Ed Sheeran named most powerful figure in Black and Urban Music

[prophet]

http://www.nme.com/news/ed-sheeran/78505

I shit you not. BBC Radio 1Xtra, who actually describe themselves as 'the leading black music station', have named Ed Sheeran as the most powerful figure in black and urban music, which I find hilarious. Naturally the response to this has been quite critical and many figures involved in the British rap and grime scene are apparently up in arms about it.

1Xtra have stated that "artists were considered on variables such as sales statistics, quality of music and impact across the wider industry – it is not about the colour of someone’s skin." - fair enough, but if that's the case best not to market yourself as the leading station for 'black music' if that's not what it's about.

(I should note that the list consists of British only acts, most of whom I've never heard of, so bare that in mind when wondering where the likes of Kanye and what not are)

[Everlong]

I don't see anything wrong with naming a white person as the most influential person on black music if indeed he's having a major influence on black culture. I don't know anything about Ed Sheeran, so I can't really judge.

[Str8Shooter]

I know the first person I think of when I think of Black and Urban music is Ed Sheeran.

[prophet]

I don't see anything wrong with naming a white person as the most influential person on black music if indeed he's having a major influence on black culture. I don't know anything about Ed Sheeran, so I can't really judge.

The shocking part to me isn't the fact that he's white - it's the fact that he's been named the most powerful figure in 'black and urban' music. I don't really know what exactly it is that constitutes 'black and urban' but I wouldn't have said Ed Sheeran's music does.

[Kyle]

Pretty odd if I do say so myself.

[DanielsonTHAGOAT]

This is exactly what Elvis did to Rock N' Roll.

Makes me sick to my stomach.

[PorkChop]

I heard Cliff Richard narrowly missed out.

[Viazon]

Yeah, the weird thing about this to me is the fact that he is classed as an Urban artist. Other than that, I see nothing wrong with a white artist being named the most powerful figure in Urban music. I won't say black because I don't think it matters what colour a person is when it comes to music.

[SortaCreative]

I won't say black because I don't think it matters what colour a person is when it comes to music.

Ofcourse it matters. A persons colour affects their lives from day dot. Their experiences, their outlook, their culture and their way of life. This trickles down into their lyrics, the tone, the beat, the choices they make, the style of music they'll produce.

[Viazon]

Yeah but, what is black music exactly? Music black people make? If that's so, then how can a white guy be the most powerful figure in black music? Call it whatever else you want. Call it urban or whatever. You don't see anything being called white music.

[Daz]

Wait, wait, hold on a minute ... you mean to tell me Ed Sheeran isn't black? Mind blown.

[Viazon]

Ed Sheeran could the least black person in the world.

[prophet]

Ed Sheeran could the least black person in the world.

Nope, that's you.

[Romo]

I was personally pulling for Elton John to win

[SortaCreative]

Yeah but, what is black music exactly? Music black people make? If that's so, then how can a white guy be the most powerful figure in black music? Call it whatever else you want. Call it urban or whatever. You don't see anything being called white music.

The category is called Black and Urban music. It's not saying that the music is both black and urban but that both black and urban music are lumped into the same category.

The fact that he won means he's the best Urban artist, not the best Black artist.

[PorkChop]

I was personally pulling for Elton John to win

'Candle in the Wind' came straight from the ghetto.