On Oct. 9 and 10, the Recording Academy hosted the HBCU Love Tour in Atlanta, Georgia, the second installment of the newly launched series. A collaborative initiative presented by GRAMMY U, the Recording Academy’s college program fostering the professional growth of future music industry leaders, and the Black Music Collective (BMC), an advisory group within the Recording Academy working to celebrate and advance Black music and Black creators and professionals across the music industry, the HBCU Love Tour aims to empower students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are looking to make a name for themselves in the music industry.
Students from HBCUs, such as Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University, attended events featuring some of the most influential Black artists and professionals in music, including Armani White, Rico Love, Kat Graham, and others.
Launched in April by the Recording Academy’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team, which is spearheaded by DEI Vice President Ryan Butler, the HBCU Love Tour gives students an exclusive opportunity to learn from music industry leaders as well as Academy executives. Recording Academy Chair of the Board of Trustees Tammy Hurt, Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees and BMC Chair Rico Love, and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. helped initiate the HBCU Love Tour as well.
By combining the missions of the Black Music Collective and GRAMMY U, the HBCU Love Tour created an inclusive atmosphere that went beyond representing Black students, creators and artists. From the student showcase to the red carpet, here are five of the most exciting highlights that went down at the HBCU Love Tour in Atlanta this month.
A Wide-Ranging And Exciting Student Showcase
A student performs | Courtesy of GRAMMY U
The HBCU Love Tour started off with a student showcase at Vinyl at Center Stage on Sunday, Oct. 9. Hosted by Manni Supreme, with beats by DJ RicoVeli, the showcase included rap, R&B, soul, and spoken word performances.
The 11 artists featured in the showcase — WickDaDon, Lila Jai, Mr Boy, Rocky Chatman, Nena Hayes, Kinga World, Nia Simone, Morgan Edwards, Kenarri, Nay Speaks, and Hasani Vibez — submitted their music and were chosen to perform before a prestigious panel of judges, including Rico Love, Len Brown, Daniela Rivera, and Ebonie Ward.
Celebrating Student Showcase Winner Nia Simone
(From left): Tammy Hurt, J.I.D, Nia Simone, Rico Love, Baby Tate, and Ryan Butler | Courtesy of GRAMMY U
After an astounding performance of one of her original songs, judges selected Clark Atlanta University student Nia Simone as the showcase winner. Simon's vocals lit up the room and left the crowd in awe.
As her prize, Simone received a check for $1,000 from the HBCU Love Tour. She also received the opportunity to open up at the HBCU Love Tour event the following day and performed her new single, "Oh No, Not Me," in front of renowned artists and fellow students.
Read More: How The HBCU Love Tour Inspires Young Black Students To Prosper In The Music Industry
Rico Love, Baby Tate & J.I.D Demystified The GRAMMY Awards
(From left) J.I.D, Rico Love and Baby Tate | Courtesy of GRAMMY U
One of the featured events at the HBCU Love Tour included a panel titled "Demystifying the GRAMMY Awards," which was presented by the Black Music Collective and featured panelists Rico Love, Baby Tate & J.I.D.
The panelists elaborated on the ins and outs of the awards process, its purpose, and its significance to the music industry. The panel "gave me a better insight from an artist's point of view in terms of working hard, submitting music for nominations, and ensuring they are active and present in the Recording Academy," said Atlanta GRAMMY U Representative Amir Duke, who also provided behind-the-scenes support for the event.
Armani White Discussed Marketing & Social Media In GRAMMY U's Masterclass
Kat Graham and Armani White | Courtesy of GRAMMY U
Though his career is made up of years of hard work, Armani White is best known for going viral on TikTok with his hit, "BILLIE EILISH." The social media frenzy over his song played a significant role in his skyrocketing career, White said during a masterclass presented by GRAMMY U and Mastercard.
In the masterclass, which was moderated by musician, actress and producer Kat Graham, White spoke about using social media to create a viral buzz and shape your music career. White and Graham also spoke with students about utilizing social media to their benefit and avoiding becoming just another viral fluke in favor of becoming an industry sensation.
GRAMMY U Reps & Campus Ambassadors Witnessed All The Action
GRAMMY U representatives | Courtesy of GRAMMY U
GRAMMY U representatives and campus ambassadors received the opportunity to work closely with Recording Academy staff to bring the HBCU Love Tour to life.
Sinclaire Dupre, the GRAMMY U Campus Ambassador for Spelman College, supported Recording Academy Social Media Marketing Director Laura Rodriguez. "I worked closely with [Laura] and was able to get content all around the event spaces, interview guests, performers, and contestants, and behind-the-scenes moments," Dupre said. "I learned so much, like how to edit content, apply overlays, angles, and tactics within posting. I learned about timing, catching moments, and posting schedules."
Dupre feels that her experience with the HBCU Love Tour was unique compared to other moments in her career, in that she was able to focus most of her energy into capturing the special moments of the weekend as a professional rather than being an attendee looking in.
Jonathan Weaver, GRAMMY U Representative for Washington and a student at Howard University, sees extraordinary value in the HBCU Love Tour. "It recognizes the impact that the Black community has had on the music industry," he said. "It was a great opportunity that showed that people are investing in the future of young, Black creatives."
The HBCU Love Tour plans to continue on to other cities to develop and celebrate Black students, who are invaluable to the future and foundation of the music industry. The Black Music Collective and GRAMMY U will strive to advance opportunities for HBCU students who will become the next generation of creators, artists, and music business professionals.
