How Bass n Babes is Honoring Black History Month

How can we remember and honor the Black roots of bass music and EDM?

A brief history:

The bass music you hear today would not be possible without the innovations of Black musicians. Bass music has roots in Jamaican raggae, dub, and dancehall. Lee Scratch Perry and King Tubby were heavy influences in the development of dub.The Jamaican-British diaspora led to more sound experimentation resulting in the new genre of dubstep. Black UK artists like Benga and Digital Mystikz (Mala and Coki) pioneered the genre.

Learn more:

• EDM Maniac: We Can’t Forget About The Black History of EDM

• Give A Beat: Honoring Iconic Black Electronic Musicians for Black History Month

• Service95: ‘Cultural Amnesia’ Erased Black Women’s Contribution to Electronic Music - Now Artists Are Reclaiming the Genre

• EDM Identity: The Black History of Bass Music

• UK Bass Music: Bass Music is Black Culture

Bass Baddies: Black History Month Playlist

We wanted to amplify the voices of Black bass music artists who continue to push the culture forward. Check out our Bass Baddies: Black History Month Edition playlist, out now on Spotify and Soundcloud.

How else can we boost Black voices?

Be mindful of the shows you spend money on. Go to events run by Black promotors and events that book Black artists. If you’re in LA, check out:

• B Side LA run by A Hundred Drums

• Blaque Maria run by Symonne

• Hood Rave run by Bae Bae

Support organizations run by Black leaders that are fighting for racial justice. Some of our favorites are:

• Justice 4 Black Girls

• School for Black Feminist Politics

• Cannabis for Black Lives

• Black Women Radicals

• No Name Book Club

Buy from Black-owned businesses. Some great places to start:

• Black Market Flea

• Black Owned Food LA