Allison King’s Post

🤠 Well, I reckon we have a problem y'all. We are back to talk about the intersection of Marketing + HR, which is easily becoming one of my favorite topics. Beyonce (👋🏽Hey H-town!) definitely broke the internet with her Super Bowl commercial, partnering with Verizon. Bey has a way of alluding to new projects, like music, and building up the mystery. BUT THERE'S SO MUCH MORE HERE. 🐝 Her latest crossover into country music sent the internet buzzin' while her single '16 Carriages' landed right on Billboard's Country Airplay charts. 🐝 The BeyHive came swarming in as a country music station sent an email response to a listener (they put it in writing y'all lol) that they didn't play Beyonce because they were a country station. Guess who's playing it now? 🐝 Her album 'Act II' comes out in March, which is still prime time for rodeo season in Houston, Texas. We are already practicing our line dances to 'Texas Hold 'Em'. 🐝 This further ignites the conversation around racism in the country music space, however Black people are not new to the genre. Charley Pride takes us back decades to symbolize a significant impact we have had on country music. 🗣How could this translate into the workplace for us 'People' people? 👉🏽 Understand the power of representation and the need to obliterate barriers specifically around gatekeeping. Those good ol' ways don't always work. 👉🏽 Know that your creativity in different ways builds connections and communities. 👉🏽 From those communities, build the story. You will naturally start a network or believers and advocates. 👉🏽 Be present while understanding the past. Honestly, I LOVE seeing the creativity in the crossover. Even down to Bey's strategic style choices now. We saw Andre 3000 do it HIS WAY with his flute album. 👀 Next week, we are going to talk about another crossover that peaked my interest INSTANTLY. Here's a hint: YEAAAAA 🧘🏽♀️

The Drake and Kendrick Beef: Reopening Wounds or Artistic Expression? Before I sound smart, Yes, I agree with Ike Slimster ... WE need Drake to go back to dropping "Summer Hits" that made a Beach Holiday sound AFFORDADBLE! The recent exchange of diss tracks between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has the hip-hop world buzzing. But beneath the braggadocio and lyrical jabs lies a deeper concern: does this public beef reinforce the racist trope that "Black people can't trust one another?" On the surface, it's a classic rapper rivalry. Competition for dominance, claims of inauthenticity, and personal attacks are all part of the hip-hop battle rap tradition. However, this specific feud between two of rap's biggest stars carries a heavier weight. Historically, Black communities have faced systemic oppression that thrives on division. The "divide and conquer" tactic has been used for centuries to weaken collective power. When Black celebrities engage in public spats, it feeds into a pre-existing narrative that Black success is a zero-sum game. The lyrics themselves can be particularly damaging. Drake's comments about Kendrick's fiancée and Lamar's accusations against Drake play into negative stereotypes about Black masculinity and intrude into their personal lives. However, some argue that these diss tracks are a form of artistic expression. Rappers have always used music to address social issues, challenge each other, and even settle scores. This exchange, they say, is simply another chapter in the long history of hip-hop storytelling. Here's the crux of the debate: Can Black art be honest and critical without succumbing to racist tropes? There's no easy answer. Ultimately, the impact of Drake and Kendrick's feud depends on how we, the audience, choose to interpret it. Do we see it as mindless entertainment or a reflection of deeper societal issues? #Music #Socialmedia #Culture #CultureAntiWoke #KendrickvsDrake #LinkedinMusic

Hip-hop BEEFs might be a profitable marketing strategy for record labels, but they serve as poor public relations for the unity of Black communities in America. It is troubling that such conflicts remain popular in today's hip-hop culture, particularly when Black artists support these divisive tactics, overlooking their broader consequences. Beyond merely increasing album sales, this approach promotes division and strife, which can ultimately lead to violence—a lasting impact on the fans who follow these artists. I can still see the echoes of slavery in this entire scenario. And before you say, 'Hip-hop is a competitive sport' or 'It’s for the culture,' we must ask: Who truly benefits? Perhaps there is someone with a better understanding than me. However, from my perspective, Black people mustn't engage in public conflicts, especially not in front of other racial groups.

Represent to resonate. 🔊 Mainstream #audio culture thrives on the innovative work of Black creators. Bringing community members into the fold and spotlighting Black artists can help #brands connect and get in on the ground floor.  Download our latest #infographic for the insights you need to craft campaigns that foster brand affinity and loyalty. –> https://bit.ly/48ytKub #Blackpride #diversityandinclusion #diversityinmarketing #authenticmarketing #culturalinsights #brandmarketing

#MKEPD #BlackHistoryMonth starts today. The theme set for 2024 is, “African Americans and the Arts,”. This spans the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Learn how you can celebrate this year's theme at https://lnkd.in/g-9upeNH

At Stoked we have a ritual of beginning our meetings with “check-ins,” which are intentional questions used to create connection and humanize each person in attendance. “What was your last research deep dive?”, “What was the last piece of media you recommended (album, movie, book, TV, podcast)?”, “What was your last source of inspiration?”. These moments create an incredible dynamic that speaks to our mission, “Humanizing the way we work”. This morning I wanted to share what I will be checking in until further notice: Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter'. In this new field of innovation many, myself included, promote the science of neuroplasticity—leveraging analogous inspiration by channeling another person, group, profession to grow and organize new pathways —  to help leaders metaphor their way into exploring unknown territory (how would Nike solve this HR problem? is a favorite example). When I think of Beyoncé and this album the neuroplasticity inherent in the survival and daily experience of Black Americans comes to mind. I see this on full display with Beyoncé as she accomplishes another historic feat in her quest to reimagine the place of Black Women in the arts and in America. She topples expectation and the often racist gate-keeping behind genre lines in music by channeling history to tell the truth about America and Country music. The truth? Like the Banjo, America was built by the hands of enslaved Africans and like America, Country music as a genre has used norms and customs upheld culturally and industrially to keep black people away from what we’ve built. On a personal level, I didn’t know Country was brought to white Americans from slaves by traveling minstrel shows featuring white men painting their faces with bootblack to mock slaves for the entertainment of white audiences. I’m inspired by Black history, our many innovations and victories as I ask myself: How might we imagine a future of victorious boundary breaking just like Beyoncé? Please read this incredible piece by Britney P. for more context and inspiration and let me know your favorite tracks from the project! Mine are Blackbiird, 16 Carriages, Bodyguard, and Sweet Honey Buckiin. #cowboycarter #beyonce #blackhistory #country #innovation #design #thebeatles #paulmccartney #blackbiird #bodyguard

The 2024 theme is "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Let us recognize and celebrate the incredible #impact of #africandiaspora in our world. It's #BlackHistoryMonth2024

🌟 New Read: "A visit to Giants offers reflections on Black art and lives" 🌟 Gain insights into the significance of "digging in the crates" in hip-hop culture and how it relates to the representation of Black art. This thought-provoking article offers reflections that delve deeper into the connections between music, art, and cultural identity. Read the full post here: https://ift.tt/fSsgjKm

Desta: ... a catalyst for change, weaving together the threads of history and modernity to amplify the voices of Black leaders and artists alike. Listen to the playlist: https://lnkd.in/gkQyqa3Z

Tray Kearney: Visionary and CEO of New You Nation Network I am Tray Kearney, and my journey has brought me full circle, having faced tough times and an uphill battle stemming from one pivotal decision. I often share, "One poor choice will change the trajectory of your life and have you take the long way home," and I joke about being the prodigal daughter. Music and entertainment have always been my first love. I do not regret my journey; I believe it was meant to be. I finally understand my God-given purpose: to serve the people that God assigned to me through my gifts, talents, and experiences. My vision for the New You Nation Network is to revive black excellence in media, resisting industry pressure to entertain through negative images of black people for profit. I am determined to counter the negative depictions of black people in the media, highlighting the truth of black excellence. Entertainment should not come at the expense of tarnishing the legacy of black culture, which is currently in a state of emergency. We must reclaim our power and showcase the true essence of black culture. It’s time that we call for originality in the music industry, criticizing the prevalence of carbon copies and the exploitation of young women. Industry veterans should speak up and prioritize talent over popularity and exploitation. My vision for the New You Nation Network is to heal entertainment through content that highlights real talent, is entertaining but not vulgar, and balances between being wholesome and extreme. The industry has become overly focused on "sex sells," and explicit content belongs in its proper place. The New You Nation Network aims to share music and entertainment based on talent and education—edutainment. It caters to those who are tired of twerking, cursing, messiness, and filth. Our network is an entertainment empire creating content for Generation X by Generation X, establishing a blueprint for other generations, and leaving a positive legacy for the future. I look forward to partnering with those who share the same morals, values, and integrity that the industry desperately needs.