Has Black music been exploited for decades—and who really deserves the credit?
RootedPlay episode
Show notes
Award-winning composer and vocalist Candice Hoyes joins Paris Alston to explore how Black artists can preserve, reclaim, and honor their musical legacy. From the story of “Hound Dog” and Big Mama Thornton to modern debates about sampling, cover songs, copyright, and Beyoncé’s spotlight on overlooked Black pioneers, Hoyes examines the difference between paying tribute and commodifying culture. The conversation also dives into her album Expecting, the enduring influence of Minnie Riperton and Charles Stepney, and why intentional remembrance is essential to protecting Black music’s history and future.
