The Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip Hop

The music industry has long been plagued by issues of diversity and representation, with Black artists and industry professionals often feeling marginalized and overlooked. However, change is on the horizon, thanks to the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC).

The BMC was created to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive industry for all. By bringing together a diverse group of Black music creators, executives, and professionals, the Black Music Collective is shaping the future of the music industry and paving the way for a more equitable and diverse industry.

During Grammy week 2023, revered Grammy Award-winning artists Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, and music executive Sylvia Rhone were honored at the Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective event. The Recording Academy Global Impact Award was presented to all four honorees for their personal and professional achievements in the music industry.

The official Grammy week event and second annual Black Music Collective gathering was held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Adam Blackstone, a first-time Grammy nominee, served as the evening's musical director and was sponsored by Amazon Music and the Google Pixel Phone.

As part of the Recording Academy's commitment to evolving together with it’s membership, BMC serves as a space for members to speak openly about new and emerging opportunities in Black music across all genres and identify ways to drive more representation.

Ryan Butler, vice president of DEI for the Recording Academy and Rico Love, vice chair of the board of trustees, spoke with For(bes) The Culture about the organization's commitment to preserving and honoring Black music history.

“It really does take a year of thinking about what we can do that has not been done before. In hip hop's 50th year we really had an opportunity to celebrate hip hop in a way that the Academy had never done before. We decided to use this event as a kickoff celebration for a yearlong celebration of hip hop in its 50th year,” states Butler.

The Black Music Collective advocates for policy changes that will make the music industry more equitable and diverse. One of the key issues addressed by the organization is the lack of representation in the Grammy awards. Only 1o percent of the Grammy award nominees in 2020 were Black. The Black Music Collective is working to change this by advocating for more diverse Grammy voting committees as well as increased transparency in the nomination process.

“Our voting membership was at 11 percent when the Black Music Collective began, and it is now at 22 percent. We established the goals and laid out the path to inclusivity, but it will need a team effort from all groups, not just DEI, to make it happen. When every member of the recording Academy is a DEI practitioner, my mission will be over,” stated Butler.

One of the most significant impacts of the Black Music Collective is the increased visibility and recognition of Black music. The collective is assisting in drawing attention to Black musicians and their contributions to the music industry. A more diverse and inclusive industry is emerging as a result of this elevated visibility for Black music creatives.

In order to give Black people a sense of belonging, Butler was thrilled for the BMC to honor Black music, innovators, and industry professionals in a way that many have never seen before.

Black music history is something that the BMC team is dedicated to protecting and recognizing. This is achieved through various initiatives, including the creation of a Black music archive and the development of educational resources for Black music creators and industry professionals.

Love spoke on the importance of the work being done through the organization. “It’s important for us to be here at BMC because as we increase Black voting membership we won’t ever be thinking about these discrepancies. As chair of the BMC my goal is to increase Black voting membership and make awareness. Ryan gets the job down, he’s the mastermind of putting this event together. This year we are giving both young and more seasoned artist an opportunity to perform and be represented. Opulence is the vibe of the evening,” expressed Love.

The BMC has a goal of adding 2,500 women to its membership by 2025. "We can't be what we can't see," says Butler. “I consider young women and Spanish-speaking artists who are watching the Grammy’s and thinking, ‘Wow, I can grow up and be nominated for a Grammy’ this essentially will impact the nominations which will in turn impact the diversity on stage,” adds Butler.

Most DEI practitioners, according to Butler, don't think about genre, craft or writing diversity. This year he wanted to showcase that Black music is across all genres. “There is no music, that isn't Black music,” urges Butler.

“If we really focus on the power of music, what it can do, how it brings us together, and how it can transcend race, sex, age, all of the factors we think of when we discuss DEI, it can lead us to a unifying healing power. Yes, it's one night, but music is working it's magic 365 days a year. It's not just about what happens in that room and on that night, it's about what music can do to heal the world throughout the year,” urges Butler.

For(bes) The Culture was invited to attend the 2nd annual event in Los Angeles and spoke with a few of today's most influential cultural shifters on the Black Carpet. Here's what they said.

Erica Campbell, multiplatinum gospel singer and member of the gospel group Mary Mary, felt the night was a celebration of Black opulence. Campbell expressed her excitement to be in the room to celebrate and recognize her peers.

“The evening is columniation of a big thank you. Thank you for seeing us, hearing our songs, playing our music and celebrating us and all the mountains we must climb as Black artists, because it isn’t easy,” expresses Campbell.

Kenyon Dixon, Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter, spoke about being invited to the Black Music Collectives event.

“Being here feels fantastic. We should constantly celebrate where we are as Black people and Black musicians. Being a part of this is an honor, especially since we get to recognize some legendary Black musicians who pioneered the way,” added Dixon.

Marsha Ambrosius, singer-songwriter and half of the Grammy-nominated neo-soul duo Floetry, discussed her collaboration album with Dr. Dre, who was awarded the BMC global impact award, called Casablanco, and how it was an honor to be present. Ambrosius went on record saying, "I'm rooting for everyone Black," describing the occasion as the pinnacle of Black excellence.

Candiace Dillard Bassett, singer, songwriter, television personality, and actor, expressed her enthusiasm in taking part in the evening.

“I'm thrilled to be in the same room as legendary Black musicians who have created the soundtrack to our entire existence. From high school to college to my wedding, all these artists' songs are a part of memories that are significant to me. The fact that it took place during Black History Month makes the occasion even more remarkable,” concludes Bassett.

Jason Lee, founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked, spoke with us about the impact of the event. Lee was pleased to be there as a member of the Recording Academy.

“I’m excited to be here this evening as someone who has been advocating for inclusion at the Recording Academy for years, specifically for media. To be able to be here for an evening that’s designed for us, by people who look like us, leading the organization is amazing,” tells Lee.

J. Ivy, Grammy award winning poet, shared his thoughts on hip hop's future and what he expects its influence to be.

“I anticipate incredible storytelling, us building as a community, pushing the culture forward, making sure the next generation of artists has a strong foundation to stand and more Black Love,” comments Ivy.

“The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.”