I saw the discourse. The judgment. The sideways looks. The "how dare she" energy.
All because of a song. Because of Yung Miami. Because of Black music doing what it's always done—speaking to where we are, not where we "should" be.
And I had to say something.
Black Music Has Always Reflected Black Life
From the blues to hip-hop. From gospel to trap. We've always told our stories unapologetically. We've always used our voices to speak on what's happening in our culture—the good, the bad, the messy, and the beautiful.
So why are we surprised when a song comes out that doesn't fit our personal vibe?
We can't police Black art and call it protection. We can't shame Black expression and call it righteous.
Duality Is Real
Some days I'm earthy and grounded like Indie Arie, meditating, sipping tea, and talking to my ancestors.
Other days I'm on one like Meg Thee Stallion, feeling myself, unbothered, and ready to turn up.
Both are real. Both are me. Both are valid.
And I'm not alone in that. Everybody ain't in the club. And everybody ain't in church. Some of us are in our spiritual element. Some of us are straddling the fence. Some of us are both.
And that's okay.
Wherever You Are, Live Your Truth
If you're in church, be there. If you're in the club, be there. If you're in between, be there.
Don't let anyone shame you for where you are right now.
Your journey is your own. And it's tedious. And full of twists and turns. And sometimes you'll show up as one version of yourself, and later you'll evolve into another.
That's not hypocrisy. That's growth.
The Beauty of the Journey
The duality of life is what makes it beautiful.
You can be spiritual AND ratchet. You can pray AND turn up. You can honor your ancestors AND enjoy a banger.
None of these things cancel each other out.
They are all parts of the whole. They are all parts of YOU.
My Two Cents
So hush all that fussing. Everybody ain't in the clubs, and everybody ain't in church.
Wherever you are, live your truth. And when it's time to evolve, evolve.
That's the beauty of it all. The journey is yours. Walk it unapologetically.
Ase. 💜
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