“King of Auto-Tune” has songs made in the style, but asks that artists responsible for recording them not credit him
Although he became known as the “king of Auto-Tune”, due to his frequent use of the vocal correction program to create effects,T-Pain it goes much further than that. The hip hop/R&B artist already has seven studio albums released — one of them with covers ranging from Black Sabbath a Journey — and a series of collaborations with other artists.
The American musician, who outside of “business” is called Faheem Rashad Najm, also developed a career as a composer. However, you won’t as easily see his name signed on creations for other artists, especially country artists. The reason, according to him, lies in racism within this musical style.
In a publication in Instagram (via American Songwriter), T-Pain drew attention to the problem. Initially in his report, the singer highlighted that one should not differentiate music based on the color of the skin of those who make it.
“Good music is good music. I don’t give a shit where it comes from, or what style it is. Everyone I know thinks it’s not cool to listen to other genres of music. But country music is where I get all my harmonies from. Country and gospel music – that’s where all my harmonies come from.”
The musician’s observation went further with a note that many do not know: he has already written a series of country songs, including for other colleagues. These creations, however, are not credited — at his request.
“I’ve written a lot of country songs. I stopped taking credit for it because as cool as it is to see your name in those credits and stuff like that, the racism that comes afterwards made me conclude that I should just take the money. Don’t put me through this sh#t, I’m just going to get my check, bro.”
Maren Morris and prejudice in country
Another artist, this time from her own genre, to speak openly about prejudice is Maren Morris. The country pop singer, who has made her progressive stance clear, said in a 2023 interview with Los Angeles Times that would distance itself from country. According to her, the reason lies in the fact that the industry surrounding the musical style refuses to consider the existence of machismo and racism in the segment.
“After the years of government of (former American president donald) Trump, people’s prejudices were on full display. It just revealed who people really were and that they were proud to be misogynistic, racist, homophobic and transphobic.”
The statements were made shortly after two very divisive country songs became successful in the United States. “Try That in a Small Town”in Jason Aldeanreached the top of the national chart after winning a clip with scenes that seemed to compare the movement Black Lives Matterwhich calls for racial equality, for criminals.
The excerpts in question were removed from the video, which was recorded in a distasteful location: the Maury County Courthouse, in Columbia, Tennessee, where a young black man was hanged in 1927 by white vigilantes who accused him of attacking a white woman — he, however, was never identified as the alleged attacker. The lyrics also feature verses that allude to conservative and nationalist positions.
Another recent case was “Rich Men North of Richmond”in Oliver Anthony. The song presents itself as a “workers’ anthem”, but several ultra-conservatives identified with a speech that even aligns itself with conspiracy theories QAnon, with references to human trafficking. The artist guarantees that the composition has no political side.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
