Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Dolly Doctor
  • Video
  1. Home
  2. News

Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish open up about “benefiting off of Black culture”

“My style, how I sing, dance, perform, and my fashion have all been influenced and inspired by Black culture.”
  • 09 Jun 2020
Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish open up about “benefiting off of Black culture”

 In the wake of the protests against systemic racism against black people around the world, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish have opened up about the relationship between race and genre in their music, acknowledging that they have profited off black American culture.

In a recent Instagram post, Bieber, whose streetwear brand Drew draws heavily from black American street fashion, admitted that he would not be the artist we know and love him today if it were not for black American culture, and is "committed to using his platform" to "speak up about racial injustice and systemic oppression."

“I am inspired by Black culture,” he wrote. “I have benefited off of Black culture.”

“My style, how I sing, dance, perform, and my fashion have all been influenced and inspired by Black culture. I am committed to using my platform from this day forward to learn, to speak up about racial injustice and systemic oppression and to identify ways to be a part of much needed change.”

justinbieber View Profile
likes - View Post on Instagram
Login * Instagram

Similarly, 29-year-old 2NE1 member and K-pop singer CL wrote in an Instagram post that the K-Pop industry is no different. “Artists, directors, writers, dancers, designers, producers, stylists in the K-Pop industry are all inspired by black culture whether they acknowledge it or not.”

“The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was the first album my dad bought me. Beyoncé's Dangerously In Love was the first CD I bought for myself. Janet Jackson taught me the power of movement of dance and expression. Missy Elliot is why I am so obsessed with my video visuals.”

“Some of the biggest inspirations for 2NE1 were Destiny’s Child and TLC. There are just some of the examples of the core women who have inspired me over the years… I would like to encourage all the K-Pop fans to give back and show their love and support for all that we have received from Black artists.”

chaelincl View Profile
likes - View Post on Instagram
+

But, the problem isn’t just the way non-black artists profit off black American culture but the way the music industry unfairly categorises and advertises music and genres by the colour of an artist’s skin. 

In 2014, FKA Twigs called out her R&B label for describing her as “alt-R&B” because she was biracial. Backstage at the 2020 Grammys, Tyler, The Creator criticised the term “urban” to describe an artist of colour, claiming that the description is nothing short of “a politically correct way to say the n-word.” 

In a recent interview with GQ, Billie Eilish agreed with Tyler, The Creator’s comments, acknowledging that there is a problem with the way the music industry unfairly labels people’s music by their ethnicity. 

“I agree with him about that term,” she told GQ. “Don’t judge an artist off the way someone looks or the way someone dresses. Wasn’t Lizzo in the Best R&B category that night? I mean, she’s more pop than I am.”

“Look, if I wasn’t white I would probably be in ‘rap’,” she reflected. “Why? They just judge from what you look like and what they know. I think that is weird. The world wants to put you into a box; I’ve had it my whole career. Just because I am a white teenage female I am pop. Where am I pop? What part of my music sounds like pop?”

Since the tragic death of George Floyd in the hands of police, Justin Bieber has used his platform to educate and inform his 138 million followers on the Black Lives Matter movement and how they can help. In the last week, the “Yummy” singer has shared resources on how to be an anti-racist ally and how to celebrate what would’ve been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday last Friday, as well as information and updates on the George Floyd case.

justinbieber View Profile
likes - View Post on Instagram
Login * Instagram

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Recommended to you

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer
Watch 1:00

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer

{headline}

{headline}

Billie Eilish nearly went to therapy because of Justin Bieber

Billie Eilish nearly went to therapy because of Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber just showed off what’s inside his wardrobe

Justin Bieber just showed off what’s inside his wardrobe

Justin Bieber caught crying over Billie Eilish

Justin Bieber caught crying over Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish teams up with idol Justin Bieber for "bad guy" remix

Billie Eilish teams up with idol Justin Bieber for "bad guy" remix

{headline}

{headline}

WATCH Billie Eilish FINALLY meeting Justin Bieber at Coachella

WATCH Billie Eilish FINALLY meeting Justin Bieber at Coachella

Justin Bieber & Hailey Baldwin's Relationship Timeline Is... A Lot

Justin Bieber & Hailey Baldwin's Relationship Timeline Is... A Lot

Here's Everything We Know About Billie Eilish's New Beau

Here's Everything We Know About Billie Eilish's New Beau

{headline}

{headline}

He’s Back, Baby! Justin Bieber Announces Huge Aussie Tour

He’s Back, Baby! Justin Bieber Announces Huge Aussie Tour

Here Are Your Faves' Most *Iconic* Halloween Costumes From Over The Years

Here Are Your Faves' Most *Iconic* Halloween Costumes From Over The Years

She's Coming! Billie Eilish Has Announced Her 2022 Aussie Tour Dates

She's Coming! Billie Eilish Has Announced Her 2022 Aussie Tour Dates

Here's Why Fans Are Convinced Hailey Bieber Is Pregnant

Here's Why Fans Are Convinced Hailey Bieber Is Pregnant

All The Best Fashion Moments From The 2021 VMAS

All The Best Fashion Moments From The 2021 VMAS

Selena & Billie Made Us Do It: The Offish Hair Colour Of Winter 2021 Is.... White-Blonde

Selena & Billie Made Us Do It: The Offish Hair Colour Of Winter 2021 Is.... White-Blonde

So TikTokers Reckon They're Better Lyricists Than Grammy Award Winners, And Honestly They Might Be?

So TikTokers Reckon They're Better Lyricists Than Grammy Award Winners, And Honestly They Might Be?

Girlfriend
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Girlfriend

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%