Philly International's Kenny Gamble and broadcast executive Ed Wright created Black Music Month right here in Philly in 1978. Mr. Gamble had previously established the Philadelphia Music Foundation and annexed that organization with The Black Music Association. Black Music Month was established as a program of the group and blossomed into the international celebration that it is today

We've had heated discussions on our message boards asking if Hip Hop is Black music or is it now everyone's music. My view is that Hip Hop is Black at its core and always will be. No matter how many other races touch Hip Hop, no matter what happens in the future, no one can change the Black essence and origin of the music. Because of this, I believe that we must all embrace and celebrate the Blackness of Hip Hop music. The cries from those who whine "but I'm a white kid from the suburbs and I love Hip Hop just as much as anyone else so Hip Hop is universal and shouldn't be limited to Black people" is so tired. Instead of whites and Asians bitching about universality, they need to pay homage to the Black foundation of Hip Hop. This doesn't mean that Hip Hop isn't for everyone, it simply means that its genesis is Black and should be respected at all times by all people.

Several decades ago, South Philly's Italian teen heartthrob Fabian was adamant that "what we do is Black music. We interpret it and filter it through our Italian neighborhoods but when it comes down to it its Black music and that's where the credit has to go." The Rolling Stones share the same vision. Mick Jagger makes it clear that "all we are is kids across the pond emulating Black American Blues artists." The Stones put their money where their mouth is and have a policy of having a Black artist as the opening act for their concerts. Embrace.

Share your thoughts on Black Music Month right here

Article by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
June, 2002