Panamanian-American vocalist José James has made a career out of blurring the borders of jazz music. His music is known for incorporating sounds and style from modern genres like hip-hop and R&B, yet staying true to the spirit of jazz performance at the same time.

 

His latest album, however, he changes direction and returns to the music that inspired him to become a jazz singer in the first place: the music of Billie Holiday. On Yesterday I Had The Blues (Blue Note),  Jose James pays tribute to Billie Holiday with stripped-down covers of standards she made famous - from “God Bless The Child” to “Strange Fruit.”

 

Jose James sits down with Maria Hinojosa at Latino USA studios to chat about why Billie Holiday should be a feminist and activist icon and  her enduring influence on popular American music.

José James on why Billie Holiday is a radical feminist

This track is in response to the initial recording of "Hell You Talmbout" by Janelle Monae. The track, albeit powerful, once again proved to the world that even within the minds and spirits of black people, our black trans siblings are left behind, even in death. This track is a call to those that have forgotten us, as well as a chance to lift of my fallen black trans symbols, who should have been lifted up in the first place.

Hell Y'all Ain't Talmbout

The debate around sociologist Alice Goffman's book "On the Run" centers on an interesting question: What are ethical considerations to keep in mind when writing about a community that's not your own? 

This issue recently came up with the journalism class of Northwestern professor Deborah Douglas. We talk with her and journalism student Rebekah Frumkin about issues to have on your radar when reporting on marginalized communities. 

When Reporting on Marginalized Communities, There's a Lot to Keep in Mind

Niña

Here's "Landslide" by Antony off the anticipated upcoming album "Just Tell Me That You Want Me: Tribute To Fleetwood Mac." The new album will be available everywhere August 14th, 2012.

Buy at iTunes

Landslide | Antony

'The Feeling' LP/CD/MP3 out now on Captured Tracks. 

Naomi Punk // Burned Body

Buy Now

Dance Of The Honey Bees

Feminist response to pop culture! 

We post a new podcast episode every Thursday, digging deep on everything from Beyonce to geek girls. Tune in. 


When Reporting on Marginalized Communities, There's a Lot to Keep in Mind

Bitch Media

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