‘Women Behind The Mic’ highlights female artists as hip-hop turns 50

CNN
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It has long been believed that hip-hop was born on August 11, 1973, when DJ Kool Herc’s party in the Bronx brought together sound, culture and dance.

In honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, this week’s newsletter is all about music.

Michelle Joyce and LaJoyce Brookshire are more than just friends, they are partners in raising awareness of women’s contributions in the music industry.

Joyce, former marketing director of Bad Boy Entertainment, and Brookshire, former advertising director of Arista Records, are the designers of the book series, panel discussion and planned documentary series Women Behind the Mic.

Joyce told CNN that she and Brookshire felt a sense of “erasure” when the documentary Can’t Stop, Don’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story was released in 2017. Although she headed many departments within the record label, she felt that the contributions of women were not reflected on the screen.

“We started looking at different biopics and documentaries coming out, but the women who were involved in those projects in the music industry were being left behind,” said Joyce.

They are working to change that and reach out to future generations.

Women Behind the Mic recently partnered with the New York City Department of Education to present a masterclass on careers in the entertainment industry called “Attaining A Seat At The Table” at the Apollo Theater for 1,200 middle and high school students. held.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to explore viable career paths behind the scenes in the music and entertainment industry,” New York City Department of Education President David C. Banks said in a statement. It gives them the opportunity to learn from professionals who can expose them to post-secondary arts opportunities while generating multiple skill sets that connect to the source.”

I like this kind of sound.

Ja Rule has recently returned to the headlines for some controversy, but it’s not about what you think.

yes he said nothing to do with him Potential Fyre Festival 2.0, planned rework of The ill-fated 2017 music festival where the rapper partnered with William McFarland.

But what moved people was what Ja Rule didn’t say.

In an interview with The Shade Room, he discussed Nicki Minaj’s recognition for her contribution to hip-hop, saying, “Before Nicki came out, there weren’t any female MCs.”

“Before her, there were people like Lauryn Hill. And before her, there were artists like Queen Latifah, Salt ‘n’ Pepa, MC Lyte,” Ja Rule said.

This sparked an online backlash with people pointing out artists he had overlooked, such as Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim, and Missy Elliott.

Let’s be real: not everyone can name names all the time, so let’s give Ja Rule some respite on the matter.

Podcasts are my jam.

And what could be better about the history of hip-hop hosted by a rap legend?

In “The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip-Hop,” Nas and media personality Minya “Miss Info” Oh described “the legendary figures who advanced the culture and the voices and outspoken voices of a new generation who are pushing hip-hop forward.” I am having a conversation.

With Nas leading the way, guests range from fellow rapper Snoop Dogg to actor/DJ Idris Elba.

Perfect for hip-hop lovers and casual listeners alike.

If you’re looking for more on this week’s theme, Jazzie Belle hosts the “Women in Hip Hop” podcast for industry conversations with insiders, artists and more.

Both podcasts can be found wherever podcasts are available.

“Hip Hop Evolution”

There’s no better way to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary than by learning about its history.

Netflix is ​​covering four seasons of this documentary series that traces the decades-long evolution of the genre.

No more waiting for Thursday to undo.