Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a prominent figure in the Civil Rights movement, passed away on February 17, leaving a void in the political space that many fellow leaders are reacting to. His impact on music, particularly rap, is also worth noting.
Kurtis Blow, a pioneering rapper from New York, was one of the first to bring rap to mainstream audiences. Signing with a major label and releasing “Christmas Rappin” in 1979, Blow credits the Civil Rights movement for influencing his work. This sentiment was shared by James Brown’s release of “Say It Loud — I’m Black and I’m Proud.”
During a performance in Chicago, Blow received advice from Rev. Jackson himself. The reverend emphasized the importance of keeping the lyrics “clean” to ensure the new genre’s acceptance in pop culture. This message was passed along to other influential rap groups like the Sugar Hill Gang, Grand Master Flash, and The Furious Five, establishing a code of ethics amongst them.
The impact of Rev. Jackson’s guidance was evident as more rappers emerged, pushing the genre forward. Public Enemy, in particular, was identified by Blow as the next generation influenced by this ethos.
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. may have passed away at the age of 84, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to both the Civil Rights movement and the world of music. His teachings continue to resonate with artists today, shaping the direction of their work and the impact it has on society.
In the realm of rap, Rev. Jackson’s words served as a guiding light, shaping the genre in a positive direction. As the industry continues to evolve, his influence remains a crucial part of its history and a reminder of the power of clean, impactful lyrics.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.