Celebrity culture isn’t art!

thoughts of an artist

Don’t you ever get tired of “the little black girl who’s watching me knows now that anything is possible” when a black woman finally gets recognized for something they have been doing for decades? No?, bitch, I am. We’ve given so much power to fame and Hollywood that we often believe that it’s the outcome of any journey. This is no shade to all of the black women who had to say this, but I need another story.

Kash Doll uninterested in Baddies

Don’t get me wrong, I am far from naive, and I understand the difference between being a creator in the limelight and being a celebrity. Most of the time, these celebrities are creators, but it’s rare that Hollywood celebrates their creativity. I’m also aware enough to know that politics raises its hands in any industry, especially entertainment.

Although I love seeing creatives being seen, sometimes I question why do Hollywood only wants to show us representation when it benefits their agenda. I wasn’t born yesterday, so I see right through the political representation. Stop using the struggles of black Americans as a storyline for honoring a celebrity. IM OVER IT, You’re not over it?

Prime example: I recently saw a commercial starring Jayson Tatum where he discussed his rags-to-riches story. I’m not ever here to neglect the story of anyone, but at some point, the riches are slapping us in the face. Instead of giving us a thirty-second clip of rags to riches, just tell us what your journey required for happiness. Matter of fact, tell me if you’re happy or not. I would much rather a celebrity be honest about where they are than to give us a monopoly of their life.

If it was truly about celebrating art, art would be nominated.

It’s crazy that an artist we’ve been listening to for years is considered a new artist because white Amerikkka finally see them. Last year, Victoria Monet won best new artist at the Grammys, and I was on the floor. She didn’t even get to perform on the BET Awards main floor until recently. That’s insane!

Art made by black celebrities doesn’t get credit until they connect back to their roots and make a statement. Kendrick with the “they not like us”, that man ain’t been like us for a minute, but it’s beneficial for the times, and they definitely hate Drake guts (hell me too) right now, so the obvious choice is Mr. Duckworth, plus he’s performing on the biggest political stages next month, so you know they had to make things shake, especially kicking off Black History Month. He is the poster child for political lyrical rap so they will always honor his celebrity.

Hollywood loves when you “Stand on business” while beefing as long as you’re not bringing them in it. Literally, but they will play the game.

I think viewers have lost the plot. I’m a firm believer in entertainment is a form of art but viewers tend to make entertainment a fairy tale. We can honor their work but the moment we put them over ourselves is the moment we become less than.

I tell people all the time Beyonce’ is my creative peer. Y’all see them as celebrities when I see them as another artist like me creating life. A lot of people want to feel seen on screen, but no one wants to feel creatively in tune with people claiming to have some type of artistic fame over them. Couldn’t be me!

Celebrity culture isn’t art. Art is a lifestyle itself and can’t be defined by fame. The “greats” and well-known creators with a little bit of fame bring us some type of representation, but let’s be clear: WE ARE CREATIVE PEERS. The status, fame, and legacy aren’t something I will get on the bandwagon of, but how a creator transforms culture and society is what I honor and respect.

I just want the success gaslighting to stop! I’m sure most celebrities who came from nothing actually believe that rags to riches is such a powerful way of thinking about success but that’s a LIE! A BIG ONE! Success is defined by an individual not committees! No shade but sit with that.

AmeriKKKa has created a society of competition to fuel success that these Mfs actually think they are in competition with me! Like be fucking for real. From sports, to entertainment to politics competition forms celebrities culture. In sports, we only know the winners or the players who have some influence. In politics, we only recognized two parties who have both previously failed this country but had a successful campaign.

I hope all of this is making some kind sense. As a creator, my life is full of art, writing, curating, community building, and so much more that I’ve learned that success is already here. So when celebrities try to gaslight the public into thinking the highest form of success is winning a competition that was never made for them in the first place makes me sick.

The little black girl in me needed to see art communities led by black women, black neighborhoods with art schools or programs, and our community honoring each other’s art. That alone would’ve helped me. However, I’m putting myself in the roles now.

I’m going to leave y’all with this; being seen and successful isn’t about galleries, competitions, stages, tv and whatever else Hollywood tries to make it, it’s about the ability to actually change the world or create a world for others.

Honor the art, not the fame!

My Work