Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: jazz
Song Meaning of “Black Radio” by Robert Glasper
Black Radio by Robert Glasper is a stirring anthem that celebrates the significance of the black radio DJ in hip-hop culture. The song is a tribute to the genre of radio broadcasting that originated with African-American DJs, specifically DJ Hollywood that is mentioned in the lyrics. This weaves in the important history of African-American music, which has been historically underrepresented in mainstream media.
The song is about more than just the power of music, it is a recognition of the people that have devoted a significant portion of their lives to keeping the black music community alive. In the uplifting chorus, Glasper raps “Originality, that’s what you’re about/Keep your black radio going, your city can’t live without”, a tribute to the invaluable contributions of DJs and black radio to hip-hop culture.
The song also serves as a call for listeners to use the music as a tool to fight against the oppressive forces of racism that black people have long faced. In addition, Glasper brings light to the struggles of those in the black community that go unnoticed, especially in the lyric “You opened the door for those of us stuck in the ghetto”. He acknowledges the historical role of black radio in empowering people and changing the infrastructure of society.
Overall, Black Radio is a powerful song that calls people to recognize the importance of black radio in hip-hop culture. It serves to uplift the people that use radio as a platform to create community, distribute music, and make their voices heard in a culture that has been dominated by mainstream music.