Republic Records announces going forward, the label will no longer use the term “urban” to categorize music and artists.
Their label houses artists such as Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, and is owned by Universal Music Group. In an unprecedented move, Republic Records will go forward with careful attention to the verbiage used in public and private matters. The company hopes that its announcement initiates a change across the industry.
” “We encourage the rest of the music industry to follow suit as it is important to shape the future of what we want it to look like, and not adhere to the outdated structures of the past,” reads the statement shared on social media platforms.
The change comes after other announcements from Republic Records to launch the Republic Records Action Committee with a mission statement focusing on three main goals: educate, action and support.
All change comes from the #TheShowMustBePaused movement pioneered by Jamila Thomas of Atlantic Records and Brianna Agyemang of Platoon. According to Billboard, the women aimed to push for change in the music industry.
“Yesterday was a strong start to the change we want to make in the industry,” said Agyemang in a statement. “We are taking all thoughts and ideas that were gathered and we will be implementing them into Phase 2 of this movement. Next steps are about clarifying needs and mobilizing the people to be the change we wish to see. The goal is to tap into the community at large to create change that is impactful and long lasting,” says Agyemang to Billboard.
View Republic Record’s announcement below:
