FIUO: A Black Guy Imitating A White Guy In Blackface

Let’s talk about KMEK and Sam Smith and Co-Opting

Here’s a conversation CMills and I were having that I want to blow up into something more. Edit and share all thoughts? PS: FIUO means For Internal Use Only. — Bryce

Christopher: what are your thoughts on MNEK?

me: I’m improving this idea, but I think it holds weight

You know how people are worried that even on black music stations its white people co-opting a black sound

I think this is the first time I’ve felt like this is a black guy co-opting a white sound that is co-opting a black sound

Christopher: hahahaha

i legit just laughed out loud

its a black guy impersonating a white guy wearing blackface

black music inception

me: Which might be a good thing?

Christopher: well, in the sense that it reveals that a lot of white singers have been co-opting a sound that historically hasn’t been associated with them, yes maybe

i think it wouldnt be so confusing if he didnt have an accent either

me: Yep. Sam Smith paradox

Christopher: yeah

btw, i hate sam smith and how much everyone adores him

me: I think there’s going to be some big blowback

Christopher: I think MNEK is far more talented

me: Be the guy crooning on a great Disclosure song

But don’t think you’re Elvis bro

Christopher: lol exactly

me: You also have to realize MNEK’s management team is this

http://www.modestmanagement.com/

Christopher: i hate to Bomani Jones this topic, but I think if a black guy sang that hook there wouldn’t be this much hype

me: (just learned that myself but wasn’t shocked)

Oh no way. Because there’s still the UpWorthy “When I heard this white guy’s voice I couldn’t believe it” factor

Christopher: exactly

me: I mean I saw this guy at Bonnaroo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WShHR_mnrjU

at this backstage press event

and was like “HOLY SHIT”

but he backs it up

The problem is the artists that are basically all headline hook