Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself
Black Americana has grown so much in the first weeks of 2025, and we want to say thank you!
Listen, by this point, you have heard plenty of takes on Super Bowl LIX and its halftime show. We’re not here to beat you over the head with it. What is relevant beyond who you rooted for or how you feel about the entertainment is how you synthesize the stories of Sunday’s stars–Jalen Hurts and Kendrick Lamar.
Both men had arduous journeys that led them to different versions of success Sunday night. Jalen Hurts dealt with the extreme highs and lows of collegiate football and the fickleness of the NFL. Kendrick Lamar has struggled with the glare of mainstream recognition versus just being that kid who puts on for Compton. What they had in common was a team that allowed them to be themselves as they grew to who they are today.
So journey along with us. All that we are now is not all that we will be.
Historic Moment
February 13, 1920: The Negro National League is established
Envisioned by Rube Foster, it was the first Negro league to find success. The league played games internationally and lasted 22 seasons.
Music Momentos
February 11, 1995: “Baby” by Brandy reaches #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart
The song had a contagious groove that influenced the back half of the 90s, as one of the song’s background singers, Sherree Patrice Brown, slyly broke down.
And today is Brandy’s 46th birthday!
February 12, 1990: Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em by MC Hammer is released
Hammer’s third album produced the massive hits “U Can’t Touch This” and “Pray” and was key to the globalization of hip-hop. It is the first rap album to reach Diamond (10 million+ album sales) status.
February 14, 1970: "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"/”Everybody Is a Star” by Sly and the Family Stone reaches #1 on the Billboard Hot 100
The double A-side single became a defining sound of the psychedelic era.
February 14, 1985: Whitney Houston by Whitney Houston is released
The self-titled debut album produced three #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and saw Whitney become the first Black female artist to receive regular rotation on MTV. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, it remains the best selling debut album by a female artist in history.
February 15, 1975: “I Belong to You” by Love Unlimited reaches #1 on the Billboard Hot Soul singles chart
Barry White wrote and produced this song for the group that served as his background singers and included his wife Glodean.
History Maker
Aida Overton Walker
Born on February 14, 1880, Walker was one of the first nationally renowned Black entertainers. She was known as the Queen of the Cakewalk, with a “cakewalk” being a fashionable stride performed at gatherings. She and her husband George Walker and his collaborator Bert Williams became one of the most known vaudeville acts of their day.
Birthday
February 16, 1945: Lenny Williams
The former lead singer for Tower of Power is turning 80! As a solo artist, enjoy his signature song “Cause I Love You.”
New Music for Valentine’s Day
Love.Jones by They.
The duo–comprised of Drew Love and Dante Jones–is releasing their fourth studio album, the aptly titled Love.Jones.
All Original Parts, Vol. 1 by Jagged Edge
The group is releasing their first album since group member Brandon Casey nearly lost his life in a car accident.
What Has Us Hyped This Week
Raphael Saadiq vinyl club
Legendary R&B musician Raphael Saadiq announced he has started a vinyl club. Each quarter he will go into his vault and allow members to purchase a limited edition release of his previous work. His first offering is the lone album from his supergroup Lucy Pearl.
February 11: Anthony Edwards Year Five YouTube docuseries debut
As an emerging face of the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves star is giving a look at his professional ascension and personal happenings.
February 13: Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) debuts on Hulu
Grammy Award winning musician turned Academy Award winning documentarian Questlove explores the dark genius of Sly Stone, examining the joys and perils of Black ingenuity.
February 14: Captain America: Brave New World release
After more than a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Anthony Mackie is finally getting the feature film treatment as Captain America.
Closing Thoughts
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See you soon!