Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Why do y’all keep hating on Lenny Kravitz?
I just assumed that everyone loved Kravitz. His catalog spans a quarter of a century and multiple genres, including classic rock, pop, hard rock, ballads and collabs with hip-hop GOATS. Women think he’s fine. Men admire him for winning four Grammys and a Huxtable. I imagine that he is beloved by scarf manufacturers for singlehandedly propping up the boa industry. Because of the song “Cause I Love You,” I’m sure Kravitz understands why Mr. Williams remains atop the “Lenny” rankings.
But, according to Esquire, Black America’s second-ranked Lenny feels slighted.
In a cover profile that coincides with the release of Kravitz’s 12th studio album, Jay-Z, Denzel Washington and other Black icons wax poetic about the impact and legacy of the writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. But, despite selling more albums than DaBaby, Lil Baby and Bhad Bhabie combined, Lenny Kravitz has never been invited to a single BET or Soul Train Award show.
Buried in the 6,897 words written by a white woman interspersed by photographs shot by a white man showing a Kravitz wearing clothes designed by white people, the celebrated musician lamented his lack of support from the Black community. Specifically, he can’t understand why his success “is not celebrated by the folks who run…
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