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What would the music industry be without Black music? Or rather, what would it be without Black women ? Across eras in music, Black women — especially those more behind the scenes — have been the glue that holds things down. We love to sing along with our favorite artists. However, credit also needs to be rightfully given to the songwriters, producers, and composers who are a key reason why we blast our favorite tracks on YouTube, streaming platforms, and beyond. From infectious hooks to a catchy bass, it’s all a part of the formula to a smash record. Take a look at some of our favorite Black women behind the charts — who majority also have successful careers as artists — that AfroTech has our radar on.
YouTube Music serves as a music service that supplies tunes, but more importantly, sheds light on the artists and their stories. In 2021, Director of Black Music & Culture Tuma Basa professed to AfroTech that the platform’s mission is to continue connecting the dots and being a sort of institutional memory for the culture. In an influential team effort, Artist Partnerships Lead Brittany Lewis and Global Music Strategist Lead Mahlet Seyoum are heavily involved in supporting artists.
In light of Black Music Month, we are spotlighting pioneers in the entertainment industry making waves. First up is Clark University alumna Rachel Jackson, who now serves on YouTube Music’s Artist Partnerships Team. Jackson’s journey started at an early age while dancing in the performance arts as a ballerina. The Atlanta native later developed a greater appreciation for music and continued to blossom while living in the Black Mecca. Jackson became immersed in its entertainment landscape, making her first splash while working as an intern at Ludacris’ Disturbing The Peace Records. Her resume only evolved after working as the director of A&R at Roc Nation Label before obtaining her current position as artist relations manager on YouTube Music’s Artist Partnerships Team.
Black Music Month is here and Apple Music is making sure everyone knows it with its latest campaign. The music streaming giant announced the launch of its “All Music Is Black Music” programming this month to honor the origins and influence of Black music artists across all genres. “I don’t think it’s commonplace for people to understand that all popular music comes from the origins and experiences of Black people,” Ebro Darden — Apple Music’s global editorial head of Hip-Hop and R&B — shared with Billboard. “We just need to make sure this is never forgotten.” Black Music Month was co-founded by radio legend Dyana Williams, her ex-husband Kenny Gamble and radio DJ Ed Wright back in 1979 as a means to amplify and celebrate all these Black-influenced genres across our culture, the Recording Academy reports. As we continue this annual tradition, Apple Music hopes to use its platform and reach to increase the recognition of Black music on a global scale. “Black Music Month may be an...