legacy

I was pleasantly surprised when I hopped on the A train to be greeted by a car full of banner ads taking me back to a simpler time when life wasn't about stanky legs, vocoders and nursery-rhyme rappers.

there was once a time when black folks had to stay close to the radio late at night with hopes of hearing the newest "race record." the rise of the Civil Rights movement brought black voices onto the national stage, slowly breaking down doors, welcoming us into black and white homes across the country. of course this came at a price, where the white businessmen willing to invest in us made off with our hard-earned cash, ready to profit off of the next big black voice.

this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of Motown. founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., the Black-owned record label pumped out soulful pop hits as if on an assembly line, dominating the Billboard charts, allowing Black artists to achieve crossover success. Gordy ran a tight ship; with a sound as finely manicured as the nails, the music and the image were inseparable.

The Commodores. The Four Tops. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Diana Ross & The Supremes. Marvin Gaye. Stevie Wonder.

as we celebrate change, let's take time to remember those that paved the way yesterday for where we are today, and headed tomorrow. Drake and the rest of those clowns can wait.