Shades of Expression: Celebrating the Works of Black Artists

MUSIC

Rising by Lawrence Brownlee

Lawrence Brownlee is a Black opera singer of international acclaim, whose brilliant tenor voice can be heard singing leading bel canto roles in the most prestigious opera houses. In addition to his numerous appearances on operatic recordings, Mr. Brownlee has many solo projects to his credit. His most recent solo album, Rising, features six Black composers (Damien Sneed, Brandon Spencer, Jasmine Barnes, Joel Thompson, and Shawn E. Okpebholo) who all set poetry from the Harlem Renaissance, including works by Claude McKay, Alice Dunbar Nelson, Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson. The poems highlight "joy, empowerment, faith, love and strength in the face of challenge." Mr. Brownlee initiated this project to "create something that speaks not just to our struggles, but to our triumphs." Rising received a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.

- Brandon Williams, associate professor of music and interim director of choral activities, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers-New Brunswick

Victory Lap by Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle's last album, Victory Lap, is what you listen to when you need that extra motivation at the gym. It's what you turn on when you're riding into work and when you're leaving. It's the soundtrack to your personal success story. Victory Lap is a mindset, a lesson for the young, and a motivator for everyone on their grind. It's a reminder for Black folks that we are "prolific and so gifted." It's a testimony and result of what "hard work plus patience" can give. It's a reflection on community, life, education, code, business, money, and power. I recommend this album for anyone searching for purpose or living in it. Long live Nipsey Hussle.

- Joshanna Holyfield, senior program coordinator, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Rutgers-New Brunswick

Glory Hour by Victory Boyd

Victory Boyd, a professional singer-songwriter, began singing at a young age and played in a group with her siblings. Her distinct sound draws on soul, folk, jazz and gospel music, which she learned growing up in a musical family. She is an inspiration to the next generation of musicians on many levels and I highly appreciate her drive and tenacity. I love that she describes her gift as not only a sound but also a responsibility of what she carries as an artist, entrepreneur and advocate. Her journey has never been about becoming famous, but more of a strategy of being excellent at what you do. I love her distinct, rich, smooth rasp that can take you on a rollercoaster ride. It is noted that her sound has earned her comparisons to the amazing Nina Simone for both her unusual voice and her jazzy inclination. The birth of Glory Hour began in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic when she saw how much she needed the comfort of a savior and knew that she had to keep writing the message of the gospel in song -for herself first and then for the world. I appreciate the deep richness in her tone and look forward to hearing more from her in the years to come!

- April Parker, staff assistant, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers Health

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