Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    Is This The End For 'Urban' Music?

    Two influential organizations in the music world recently announced they would cease using the term "urban" to describe certain genres or artists. But it's more complicated than a simple cancellation.
    by Cate Young Jun 15, 2020 5 minutes
    The term "urban" has been used for decades as a catch-all term for Black music — but it is now quickly falling out of favor in the music industry in the midst of a growing new civil rights movement.

    Imagine this: you're a participant in a televised game show, and you've made it all the way to the final round. After you spin your wheel or choose your letters or pick your question, the only thing standing between you and all the money of your dreams is a simple task — define the term "urban contemporary."

    Could you do it? Would you win that money?

    Despite an enduring debate around the name, it is, for many, still unclear what precisely constitutes the genre of "urban contemporary," and how or why the meaning of the term has migrated over the last several decades. Industry stakeholders have been pushing to change the name since at least 2018.

    On June 5, in response to the rapidly increasing momentum behind the fight for Black lives in the U.S. and around the world, Republic Records announced that it would "remove 'urban'

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR3 min read
    Justice Thomas Decries 'Nastiness' And 'Lies' Against Him
    The Supreme Court justice told attendees at a judicial conference that he and his wife have faced "nastiness" and "lies" over the last several years and decried Washington as a "hideous place."
    NPR4 min read
    Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Sending Legislation To The House
    The Senate passed a bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.
    NPR5 min read
    Why Writing By Hand Beats Typing For Thinking And Learning
    Researchers are learning that handwriting engages the brain in ways typing can't match, raising questions about the costs of ditching this age-old practice, especially for kids.

    Related Books & Audiobooks