As part of a feature story included in the June 27 issue of Billboard magazine, singer/producer The-Dream spoke on race and how it relates to the music industry.
The crooner, who recently launched his own record label, was first questioned about Taylor Swift pulling her music off of Spotify. He revealed that he supports Swift for what she did, but then stated that he could not pull off such a move as a black artist.
“I can support it, but I could never do the same,” The-Dream said. “I’m black. It’s a race thing. It’s always going to be a race thing. For one, if I took my records off of Spotify, it would affect the people who listen to my music for free and may not have the means otherwise. Taylor Swift fans probably have the means to go and buy a Taylor Swift record.”
When asked what role race plays in how artists get paid, The-Dream elaborated on his thoughts on race and the music industry. According to the crooner, there are no limits for what a white artist who has at least one hit can do with their music career.
“If you got a hit and you’re white, there are no limits to what you can do,” he said. “If you’re black and you have a hit today but can’t do it again tomorrow, then your ass is out of here. When the industry uses you up, that’s it. You’re gone. It’s a constant battle for our culture. We can’t say no to radio, we can’t say no to Spotify, and we can’t have a concert because nobody will come. And the whole time, everybody is taking from our culture to enhance the pop side of things. By the way, the pop side doesn’t mean you have to be white. Bruno Mars is pop. Nobody listens to Bruno Mars like he’s a black artist. Which I’m sure for him, he’s like, ‘Thank God.’ There are urban artists and then there are pop artists, and urban artists get things taken from them. We create the swag, and everybody knows it.”
During his interview, The-Dream also shared his belief that “artists are treated like slaves.”
Im white and very disgusted with this country… Just know that not all of us are on that sucker shit..
@Charles Chuckles: Not all of you…just the majority of you. #NoLie
I’m black and everyone is not to be blamed for the way people try to recreate racism. All people aren’t treated equal and it’s evident. But shit everyone is not as talented as Taylor Swift or on the level that she is on you can’t compare her to no want to be mainstream artist. Jay z did the same thing with tidal he just created his own shit. A lot of people don’t have control over their craft to do something like that. She does and a lot of people do. If it’s about getting your message out to some kids or people that want to hear it why are we bringing down another race to do so? This country and mindset of how people think is fuckin backwords. Practice what you preach
Daaamn
black ppl always make it about themselves lol cry babies. dont matter if your white or black if your more or less unknown or a 1 hit wonder and you dont produce your career is over.. i can name 100s of white ppl who i heard a good song from and never again
this ‘feel sorry for me in every situation’ bs is starting to run its course. sympathy is starting to dwindle
also tell your people to start supporting your own people..what your really mad about is white ppl support white artists. yet black ppl dont support theirs.. thats a black problem..quit crying about white ppl all the time.. white ppl relate to white artists. period.
Where is he talking about people supporting artists? He’s talking about the industry’s politics towards blacks.
@pakk riley- thats how industry treats all races if they aint shit. but again black ppl using this feel sorry for me shit. even tho again, its happening to all races.. thats my point.
Funny if there’s an equal amount of people then sure….till then stop dickeaten. We’re called minorities for a reason.
I’m Black and I agree with you 100%
The Dream is right, but he’s using too many excuses. Too much bitchin. If he had a concert here in philly it’d sell out.