Renowned singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz is opening up about what he perceives as a lack of recognition from the Black entertainment industry. In a recent cover interview, the rock icon expressed his disappointment at not being invited to events hosted by prominent outlets like BET and the Source Awards, despite his significant contributions to the culture.
Kravitz, whose eclectic blend of rock, funk, reggae, hard rock, soul, and R&B has garnered acclaim, pointed out that he has played a pivotal role in reintroducing various Black art forms. The artist, now 59, questioned why his positive impact hasn’t been acknowledged, especially considering the barriers he has broken down in the industry.
During the late ’90s and early 2000s, Kravitz saw multiple chart-topping hits, including “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” and “Again,” both making waves on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite being recognized in the rock genre, Kravitz has also collaborated with hip-hop heavyweight Jay Z on notable tracks like “Guns and Roses” and “Storm”.
While boasting an impressive career with over 40 million records sold worldwide and numerous awards from prestigious ceremonies, including the AMAs and MTV Video Music Awards, Kravitz voiced his frustration at the lack of acknowledgment from Black-centric award shows like BET, Soul Train Awards, and Image Source Awards.
The artist’s sentiments have sparked discussions online, with some suggesting that Kravitz has never actively sought recognition from these outlets. Others argue that the perception of him as a white alternative artist might contribute to the oversight. Despite these differing opinions, many are calling for a reevaluation of the situation, emphasizing the need to celebrate Kravitz’s undeniable contribution to the music industry.
Written by
Derek Chan – Editor
