Diddy-Dirty Money member Kalenna Harper may be in a happy place now but before she acquired fame with the hit international group, she had a few bumps in the road and it wasnât because of her talents. The R&B soultress recently opened up in an interview detailing how her âdark skin toneâ prevented her from reaching her dreams.
Speaking with Scene and Heard TV, Kalenna says record execs didnât think her skin color was marketable, opting them to close the door on her singing abilities.
âI kind of started off as a solo artist, and I was doing that for a very long time. And you know, just coming up against obstacles; they was like, you know, âyou too black,â or âyouâre not marketable.â Whatever they came up with in their minds to say that I wasnât artist material, you know,â Kalenna says in the interview. Later adding, âThe way they made it seem was, you black as night girl; you crispy, burnt black, and thatâs just not marketable right now.â
With an attitude for success, Kalenna set out to make her own dreams come true, idolizing veterans that came before her.
âI just said Iâm going to be a businesswoman, and Iâm going to be like the Missy Elliotts, and the R. Kellys, and the Keith Sweats,â she stated. âIâm going to write for other artists, and theyâre not going to have no other choice but to hear me, and to buy my music, and to respect me as an artist.â
Kalenna, the singer/songwriter and former member of Dirty Money, has opened up about her struggles with race in the music industry. In a recent interview, she describes how her skin color has impacted her career, as well as what it’s been like navigating an industry where white artists are often seen as more marketable than those who aren’t white. Her words are powerful and resonate strongly with any artist of color who’s ever felt excluded or overlooked due to their skin color.
Though Kalenna is currently enjoying success after years of hard work and dedication to her craft, she recounts moments when she felt that no matter how talented she was or how much effort she put into her music, there were still roadblocks based on racial prejudice. She says “I think I have had so many experiences…not necessarily being told ‘no’ but just not having people really understand what my vision was for me.” It’s clear from these comments that talent alone wasn’t enough; instead, Kalenna found herself constantly fighting against preconceived notions regarding what kind of artist should be successful based on skin color.
It must take immense strength and courage to speak out about these issues within an industry whose power players are predominantly white males. Despite this fact, Kalenna continues to use her platform to draw attention towards injustices within the music business related to racism and sexism – making sure that all voices are heard regardless of gender or ethnicity. Through her story we can learn more about the lived realities of black female musicians working in today’s world and celebrate their unique contributions to our culture.
Experiences Of Racism In The Music Industry
Racism exists in all industries, and the music industry is no different. Kalenna Harper, a singer-songwriter and former member of Diddy’s group Dirty Money, has experienced firsthand how racism can affect an artist’s marketability. In a recent interview with Complex Magazine, she talked about her struggles due to her skin color and being seen as “not marketable.”
Kalenna recalled several instances when race was used against her during studio sessions or auditions. She highlighted one particular situation where producers refused to work with her because they felt that she did not fit their “idea of what a Black female should be on record.” This led her to question if this had something to do with her being dark-skinned. Kalenna also shared another experience where some executives rejected certain songs that she wrote simply because it sounded like “Black people music.”
Despite these experiences, Kalenna remains hopeful for the future of black artists in the industry. She noted that there are more opportunities now than ever before for up-and-coming African American musicians and vocalists who want to break into the business. With platforms such as YouTube and streaming services providing new avenues for exposure, she believes that “people are more open now” when it comes to recognizing talent regardless of race or gender.
Strategies For Overcoming Adversity
In the face of racism and marketability issues, Kalenna believes there are several strategies that can help artists overcome adversity. First, she suggests taking control of one’s own destiny by being “proactive in making your dreams come true.” This involves continued hard work and dedication to perfecting one’s craft. Secondly, Kalenna advises networking with people who have similar goals and interests as well as those who may be able to open doors for them within their industry. Lastly, she encourages artists to remain resilient even when facing rejection or criticism from gatekeepers—understanding that failure is part of the journey towards success. It’s important to stay focused on what you want and continue pushing forward despite any obstacles that come along the way.
Kalenna emphasizes that although racism exists in music and other industries, it should not deter anyone from pursuing their dreams. With a little bit of courage and determination, anything is possible—and no amount of discrimination will ever take away an artist’s talent or potential.
Conclusion
I. In conclusion, Kalenna is a prime example of how racism in the music industry can be overcome through hard work and perseverance. Despite facing prejudice due to skin color, Kalenna has managed to find success by staying true to her artistry and taking risks that have paid off big. Her story is an inspiration for other artists who may feel discouraged by societal norms and expectations.
II. It’s important to remember that hardships do not define us; instead, they are what we make of them. We must strive to create our own paths even when it feels like there is no way forward. With enough dedication and passion, anything is possible.
III. So let’s all take a page from Kalenna’s book: never give up on your dreams despite any obstacles you might face along the way – because only you know best what will bring you happiness!
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