artist's autonomy over their creative work.
Black Women in Music
Focus on the contributions and experiences of Black women in the music industry.
Beyoncé
Discussion of Beyoncé's impact on genre and cultural identity.
Emerging Artists
Highlights of rising Black female artists.
Music Journalism
Perspectives and experiences of music journalists.
Global Music
The interconnectedness of global music communities.
Q&A
How has the role of social media impacted Black women in the music industry?
Social media offers wide reach but also exposes artists to harsh criticism; artists manage this by setting boundaries.
What are some key characteristics of the current musical landscape?
Individualized, exploratory, and global, with artists pushing genre boundaries.
How are Black women artists innovating and reclaiming genres in their music?
They experiment across genres, expressing vulnerability and authenticity.
What is the significance of Black women taking on behind-the-scenes roles in the music industry?
Crucial for creative control, ensuring their artistic visions are realized authentically.
What are some emerging artists who exemplify genre-bending and innovation?
Examples include Doechii, Rina Sawayama, and Raven Lena.
What is the lasting impact of Beyoncé's *Renaissance* and *Cowboy Carter*?
Significant for genre-bending, cultural reclamation, and expression of Black identity.
Show Notes
We couldn’t let this month go by without having a conversation about one of my favorite things, music. While we’re only halfway through the year, there have already been so many major moments, from iconic performances to albums that push past genre limitations. These culturally-defining moments have all been sparked by artists we love, and we’d be remiss not to celebrate the ongoing impact of Black artists in music.
In honor of Black Music Month, we're joined by Mankaprr Conteh, staff writer at Rolling Stone, and Delisa Shannon, short-form content director at Billboard. Together, we unpacked some of the standout moments of 2025 so far, talk about the artists who are redefining the rules, and reflect on what Black music continues to teach us about innovation, identity, and joy.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources & Announcements
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Where to Find Our Guests
Mankaprr Conteh
IG - @mankaprr
Check out her work: https://tinyurl.com/428bxscv
Delisa Shannon
IG - @delisamarie_
Check out her work: https://www.delisashannon.com/
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