Lenny Kravitz Clarifies Remarks: No Beef with Black Media, Addresses Controversy Surrounding Award Shows
4 min read
Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Lenny Kravitz is clarifying his stance on Black award ceremonies like the BET Awards and the now-defunct Source Awards. In response to recent controversy surrounding his comments about Black newspapers, the rockstar took to social media to expound on his statement. “I want to address recent media reports based on my interview with Esquire,” he stated. “The significance of my black musical heritage cannot be overstated, and I attribute my success to the fans who have witnessed my evolution throughout my career.” Kravitz emphasized that his earlier remark was not directed at “black media” or the “black community.” He continued by expressing the importance of instrumental rock-n-roll in shaping and contributing to our history. According to him, it is crucial to preserve our heritage and celebrate it collectively.
In an interview with @Esquire, Lenny Kravitz pointed on his treatment amongst other Black artists, and he’s 1000% right 👏🏾
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) November 30, 2023
Should Black award shows start incorporating “non traditional” music genres such as Rock and Roll in future broadcasts and awards? pic.twitter.com/BOJH6EA5IM
During his conversation with Esquire, Kravitz mentioned that VIBE was among the publications that appeared tardy in extending congratulations to him. He remarked, “Up until now, I haven’t received an invitation to either the BET Awards or the Source Awards.” He expressed his bewilderment, highlighting his role as a Black artist who has reintroduced various Black art forms and shattered barriers, much like those who preceded him—a positive development. Kravitz questioned why there had been no acknowledgment of these achievements. In addition to addressing Black award ceremonies in the Esquire interview, the singer also touched upon feeling undervalued by white critics at the outset of his career.
This week, #LennyKravitz’s comments about not being invited 2 a BET thing & not being respected by black media went viral. Today, #StephenGHill
posted a pic w Lenny @ 106 & Park. Also, a journalist tweeted about trying 2 get him feat in black media & being turned down by his team pic.twitter.com/BGcK7T1Q43— theJasmineBRAND (@thejasminebrand) December 1, 2023Advertisement
Lenny Kravitz Clarifies Controversial Remarks on “Black Media” Backlash
Lenny Kravitz is providing further insights into his recent comments featured in an Esquire interview, where he expressed a belief that his career has not received acknowledgment from Black media. In a recent Instagram Story post on Monday, the 59-year-old rocker aimed to clarify the intent behind his statement that his music and accomplishments are “not recognized by the folks who run” Black media platforms. He specifically pointed out that he has never received invitations to events like the BET Awards or the Source Awards.
Lenny Kravitz at The Critics Choice Association's Celebration of Cinema and Television Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements in Los Angeles tonight
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) December 5, 2023
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/9aDoMM9RbW
The Grammy winner emphasized in his statement that he was “specifically talking about the Black award shows” and expressed his desire for continued recognition of rock music in these spaces. Kravitz took to his Instagram Story, stating, “It is crucial for me to set the record straight on recent media reports that are based on an interview I did. The Black music heritage I come from means a great deal to me, and I credit my success to my fans who accompanied me on this journey throughout my career.”
Lenny Kravitz “sets the record
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 4, 2023
straight on recent media reports” about Black award shows and media: pic.twitter.com/5oH1vAYTVA
The singer/guitarist clarified, “The remark I made wasn’t about ‘Black media’ or the ‘Black community.’ This is specifically referring to black award shows.” He further explained that his statement aimed to highlight a concern about ensuring black artists receive recognition for their work in ‘non-traditional’ Black music genres, such as rock and roll, which has played a significant role in shaping our history.
#LennyKravitz said “black media never supported me”
Black media said “because your WHITE publicist denied us access to you” pic.twitter.com/kR5g62oF6o— ㉢ (@breamstream) December 2, 2023Advertisement
We must preserve and cherish our heritage together.” “BET and many others paved the path for this type of recognition.” “I hope that by expressing my concern, a light will be shined on this issue,” he said at the end of his statement. “Love and peace.” The “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” singer received a lot of attention on social media and in the news last week for his comments in Esquire regarding the situation. He stated in the interview that he wasn’t on the front page of Vibe magazine until almost a decade into his career and added that “to this day, I haven’t been called to a BET thing or a Source Awards thing.” “And it’s like, here’s a Black artist who has brought back many Black art forms, who has put down barriers — just like those who came before me broke down,” the rocker explained. That is encouraging. And they haven’t spoken anything about it?” “I have been that dream & representation of what a Black artist can do,” he went on to say. While expressing his misgivings, the singer-songwriter also stated that he is “not here for the accolades,” but rather “for the experience.” Next year, The singer/actor will be releasing his first full-length album in almost five years. Blue Electric Light, his 12th studio album and the follow-up to 2018’s Raise Vibration, will be released on 15 March (via Roxie and BMG).
