by Michael Bell
(STX-February 1, 2023) Miles Davis and George Clinton are pioneers in the different genres of music they shaped.
Miles was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and his impact is still felt today.
He was a pioneer in developing the jazz genre, and his work helped shape the sound of popular music for decades.
George Clinton, a singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with the band Parliament-Funkadelic.
The band is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of funk music, and his works have influenced a wide range of other genres.
A Tribe Called Quest is widely regarded as one of the most critical groups in hip-hop history.
They were famous for their original and experimental approach, which combined jazz, funk, and soul in their musical compositions. Their music was also noted for its versatility.
In addition to that, they were well-known for their socially conscious lyrics, in which they discussed topics such as racism, police brutality, and poverty.
As a result, Tribe Called Quest was, in many respects, decades ahead of its time.
Nevertheless, many following Afrofuturist musicians have acknowledged the band’s body of work as an essential source of inspiration.
Afrofuturism is a movement that began in the early 1990s and focuses on the intersection of black culture and science fiction.
Afrofuturism is a movement that began in the early 1990s and focuses on the intersection of black culture and science fiction.
This movement was catapulted by the need of the blacks to communicate, teach and express themselves, this is around the era that hip-hop gained fame and many black artists were being recognized.
The movement was named after the word “afro,” which is an African word meaning “black future.”
It is a reaction to the exclusion of black people that is prevalent not only in traditional media but also in the science fiction subgenre.
Afrofuturism allows people of African descent to create their narratives and investigate alternative future scenarios.
It was in the late 1980s when the hip-hop group known as A Tribe Called Quest got its start.
They are regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, and their lyrics are well-known for being both innovative and socially conscious.
The band has distributed five studio albums, all of which have received high praise for the uplifting and encouraging messages within the songs.
A Tribe Called Quest released their first studio album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. The song “Can I Kick It?” can be found on that album.
The song incorporates an excerpt from the jazz musician Sun Ra’s track “Spaceways,” which is an unmistakable reference to the Afrofuturist movement.
In addition, the song’s lyrics contemplate the tribulations African-Americans endured in the United States in their pursuit of freedom and equality.
One of the songs on A Tribe Called Quest‘s second studio album, The Low End Theory, is titled “Excursions.”
A further allusion to the Afrofuturist movement can be found in the fact that “Take the A Train” by Duke Ellington was sampled for this song.
The song’s lyrics are a meditation on life’s journey and the imperative to keep moving forward despite the difficulties that may crop up along the way.
Midnight Marauders is the name of A Tribe Called Quest‘s third studio album, containing the song “Electric Relaxation.”
A further allusion to the Afrofuturist movement can be found in the fact that “Relaxin’ at Camarillo” by Charles Mingus was sampled in the creation of this song.
In addition, the song’s lyrics contemplate the significance of locating moments of tranquility and relaxation amidst the frenetic and stressful nature of the modern world.
Because there are references to Afrofuturism in the music and lyrics of each of these three songs, we can classify them as works of the Afrofuturist art movement.
Furthermore, the utilization of Afrofuturist references by A Tribe Called Quest enables the band to generate their very own narratives and investigate brand new avenues for the foreseeable future.
Love to see the representation and infusion of culture in music. We’re seeing more and more tribal, organic, and global music hitting the mainstream and I’m totally for it!
Assignment Instructions
Cheryl Thomas
I honestly have not heard about afrofuturism until stumbling across this article. This is actually what I would call “ocean deep.” Afrofuturism focuses on black culture. I like that this movement allows african americans to create their own narratives and be confident with traditional or international media.
This story points out different genres of music like jazz and hiphop. The author, Michael Bell made a positive similarity in stating that Miles Davis and George Clinton were pioneers and influential musicians. They each had their own style that makes them as unique and authentic as they could ever dream to be.
Just as genre identifies pieces of music belonging to a shared culture, we black folks should be identified with what we like, dislike, want to create or is passionate about in music, theatre and all other arts.
I love that I found out about Afrofuturism. It such a nice subject to learn because it shows young black artist to think outside the box.
I like that afrofuturism focuses on black culture. It allows african americans to create their own narratives. This story points out different genres of music like jazz and hip hop. Just as genre defines the identification of pieces of music belonging to a shared tradition, it is how we blacks, should be able to identify what we like, dislike. Afrofuturism sets that pace.