"Whether it was minstrel shows, blues, jazz or R&B it was generically referred to as "race music" which was only taken seriously after it was appropriated and crossed-over by white performers."
Case in point, Paul WHITEman and his orchestra gave a mainstream white legitimacy to early jazz or the early Louis Armstrong features where he was dressed in jungle garb to showcase his artistry? Racism towards music and culture may not be as blatant as is was in those times but is certainly insidious throughout our society whether we care to acknowledge it or not. Not to point the finger at anyone participating on this thread, not the point. I don’t generally care for rap either but consider it an outgrowth of and part of the American musical experience. Excellent points and great post Onhwy61.
Case in point, Paul WHITEman and his orchestra gave a mainstream white legitimacy to early jazz or the early Louis Armstrong features where he was dressed in jungle garb to showcase his artistry? Racism towards music and culture may not be as blatant as is was in those times but is certainly insidious throughout our society whether we care to acknowledge it or not. Not to point the finger at anyone participating on this thread, not the point. I don’t generally care for rap either but consider it an outgrowth of and part of the American musical experience. Excellent points and great post Onhwy61.