Republic Records has made the trailblazing decision to no longer use the term "urban" to describe music produced by black artists.
The label, which is owned by the world's largest record label company Universal Music Group, took to social media to make the announcement saying, “Effective immediately. Republic Records will remove 'Urban' from our verbiage in describing departments, employee titles and music genres."
The post went on to appeal to other industry heavyweights to follow suit: "We encourage the rest of the music industry to follow suit as it is important to shape the future of what we want it to look like, and not adhere to the outdated structures of the past."
The company represents big star names that includes the likes of Drake, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift.
According to Wikipedia the term Urban contemporary, also known as urban pop, or just simply urban, is a music radio format: “ The term was coined by New York radio DJ Frankie Crocker in the early to mid-1970s as a synonym for Black music.” Although Crocker did not intend it to be negative in any way, the generalisation, unfortunately, came to be seen as stigmatising music produced by black artists.
Twitter follower arianagab responded by saying, “This is SUCH a historic moment. As a Black journalist but also just a music lover, I’ve long wondered why this word was necessary. Proud of Republic for reflecting on this during this time and leading the music industry to follow suit!”
