The industry blackout initiative, which started under the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused, was the brainchild of two black women who work in music marketing, Jamila Thomas and Brianna Agyemang. “The music industry is a multibillion dollar industry,” the women, who did not respond to requests for comment, wrote in a statement. “An industry that has profited predominantly from Black art. Our mission is to hold the industry at large, including major corporations + their partners who benefit from the efforts, struggles and successes of Black people accountable.” On the Billboard album chart, black artists have held the No. 1 spot for 11 out of the last 13 weeks — and occupy four of the Top 5 slots this week.

Source: New York Times June 02, 2020 17:06 UTC