Photo Credit: Getty Images for Spotify
On Saturday, July 6, Spotify celebrated a community of Black voices, female creators and thought leaders in New Orleans at the multi-storied Spotify House of Are & Be at Kingsway Studio, featuring live performances, a high-profile podcast recording, DJ sets, a curated art gallery, and personalized Are & Be playlist (5MM followers), spotlighting these visionaries up close and personal.
On the first floor, Spotify House displayed 6 rooms of iconic artists and influential R&B albums, whose work of art speaks to our soul and tells the story of our times. Featured artists included: Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, Sade, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, H.E.R, and more. The Bar Room incorporated The Classics such as Jill Scott and Anita Baker, among others. Moving into the Red Room was Neo Soul, with the music sensibilities of Solange and D’Angelo, to name a few. Contemporary R&B was highlighted in the White Room, featuring Musiq Soulchild and Janet Jackson. Lastly, the Pool Room paid tribute to the many ladies of 90’s R&B, followed by R&B Excellence in the Dining Room and New R&B in the Backyard.
Extending the narrative beyond music, Spotify House showcased 6 Black women-led podcasts and installations on the 2nd floor, where Jemele Hill is Unbothered did a live taping with U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The episode premieres on Spotify on Monday, July 15 at 6PM ET. Other podcast spotlights included: Dope Labs, The Nod, Still Processing, and Therapy for Black Girls.
Keeping the party going, Spotify hosted a Black Girl Magic Day Party that included a performance by R&B artist Ari Lennox, followed by an evening Are & Be Jam Session curated by Neo-Soul Artist and R&B/Hip-Hop Super Producer Raphael Saadiq, featuring JoJo, VanJess, Lucky Daye, PJ Morton, Luke James, Ledisi, and DJ set by Angel+Dren.
Also spotted at the event: Power’s Omari Hardwick, Lena Waithe, Monica, Wale, Mario, Elle Varner and BJ The Chicago Kid, among others.
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