Sinners earned a total of 5 nominations (with 3 in the Best Song Written For Film/TV category):

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

Best Song Written for Visual Media for “I Lied to You,” “Pale, Pale Moon,” and “Sinners”

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

There’s also the announcement of the breakout Netflix hit K-Pop Demon Hunters. They earned 4 nods in the following categories:

Song of the Year

Best Remixed Recording

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

Best Song Written for Film/TV

The 2026 Grammy nominations have set the stage for an unexpected face-off: Sinners versus K-Pop Demon Hunters. One is a smoky, soul-stained meditation on guilt and redemption; the other, a high-octane animated K-pop fantasy. Together, they embody the Grammys’ shifting cultural landscape, one that’s finally embracing both grit and gloss.

On one side, Sinners delivers a soundtrack steeped in mood and meaning. Nominated for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Song Written for Visual Media, it blends underground soul, gospel undertones, and haunting synths into something cinematic and deeply human. Composer Ludwig Göransson’s fingerprints are all over its layered soundscape, lending the film the gravitas of prestige cinema and the pulse of protest art. Sinners feels like the modern cousin of Black Panther: The Album. A project that moves between faith and fury with lyrical precision.

Meanwhile, K-Pop Demon Hunters storms the Grammys with Golden, a neon-fueled anthem performed by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X. It’s nominated for Song of the Year, a category once dominated by acoustic ballads and chart-safe pop. The film’s infectious soundtrack and global fandom have redefined what “visual media” can mean in a streaming age, where animation, fantasy, and K-pop’s futuristic energy converge into a dazzling cultural hybrid.

This creative clash isn’t just about who wins a trophy, it’s about the Grammys catching up to what audiences already know: music today lives everywhere. Sinners speaks to the grounded, narrative-driven artistry of Black cinema, while K-Pop Demon Hunters channels the unapologetic maximalism of global pop. One aches with soul; the other glows with spectacle.

If Sinners wins, it would reaffirm the enduring power of storytelling through sound and the ability to make us feel something real. If K-Pop Demon Hunters takes the crown, it would mark a breakthrough moment for Asian pop culture’s creative dominance in Western awards spaces.

Either way, this battle symbolizes the best kind of cultural collision, not between old and new, but between two visions of what music can be when boundaries finally break.

The post Grammy Nominees: The Battle Between ‘Sinners’ and ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

From the moment his 1995 debut Brown Sugar dropped, D’Angelo was the pulse of something new, something ancient and something spiritual. He fused the warmth of Marvin Gaye with the cool innovation of Prince, blending gospel, funk, jazz, and hip-hop into a genre that critics would later call neo-soul. But D’Angelo didn’t invent neo-soul to have a label, he actually lived it. It was in his DNA.

His follow-up albums Voodoo (2000) and Black Messiah (2014) were seismic shifts that pushed the boundaries of Black artistry. Voodoo made vulnerability sexy and raw; Black Messiah reminded us that soul could also be political, radical, and unflinchingly Black. Artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Solange, and even Kendrick Lamar carry his influence in every note that values truth over trend.

And then there’s that song “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)”. The track that redefined intimacy in music. The moment D’Angelo appeared alone on-screen, stripped down to his essence, it was less about shock and more about sincerity. That video was magnetic, sensual, and human. It wasn’t just a thirst trap (though, let’s be honest, it was that too); it was a statement about male vulnerability, about desire, about the body as art. The song earned him a Grammy and an immortal place in music video history.

When D’Angelo stepped back from the spotlight for years, fans didn’t turn away, they waited. Because when an artist gives you something that pure, that sacred, you don’t forget. You hold space.

Adding to the heartbreak of 2025 is the earlier passing of Angie Stone, the neo-soul icon and D’Angelo’s former partner, who died in March of this same year. The two shared both a romance and a musical lineage. Stone co-wrote and shaped parts of Brown Sugar, and together they became parents to a son who now carries both their artistic legacies. To lose both D’Angelo and Angie in the same year feels almost cosmically poetic. As if two soulmates in sound were always destined to take their final bow together.

Their connection reminds us that neo-soul was never just about melody or groove, but it was about community, collaboration, and communion. These were artists who poured spirituality into song, turned vulnerability into power. They reminded us that soul music could be intellectual and sensual, political and personal, sacred and messy all at once.

D’Angelo’s legacy will never fade. He helped codify a sound that celebrated Black artistry in its most unfiltered form. A sound that continues to inspire new generations of musicians unafraid to tell the truth about love, pain, and resilience. Even now, his music feels like a living thing, breathing and evolving with every listener who presses play.

As we say goodbye to D’Angelo — and, by extension, to Angie Stone — we’re reminded that music isn’t mortal. The body goes, but the sound remains. Their voices, their harmonies, their spirit are forever stitched into the fabric of Black culture.

Because when D’Angelo asked us, “How does it feel?” we felt it then, and we’ll feel it forever.

The post Remembering D’Angelo and the Eternal Rhythm of Neo-Soul appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Filmed in the Avalon Park neighborhood, “Ride (Remix)” captures the spirit of community that defines Chance’s artistry. From the historic Pride Cleaners on 79th Street, a Black-owned institution that’s stood tall since the 1968 riots to the newly restored Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport, which Chance co-owns, the video is steeped in Chicago pride. Cameos from familiar Midwest faces like Val Warner, George Daniels, Shawnna, and Korporate bring the city’s creative lineage to life, creating a vivid, multi-generational snapshot of joy, resilience, and hometown love.

The remix breathes new life into the Star Line standout, pairing Twista’s signature rapid-fire delivery with Chance’s soulful lyricism over a smooth sample of One Way’s 1980s gem “Don’t Stop (Ever Loving Me).” The result is a celebration of Chicago’s musical DNA — blending hip-hop, soul, and storytelling in true Chance fashion.

Released August 15, Star Line has been hailed by critics as one of the year’s most ambitious albums, with outlets like Billboard praising its “good vibes and emotional honesty.” Tracks like “No More Old Men” featuring Jamila Woods, “Letters,” and “Space & Time” showcase Chance’s evolution as a lyricist and visionary. The project has earned GRAMMY consideration in major categories including Album of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best Music Video for “Tree” featuring Lil Wayne and Smino.

The “And We Back” Tour has already lit up cities like Houston, New Orleans, and New York, earning rave reviews for its electric performances and community-driven energy. Following his Chicago homecoming tonight, Chance continues the tour through October 20, before hosting an intimate GRAMMY Museum conversation and performance in Los Angeles on October 22.

With Star Line, Chance the Rapper doesn’t just return to form he redefines it, crafting a project that’s as much a celebration of Chicago’s cultural heartbeat as it is of his own artistic rebirth.

The post Chance the Rapper Honors Chicago with Self-Directed “Ride (Remix)” Visual and Triumphant Homecoming Show appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Drake filed the lawsuit back in January, arguing that UMG profited from a song that “destroyed his reputation” by implying he’s a “certified pedophile.” Though Lamar wasn’t directly named in the suit, Drake accused the label of fueling and monetizing the controversy for clicks and streams.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas wasn’t having it. In her decision, she wrote that diss-track lyrics are “opinion rather than defamatory statements,” and that no reasonable listener would treat Lamar’s bars as literal accusations. Translation: rap beef is not a courtroom matter.

The fight took a dramatic turn in April when Drake amended his complaint to include Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, arguing that the spectacle reinforced the “false narrative.” UMG clapped back, saying Drake’s claims were overblown and that he was inviting a level of legal scrutiny he might not actually want.

Legal experts sided with UMG, warning that taking Drake’s claims seriously could open the floodgates to lawsuits every time a rapper throws shade. “It’s art, not affidavits,” one scholar quipped.

While Drake can still appeal, this ruling closes another chapter in a feud that’s become hip-hop folklore. For now, the court agrees with what most of the internet decided months ago Drake may be “the boy,” but in this battle, Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” hits harder than any legal argument.

The post Drake Takes Another L: ‘Not Like Us’ Lawsuit Gets Dismissed appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

In a candid conversation with Black Girl Nerds, Lady London opened up about the emotional weight of sharing her story on screen, a process that forced her to face discomfort, embrace vulnerability, and find balance between her public persona and private truth.

“This process was uncomfortable,” she admits, reflecting on the filmmaking journey. “But it stretched me in all the ways I needed. It was a lot to take in.”

For Lady London, the documentary was a mirror. The artist found herself navigating not only the storytelling process but also the emotional reckoning that comes with letting the world see her unfiltered self.

“Deciding what actually made it into the documentary was one of the hardest parts,” she explains. “In post-production, there were so many moments where I said, ‘Yeah, no we’re not putting that in.’ But then we’d have conversations about how certain scenes could really help fans connect with me on a deeper level. Of course, I always want to appear a certain way, but that’s not anyone’s reality. Showing a more human, vulnerable side of myself was a big step and honestly, it was a lot to process.”

That vulnerability sits at the heart of Always, Lady London. The documentary isn’t just a highlight reel of her successes, it’s a reflection of the woman behind the mic. It peels back the layers of a Black woman in hip-hop who’s not only chasing dreams but healing in real time.

Lady London knows that grief and growth don’t move in straight lines. Her journey through loss and the weight of public expectation has reshaped how she shows up for herself and others.

“I would first and foremost advise that grief isn’t linear every day looks different for everyone,” she says. “There will be days when you feel like you can conquer the world, and others when it’s hard to even get out of bed.

For any woman dealing with grief, especially while navigating the pressures of society or the workplace whether in artistry, corporate America, or anywhere else it’s important to learn balance and give yourself grace. Showing compassion to yourself first is what enables you to extend it to others.”

Those words resonate deeply with women who find themselves carrying heavy emotional loads while striving for excellence. Lady London’s message is simple but profound: grace is not a luxury it’s a necessity.

In a culture that glorifies hustle and perfection, Always, Lady London is a refreshing counter-narrative one that reminds us that strength doesn’t mean hiding our struggles. For Black women in particular, whose resilience is often romanticized, Lady London’s openness feels revolutionary. By allowing herself to be seen in moments of doubt, pain, and introspection, she offers permission for others to do the same.

What makes this documentary especially powerful is its duality. It celebrates Lady London’s creative triumphs while acknowledging the personal battles behind them. It’s a portrait of a woman who’s learning to honor her emotions, protect her peace, and embrace her evolution.

“I just want to appear a certain way all the time,” she confesses. “But that’s not anyone’s reality.”

That honesty cuts to the core of what it means to live authentically in the public eye. For Lady London, truth-telling isn’t just lyrical, it’s personal. By pulling back the curtain, she’s not only deepening her bond with fans but reshaping how vulnerability is viewed in hip-hop.

Always, Lady London also stands as a testament to the importance of creative agency. By taking part in shaping her own narrative, Lady London ensures that her story isn’t filtered through someone else’s lens. The result is a film that feels raw, reflective, and deeply human. A reminder that behind every polished verse and viral moment is a person still figuring it all out.

As Lady London continues to rise, she carries with her a message for all women navigating their own intersections of ambition, identity, and healing:
give yourself permission to be real. To rest. To grieve. To grow.

Because even in the spotlight, authenticity is the truest form of power.

Always, Lady London premieres October 10th on Tubi

The post Lady London on Grief, Growth, and Vulnerability in Her Tubi Documentary ‘Always, Lady London’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

A three-part documentary takes fans inside the defining chapter of Lady London’s career: the making of her debut album, To Whom It May Concern. With a major-label release and worldwide tour on the line and while facing grief, doubt, and the relentless pressure to deliver she is determined to prove she’s more than a viral moment.

Interviewer: Jamie Broadnax
Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

Lady London has long been one of hip-hop’s most compelling voices: a poet, scholar, and lyricist whose bars carry the weight of lived experience and cultural memory. But in To Whom It May Concern, the artist invites us deeper into her world than ever before. The documentary, presented in three parts, strips away the gloss of social media virality to reveal the grind, vulnerability, and vision behind the music.

What emerges is a portrait of an artist at a crossroads, balancing grief from personal loss with the weight of expectation that comes with industry success. In an era where female rappers often face impossible standards, Lady London’s journey is one of resilience and radical self-belief. She’s not just chasing hits, she’s crafting a legacy.

Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the doc captures the moments where art meets emotion: late nights in the studio, the quiet before performances, and the creative tug-of-war between perfection and authenticity. Lady London doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations—about imposter syndrome, about navigating male-dominated spaces, and about the fight to be seen as a lyricist first, not just a viral sensation.

For Black women in music, visibility often comes with scrutiny. To Whom It May Concern is a reclamation, an assertion that success can be rooted in intellect, artistry, and integrity. As fans, we witness not just the making of an album, but the evolution of a woman redefining her power on her own terms.

Lady London’s story is a love letter to ambition and artistry a reminder that behind every verse lies a battle, and behind every triumph, a woman who dared to keep going.

Always, Lady London premieres October 10th on Tubi

The post Rapper Lady London Gets Personal in Her New Documentary ‘Always, Lady London’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

That commitment culminates in his new album, For Now Keep Dancing—a project entirely produced by Moo Latte, known for his work with artists like G-Eazy, Method Man, Jadakiss, Freddie Gibbs, and Cordae. Written during a dark period while living in his childhood bedroom, the album dives into themes of emotional avoidance, fractured identity, and the uncertainty of one’s early twenties. Shoka describes it as a mirror of his own struggles: “The biggest thing I realised about myself was my inability to confront things directly. So I made a project that mirrors that.”

The record’s focus track, “Never Miss A Step,” embodies this vulnerability. Shoka describes its creation as instinctive and unexplainable — something that simply arrived, like a Dylan-esque flash of inspiration. Across its nonlinear arc, the album tells the story of The Fighter, a character embodied by Shoka and represented visually as Baby Hake, a boxer whose name nods to South African champion Baby Jake. The narrative unfolds in three fragmented stages — Purposeful Ignorance, Realisation, and Breakthrough — yet intentionally avoids resolution. Instead, the central idea is persistence: to “keep dancing, for now,” even without clear answers.

Extending this vision beyond music, Shoka created a companion short film, Still Kicking: A Baby Hake Character Study. The film immerses viewers in Baby Hake’s psyche, following the newly minted pro boxer as he navigates pain, exhaustion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Still bruised from a fight, he forces himself through training, guided by the mantra that “Greats don’t rest.” The film visually mirrors the album’s central theme — continuing to move forward despite the weight of struggle.

Baby Hake represents contradiction: ambitious yet weary, resilient yet fragile, hungry for greatness while haunted by pain and perfectionism. For Shoka, Baby Hake is an anti-hero, a mirror not just of himself but of countless others who keep striving through fatigue and doubt.

Sonically, For Now Keep Dancing draws on the raw lyricism of 90s and early 2000s hip-hop, particularly A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory, while weaving in modern influences like Vince Staples, Jean Dawson, Kendrick Lamar, and Daniel Caesar. Shoka’s simple request to Moo Latte was: “Hard drums and basslines.” Visually, the project is equally layered, referencing vintage boxing posters, the restless energy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Blue Note jazz covers, French cinema like La Haine, and the funkadelic world of Jamiroquai’s Emergency on Planet Earth.

Beyond his own music, Shoka is also the founder of GUSHER, a creative platform designed to support South African and international artists. His work has already gained global recognition, with support from BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC 1XTRA, Apple Music playlists, and COLORS.

Ultimately, For Now Keep Dancing and Still Kicking form a portrait of an artist in motion — choosing persistence over closure, documenting the contradictions of youth, and proving that even when the fight feels endless, the only option is to keep moving forward.

The post Shoka Sunflower Drops ‘Still Kicking’ Short Film from Album For Now Keep Dancing appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

1. Twice, “Candy Pop”

TWICE is a K-pop group that has been a crossover sensation since its 2015 debut. In 2018, they released an anime-themed video for “Candy Pop,” their second single from their debut Japanese album BDZ. The video has the perfect recipe for a typical shoujo, complete with bright and bubbly visuals, adorable poses, and transformation sequences. The upbeat electropop sound of “Candy Pop” sets the perfect tone for the anime imagery, which depicts Twice going to great lengths to make a young fan happy. 

2. Daft Punk, Interstella 5555

We could have chosen just one of Daft Punk’s cinematic anime videos, but why would we cheat you of the whole experience? After all, all 14 of these videos play like a movie, from the infectious “One More Time” to the concluding “Too Long.” The anime, officially named Interstella 5555, was directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi. It’s a science-fiction story about a group of music-loving aliens who are captured and exploited by a greedy music executive. The concept was highly innovative for its time and is considered a timeless masterpiece by music and anime fans alike.    

3. Pharrell Williams, “It Girl”

The colorful aesthetic of “It Girl” is everything you’d expect from VA rapper/producer Pharrell Williams, known for his eclectic style and unique, futuristic sound. The upbeat vibe of the explosive Kawaii art style is perfectly in sync with the track’s infectious groove, which will have you bopping and swaying in your seat. “It Girl” was directed by Fantasista Utamaro and produced by the animation studio Naz, the same studio that brought you the hit romance comedy My First Girlfriend Is a Gal.  

4. Kanye West, “Good Morning”

In “Good Morning,” we see Ye’s mascot being put through the wringer as he fights desperately through the streets of Universe City to make it to his college graduation on time. The video was produced by Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., the artist collective run by legendary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. The anime blends Ye’s lyrics about graduating and the concepts of “stepping up” with the abstract, contemporary visuals Murakami is famous for.    

5. The Weeknd, “Snowchild”

The melancholy singer/songwriter The Weeknd is reportedly a huge anime fan. So it’s no surprise that when he wanted visuals for his autobiographical track “Snowchild,” he sought out Japan’s first (predominantly) Black-owned anime studio: D’Art Shtajio. The video features dark, cryptic elements that The Weeknd is known for and chronicles his journey from his upbringing in Toronto to his present illustrious R&B career. 

6.  Matthew Sweet, “Girlfriend”

The video for alternative rockstar Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” is one of the first music videos to incorporate anime into its visuals. Girlfriend” toggles between a singing, guitar-playing Matthew Sweet and clips from the ’80s sci-fi anime Space Adventure Cobra: The Movie. Fans on Youtube thank Sweet, not just for his catchy powerpop hit but also for putting them onto the greatness of Space Adventure Cobra.   

7. Porter Robinson & Madeon, “Shelter”

The video for Porter Robinson & Madeon’s EDM track “Shelter” is authentic anime from start to finish. The 6-minute short film was a collaborative project between Crunchyroll and A-1 Pictures, the anime studio behind Fairytale and Sword Art Online. “Shelter” is a sci-fi fantasy that follows Rin, a 17-year-old who lives an isolated life inside a virtual simulation. At first, Rin seems content with her lonely life as we witness her create and manipulate her world using a tablet. But, as the mellow electronica song plays out, the happy tale turns tragic as Rin quickly uncovers the origins of her mysterious universe. 

8. Yaeji, “Waking Up Down”

Korean house singer Yaeji brought us a hilarious anime short for her single “Waking Up Down.” The visual, produced by Studio Yotta, shows an animated Yaeji as she tackles her grueling to-do list with the help of her adorable puppy sidekick. As the catchy dance track plays out, we’re immersed into Yaeji’s imaginative universe as we witness her get whipped into shape by quirky characters like the kawaii Coach Bird and Worm and the intense Chef Eggman. As they take turns motivating Yaeji to complete her tasks for the day, you’ll cry from laughter from the hysterically exaggerated scenes that make anime one of the funniest artforms to watch (like the infamous anime cry face).

9. Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits

The anime version of “Bad Habits” was produced by CALF studios and illustrated by Rui Ikeda. It depicts a tragic tale of toxicity and deceit as we see a celebrity pop star charm an unsuspecting woman into a false sense of security; what appears at first to be a once-in-a-lifetime shot at love turns out to be a trap when we discover that the male pop star in the video is actually a vampire! With its vivid aesthetics and encompassing love story, we must admit: the anime was better.  

10. Linkin Park, “Breaking the Habit”

Linkin Park is a rock band that was the voice of a generation who related to their harrowing lyrics of sadness and self-loathing. Breaking the Habit” depicts several tragic tales of toxicity, abuse, and self-harm through the lens of Studio Gonzo, the Japanese art studio behind anime films like Afro Samurai: Resurrection and Bayonetta: Bloody Fate. The video went on to win countless praise and accolades and is still a favorite among Linkin Park fans.   

11. Britney Spears, “Break the Ice”

Popstar legend Britney Spears is known for her groundbreaking music videos. In 2009, she made all of our jaws drop with an anime-themed music video produced in South Korea. “Break the Ice” follows a superheroine, Britney Spears, as she kicks ass and takes names in an underground lab. The heroine, reportedly based on a character in Spears’ “Toxic” video, has powers that include agility, hand-to-hand combat, and a deadly kiss that paralyzes her victims. 

12. Dua Lipa, “Levitating”

One look at Dua Lipa’s Levitating visual, and it’s clear that someone is a Sailor Moon fan. The video oozes “Sailor Moon aesthetic” from its pastel color palette to its glowing, spinning transformation sequence. “Levitating” takes us “on a ride” into a futuristic sci-fi galaxy, just like the song suggests, as we watch an anime Dua Lipa put on a pop performance among the stars. If you’re a fan of the ’90s anime art style, you’ll really appreciate this anime-themed video brought to you by the creative minds at NOSTALOOK.    

13. Billie Eilish, “You Should See Me in a Crown”

The anime-themed music video for Billie Elish’s “You Should See Me in a Crown” is another masterpiece from contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. Just as you think you’re watching a video of a dancing and singing animated Eilish, things turn dark as Eilish turns from a human to a giant spider monster who terrorizes a town and turns its citizens into her spider-human creations. If that description sounds like a nightmare, that’s because it is. The video manages to be visually stunning while also being downright terrifying.  

The post Best Anime Music Videos of All Time appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

But before the album was released, Sade decided to give its fans a taste of what was to come, so one month prior to the album’s release, they released a 7-inch single (referring to a small, 7-inch vinyl record featuring one song per side) called “The Sweetest Taboo.” Needless to say, the single was a massive hit when it was released, and now, almost 40 years later, it remains an enduring classic, influencing artists and creators across generations.

Its smooth, sultry sound and evocative lyrics have made it a go-to reference in pop culture, appearing in everything from hit TV shows to hip-hop lyrics. Whether sampled in a chart-topping song, woven into a movie scene to set the mood, or name-dropped by an artist paying homage, “The Sweetest Taboo” continues to leave its mark decades after its release, and here are six times pop culture paid major tribute to the song.

Pose

Pose is an American drama Netflix series about New York City’s ball culture and LGBTQ subculture in the Black and Latino communities throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It centers on several characters, most of whom are dancers and models competing for trophies and recognition in this underground culture and who support one another in a network of chosen families, also known as Houses.

Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” can be heard at the beginning of the episode “Pink Slip” (Season 1, Episode 7), during a seduction scene between Elektra (Dominique Jackson) and her wealthy lover and financier Dick Ford (Christopher Meloni). It elevated the intimate reunion on the screen despite the fact that the scene didn’t actually end well.

Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is a hilarious take on contemporary technology and the geeks who create it. It focuses on Richard Hendricks, a programmer who founded a startup company and then struggles to maintain it while facing competition from other giants in the tech industry. Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” is heard in one of the ending scenes of the seventh episode of Season 2, titled “Adult Content.”

In the episode, Dinesh, portrayed by Kumail Nanjiani, meets Karen over social media, and the two begin exchanging texts. Towards the end of the episode, Dinesh invites Karen over, only to realize that she’s Erlich’s former lover. Dinesh is then left sitting dejectedly in front of the computer, with the sound of “The Sweetest Taboo” coming from Erlich’s room as he and Karen get intimate.

Adomako Aman’s Tribute Video

In a creative homage, artist-filmmaker Adomako Adan directed and starred in a 2019 tribute video reimagining Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” with a few contemporary twists. The short film, premiered by PAPER magazine, lovingly recreates the look and feel of Sade’s original 1985 music video.

Aman portrayed Sade in the tribute and even went on to recreate the romantic getaway scenes with his love interest. However, the twist here is queer Black love story, as rapper DonChristian co-stars as the love interest. Aman’s tribute highlights the enduring appeal of “The Sweetest Taboo” across generations while also celebrating its legacy through a fresh narrative paired with iconic imagery and a well-known vibe of the original.

Prince: S.S.T.

Pop legend Prince also paid tribute to Sade with his 2005 charity single S.S.T., which the artist released to raise funds after Hurricane Katrina. The song’s title is an acronym that stands for “Sade’s Sweetest Taboo,” but it also refers to sea surface temperature, a metric used to monitor the threat of hurricanes.

Interestingly, “The Sweetest Taboo” was name-checked more than once in the lyrics. By weaving this reference into the title and vibe of the song, Prince acknowledged Sade’s influence, not just on music but also on his own artistry.

Les Nubians: Tabou

Les Nubians is a French musical duo and one of the most successful French-language musical groups in the United States. It is best known for its Billboard R&B single “Makeda.” Back in 1998, they paired with Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of The Roots to produce “Tabou” for their Princesses Nubiennes album.

Though it has new French lyrics, “Tabou” carries the melody of Sade’s timeless hit, proving “The Sweetest Taboo”s global influence in the ’90s. In fact, “Tabou” is actually credited as the French adaptation of “The Sweetest Taboo,” despite the fact that the lyrics are significantly different.

Glamma Kid feat. Shola Ama: Taboo

Sade was immensely popular in their home country (England), and dancehall artist Glamma Kid paid his homage to the band by teaming up with R&B singer Shola Ama to produce their own “Taboo” — a hit single that interpolated the chorus and melody of “The Sweetest Taboo” with Glamma’s reggae-fusion.

While the track openly borrows from Sade’s own song, it became a pop culture moment of its own, as it reached #10 on the UK Singles Chart in 1999. This underscored just how enduring and adaptable “The Sweetest Taboo” really was, introducing Sade to younger late-’90s audiences.

Final Thoughts

In the end, “The Sweetest Taboo” transcended its 1980s origins, as it was sampled, covered, mentioned in other works by other artists, featured in TV shows, and even reimagined. It not only influenced the pop culture of the late 1980s, but its influence extended well into the 2010s and even 2020s, and these six moments collectively illustrate just how impactful “The Sweetest Taboo” is in both music and media.

The post 6 Times Pop Culture Paid Major Tribute to Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Yet, behind the DJ booth, queer Black women have been major players in electronic sound. In a primarily male-dominated field, Black women are behind the turntables, cooking up compilations of house, jazz, and soul.

Let’s honor these women who have pushed the genre forward and helped bring good vibes to parties and clubs across the globe.

Stacey “HotWaxx” Hale

The city of Detroit has molded talent for generations. This eclectic city gave the world Motown and is also where techno music advanced into the mainstream. It’s not surprising that “The Godmother of House” was born and raised in this same city.

Stacey “HotWaxx” Hale was the first DJ to play house music on a Detroit radio station. Her unique style of blending techno, house, funk, hip-hop, and orchestral forms has landed her on radios and stages across the country and the globe.

From a young age, she started DJing to avoid socializing with people. She would record songs from the radio and play them back for people to dance to. At 16, she was throwing basement parties for friends and family, impressing guests with how she continuously played one track after the next.

Inspired and mentored by Ken Collier, Hale became the first woman to mix vinyl records. She also beat out 600 DJs and rappers in 1985’s Motor City Mix competition. During this competition, a crucial component of her success was her authenticity. She played a mixture of popular hits at the time while blending the underground music that she loved. Some of her winning tracks included songs from Martin Circus, Madonna, Captain Rapp, and Jellybean Benitez.

Hale has a unique talent for playing what people want to hear while exposing audiences to new music. She mentioned in an interview that she does not play music she doesn’t like. Instead, she finds a mix that both she and her audiences will enjoy.

Reworking the music industry from the inside out

Throughout her career, Hale has never taken her accomplishments for granted. Driven by her love of music and guided by dedication to others, she is constantly working to help the next generation.

With fellow DJ John Collins, she co-founded the Detroit Regional Music Conference, which helped create a more collaborative environment for hip-hop artists, rock bands, techno DJs, and gospel singers. She also co-founded the Sheometry Festival with DJ Minx to amplify female and non-binary voices across the music and arts scene.

Founder of the Lesbians of Color Support Network (LOCS), she also mentors with Girls Rock Detroit.

Trailblazers like Hale have helped pave the way for other Black and queer DJs.

Honey Dijon

Honey Dijon is another influential DJ in the electronic music scene. As a transgender woman, she is known for mixing house with techno.

Since electronic music became mainstream, it has moved further away from its roots in Black culture. Dijon focuses every performance on infusing Black culture and history back into the music.

Her passion for music is a meticulously crafted tool that has helped her stand out in a male-dominated space. After moving to New York from Chicago, she spent countless nights in nightclubs, switching out one record after the other, studying the energy of the crowd, all to become the masterful DJ she is today. When she is behind the turntables, she isn’t just playing music for entertainment. She is spreading knowledge and reminding people of the deep roots of electronic music by playing hits from the past.

Because of her dedication to her craft, it’s no wonder she worked with Beyoncé to co-produce “Cozy” and “Alien Superstar” on the 2022 Renaissance album.

Other notable accomplishments include playing sets at Pride events, Club Hiro, and her most recent residency at COZY, at Club Chinois, in Ibiza, Spain. This residency isn’t just another gig; it’s an opportunity to reshape how people experience music. Dijon mentioned in an interview that she wants to bring back the club feel and vibe that she grew up with, a time when DJ sets were long and purposeful. She wants people to not just hear the music but engage with it and have more opportunities to learn about and get to know the artists they’re listening to.

Lori Branch

Lora “Lori” Branch is another artist hailing from Chicago. She is a pioneer house DJ who was an inspiration for Honey Dijon.

Branch started spinning around the time her parents asked her to leave because she was bisexual. Fortunately, her absence didn’t last for long, and her parents later accepted her back in and became her biggest supporters. Additionally, her family and their love for music were the backdrop of Branch’s career.

Growing up, listening to jazz, pop, and gospel, she collected records and started DJing by playing music for friends and at local parties. Eventually, she caught the attention of Eric Bradshaw, who saw her potential and helped her hone her craft. This foundational experience led her to hold residencies at iconic Chicago venues like CK’s/Auggies’s, Shelter, Trade N Flavor, The Union, Paris Dance, The Cotton Club, and Red Dog, and she also spun at Estelle’s, Berlin, and Avalon.

Whether it’s rock, pop, or electronic music, Black women have always been behind the scenes laying down the foundation. It’s important to know that the people who helped grow a genre of music are also the ones making sure that its quality isn’t sacrificed because it has become mainstream. By listening to these women and other Black queer artists, we are making sure they not only get their flowers but also continue sharing their art with us.

The post 3 Queer Black Women Who Revolutionized Electronic Music appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.