The end of the year is coming up rapidly, and this look back is part of our Year in Music coverage. Keep an eye out for much more in our annual Year in Music Issue on Dec. 12!
For the third installment of our annual Black Music Roundtable, the common thread among our panelists is radio broadcasting. Returning participants are Kenny Smoov, award-winning program director at radio station 92Q and co-host of the weekday drivetime staple Kenny Smoov Morning Show, and Erica Hayes Schultz, longtime host of Soul of the City on community radio station WXNA. Both are extremely well-connected — locally and nationally — and knowledgeable about a huge variety of Black popular music communities. Joining for the first time is Justin Causey, who was a member of the legendary Aristocrat of Bands while he was a student at Tennessee State University; he also co-authored a 2021 paper in the Journal of Hip Hop Studies on Nipsey Hussle’s legacy. A key figure in Nashville hip-hop, Causey also co-hosts the recently launched Cashville Radio show on WNXP with Carlos Partee, and hosts his own show The Corner on WXNA — all while keeping a busy schedule with entertainment production and artist management.
Justin Causey
What was the best live show you saw in Nashville this year from a national artist?
Justin Causey: Wu-Tang and Nas at Bridgestone [in late 2023]. I’m a hip-hop baby, so seeing two of my favorite acts and getting to really be immersed in their discography, and seeing how poised and energetic they were was amazing. Hearing “Incarcerated Scarfaces” live meant something to me.
Kenny Smoov: Hands down, Jazmine Sullivan! She was just a presence, a force on that stage [at Bridgestone Arena, opening for Maxwell]. Vocals, arrangements, energy! Tops, period.
Erica Hayes Schultz: Hiatus Kaiyote at Brooklyn Bowl.
Who is a Nashville Black music performer that every fan should see and hear?
JC: Mike Floss and Rod McGaha. A father-son duo connecting through music — I mean, c’mon man, that’s beautiful.
KS: 2’Live Bre. He’s a star!
EHS: Chuck Indigo; Lord Goldie with a live band.
Kenny Smoov
Was 2024 a good year for local Black music communities, below average or about the same as prior years?
JC: It was a great year for the community. A lot of recording artists and musicians are finding their lanes and championing them. Executives are finding their footing in different rooms that didn’t welcome us beforehand. We are slowly being the change we want to see, but are still fighting for resources and shared experiences within this industry.
KS: Below average. Too many cancellations. It was a bad year!
EHS: Average, because there wasn’t as much music released versus a few years ago. However, what was released was really good.
Erica Hayes Schultz
What specific advice would you give powerful people in Nashville regarding things they can do to improve conditions for Black popular musicians?
JC: There is room for everyone to win, you just have to do the work and help out. Also your version of success may be different from someone else’s, but if you look at another man’s plate, you won’t enjoy what’s in front of you. Support and structure; you can’t build anything without a strong supporting foundation, and in the music business you need that, in the form of a creative team and creative community.
KS: Just give them the stage. They will excel. Also don’t be afraid to go big on the artists. Nashville will pay for top-tier acts! [Locals] travel out of town often to compensate for the lack here!
EHS: Working with Black business owners to give incentives to start music venues in prime locations that everyone would be interested in going to. We need at least one Brooklyn Bowl-size venue that is Black-owned, giving a place for local and up-and-coming national Black music artists.
What changes do you hope occur in 2025?
JC: That other genres in Nashville get the same support as country. Because after all, we are “Music City” because of musicality and skill, not just because of one genre.
KS: Better live acts and crowd participation. Early [ticket] purchases are the key!
EHS: More music released by artists. Many Nashville artists are being creative, just not here in Nashville. Come back. We miss you. Also I wish Black country music artists would collaborate with hip-hop and local artists to create unique tracks to have them stand out from everyone else.
What national artist did not come to Nashville in 2024 who you hope will appear in 2025?
JC: Tyler, the Creator; Kaytranada; Schoolboy Q; Vince Staples; Earl Sweatshirt; Sam Gellaitry; Berlioz; FKJ; Ojerime; Doechii; NxWorries; Flying Lotus; Central Cee; Dave; Knucks; Soulection; BADBADNOTGOOD; Men I Trust; SAULT.
KS: Muni Long! She is too important to R&B for her not to stop in Music City.
EHS: Jamila Woods, Kendrick Lamar.
Any final thoughts, reflections or predictions?
JC: Just do the work. Keep growing.
KS: Love and artistry will make its way toward the center of our music. We have strayed away from what makes Black music great: heart, soul and love!
