Lenny Kravitz’s Complaint On Black Media Support Sparks Debate

Ever since he first “let love rule” in 1989 on his debut album of the identical title, Lenny Kravitz has been one of many greatest Black musicians to influence the predominately white style of rock within the useless of legendary acts earlier than him like Tina Turner, Prince and Jimi Hendrix. With plans subsequent March to launch Blue Electrical Mild, his longevity-defining twelfth studio album, you’ll assume the 59-year-old guitar hero could be in his Lifetime Achievement period at annual award ceremonies just like the NAACP Awards, Soul Prepare Awards and particularly the BET Awards.

Surprisingly sufficient, Kravitz not too long ago argued the other in his Winter 2023 cowl story for Esquire Journal by stating that he’s really obtained little to no Black media assist in any respect; as he put, not one “BET factor.”

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Studying into Kravitz’s feedback relating to lack of Black media assist, there’s room to see issues from either side. The plight of biracial musicians can oftentimes include its fair proportion of id points relating to connecting with the neighborhood at massive, as equally large pop stars like Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys for instance have mentioned in their very own careers. Nevertheless, the place Mariah and Alicia each have cemented themselves on the forefront of Black music, which primarily favors hip-hop and R&B/soul, Kravitz hasn’t at all times proven the identical illustration in his profession as a Black musician.

A take a look at the various lovely fashions featured in his music movies through the years, for instance, reveals an attention-grabbing take a look at what catches his eye.

…we do give him props for embracing his Bahamian roots within the 1998 video for “I Belong To You” although, and that includes Bermudian magnificence Aliana King in his 2020 video for “Journey”:

Whereas it’s true that Kravitz’s solely nominations relating to Black award ceremonies are for his supporting appearing roles in Valuable (2009) and The Starvation Video games (2012) — none for music, sadly — can or not it’s argued that his rock-fueled artistry total may’ve been too fast-paced to correctly construct a Black viewers? We consider all artists from our tradition ought to really feel accepted in the neighborhood, however you’ve additionally acquired to offer somewhat to get somewhat, proper?

Have a look under at what the lots are saying about Lenny Kravitz and his emotions on lack of Black media assist, and hold forth with your individual ideas as nicely: