3 chapters across the catalog
Dr. Westbrook details how record labels used black artists to fundraise for the Congressional Black Caucus and support politicians like Jimmy Carter. He credits "Black Godfather" Clarence Avant with connecting Carter to the black power structure. The hosts argue that this tradition continues today with figures like Jay-Z and LeBron James, suggesting that black political influence is often hijacked by corporate interests.
Quincy Jones expresses his disapproval of boycotts, stating they offer no solutions. He recounts his time on the Academy's executive committee, where he helped change rules to allow artists like The Beatles, Prince, and Three 6 Mafia to win Oscars. The hosts note that Jones represents an older, more established "Boule" approach to institutional change compared to modern hashtags.
The potential re-emergence of Black Planet is discussed as an alternative to mainstream social media for black creators. However, the hosts compare social media platforms to sneaker brands like Nike, suggesting that grassroots energy cannot be easily manufactured or moved to a new service once a brand is established.
