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Who Sold the Soul?

Who Sold the Soul?: Episode 3: Empire State of Mind

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Episode 3

Episode 3: Empire State of Mind

Empire State of Mind

BBC Radio 4 - Who Sold the Soul?, Empire State of Mind

Alvin Hall looks at the 1980s and beyond, concluding with the rise of hip-hop.

Alvin Hall looks at the 1980s and beyond. Beginning with the black pop of Michael Jackson, Prince and Whitney Houston, the series concludes with the rise of hip-hop.

Jazz, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, Funk and Hip-Hop; there's no question African American musical creativity has fuelled the modern music industry. But faced with racism and cultural theft for decades, African-American musicians, DJs, businessmen and women have struggled to have any real control or ownership in the business. In this three part series financial educator, broadcaster and music obsessive Alvin Hall examines the political economy of African American music, from jazz to Jay Z.

In this final part, Alvin looks at the 1980s and beyond. Beginning with the black pop of Michael Jackson, Prince and Whitney Houston the series concludes with the rise of hip-hop, today American's most dominant form of popular music. Many people suggest that rap's rise to the top demonstrates African Americans now exert real power in the music industry. But is that really the case?
Contributors include writer Kevin Powell, Jay Z's former business partner Damon Dash and rapper and activist KRS-One.

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Alvin Hall examines the struggle of African-Americans in the music industry

Alvin Hall examines the struggle of African-American musicians, DJs, businessmen and women to have any real control or ownership in the music industry

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Who Sold the Soul?

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