"Cultural Smudging:" Appreciation and Appropriation of Black Culture through Music

Abstract

Cultural appropriation is hotbed topic of debate as of late. This essay seeks to explore the relationship between appreciation and appropriation of black culture through music, and what the implications are surrounding the apparent valuation of black culture and simultaneous devaluation of black people. The essay first delves into the terms “appreciation” and “appropriation,” and how the two are not mutually exclusive in terms of white performance of black music. I then discuss this relationship in tandem with a brief history of both blackface minstrelsy and rock ‘n’ roll, with the final discussion revolving around the topic of rap music, particularly focused on the white, female rapper Iggy Azalea, and her controversial music and success. The phrase “cultural smudging” comes courtesy of a critic of Azalea, black female rapper Azealia Banks, and this essay discusses the phrase in relation to appreciation and appropriation. The essay concludes with implications of appropriation and consumption of black culture.