Can’t Kill my Vibe

In the 80s and 90s, songs by young Black males, and sometimes young Black Women artists were banned in many homes, due to their lyrics, because they were considered violent and obscene. However, in recent times – with the power of positivity/hope that has always been embedded within Black music, youths who are experiencing difficulties, have been known to use the lyrics from music to express themselves, when they lack the words to do so, thus the power of music in the lives of Black youths, cannot be underestimated.  

 

With the influx of young Black female artists globally, young Black women are being motivated, not only by seeing female artists climbing to the top of the charts but also by their lyrics, which is the motivation for this project.

 

This project stems from songs by popular female artists with lyrics that are empowering and could help Young Black Women to navigate their configurations and lived realities. We focus on Black female youths in Toronto, between the ages of 18 and 30. Young black women are “ticking dynamites” (that is, full of potential, dreams, and goals) but are often faced with challenges of the intersectionality of race, gender, age and sometimes class. The power of Black women's songs can be used to raise conversations about how young Black women are confronting these challenges, creating new possibilities and maintaining a positive outlook on life through listening to music.