Sly Stone Created Black Music Without Boundaries

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Every time you turn on the radio, you are hearing Sly Stone.

That’s not literal. It’s not just a poetic exaggeration, either. Whether your bag is rock or rap or soul or pop, the artists you love either loved Sly And The Family Stone or loved artists who loved Sly And The Family Stone.

That’s because Sly Stone created music without boundaries or regard for the constraints of genre. It was Black music, because Sly was Black, and that’s the only kind of music we can make. But the sound was universally appealing, defying the racist radio standards that persist to this day.

As pointed out in endless histories of rock and roll, hip-hop, pop, and country (including Questlove’s Sly Stone documentary Sly Lives! [aka The Burden of Black Genius]), when Stone started making music in the 1960s as a DJ in San Francisco, commercial music broadly belonged to just two categories: pop and “race” records, meaning Black-originated genres.

The primary distinction between those categories wasn’t a time signature or unique preference for instrumentation, lyricism, or vocal intonation. It was the skin color of the performer. Lots of stories have documented and dramatized this distinction, but my favorite among them is the “Cadillac Car” sequence from the 2006 Dreamgirls adaptation. Here, check it out:

But Sly Stone lived up to his moniker in his approach to circumventing this system. By assembling his band of both Black and white members, incorporating both men and women, he bypassed record executives’ and radio programmers’ instinctive need to classify the band’s music by their facial characteristics or gender presentation.

When their manager, David Kapralik, advised Sly that the music needed to be more broadly accessible after the band’s debut album A Whole New Thing flopped commercially, Sly knew how to simplify the songwriting to appeal to anyone’s sensibilities. Sly Lives has a remarkable breakdown of just why “Dance To The Music,” the group’s breakout hit, was able to tap into every taste, no matter the market.

As Jerry Martini, the group’s saxophonist, points out, the song’s drum line is “close to the Motown beat… but it ain’t.” There are elements of jazz, with the scatting of the background singers offering familiarity to fans of that music, along with horns backing the howling of the electric rock guitar.

Each piece is spotlighted in the breakdown, giving everyone something to look forward to. In many ways, “Dance To The Music” is the Platonic ideal of the concept of the American Melting Pot — many voices coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It fits that the song skyrocketed The Family to Top 10 status and set about laying the groundwork of the group’s ubiquity in modern sound.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a genre that was influenced by Sly And The Family Stone. Some of their first shows after blowing up in 1968 were with guitar gods like Jimi Hendrix and the performers at Woodstock, filtering out and down to more funky rockers like Beck, Maroon 5, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Funk mainstays like Parliament owe at least some of their popularity to the Family Stone (or all of it, if you ask George Clinton). Like Sly, Prince sought to populate his bands with female members and push against easy categorization.

In the ’80s and ’90s, Sly And The Family became a huge part of the foundation of hip-hop and New Jack swing, with samples of their music appearing in songs from the likes of Arrested Development, 2Pac, Ice Cube, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, and too many others to name. It’d be criminal not to mention, Outkast, which took so many pieces of Sly Stone’s look and philosophy, including breaking with convention and incorporating psychedelia to the street-heard sound saturating 1990s rap radio.

Heck, without Sly, we might not even have Drake. For as maligned as the Canadian pop rapper has been over the past year, he undoubtedly dominated pop culture for the past decade and a half, spreading his own influence throughout music. And Drake himself will tell you, some of his first experiences with maneuvering around the recording industry were visits with his uncle, Larry Graham, one of the founding members of The Family Stone.

Perhaps there’s no better voice to speak about the impact of Sly Stone than Sly himself. At the end of his 2024 autobiography, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), the 81-year-old Sly muses about how peers from his era were so imitable, quoting his brother Freddie. “He was talking about how the world has lost certain kinds of figures that it needs to see itself clearly,” Sly recalls.

“He said there’s no one like Bob Dylan anymore. When I heard, I nodded. He said there’s no one like John Lennon anymore. I nodded again. He said there’s no one like Sly Stone anymore. I couldn’t nod so I just shook my head.” Sly Stone was one of a kind. It seems unlikely that anyone will ever shift global culture in the ways he did. But thanks to his work and his influence, Black artists can create as freely as they want. Everyone can be at least a little like Sly Stone.



source https://uproxx.com/music/sly-stone-created-black-music-without-boundaries/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.