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In 2023, there are still many firsts when it comes to celebrating Black people. Another first we’ll see is an immersive book dedicated to Black women who have left an impact on the music industry. Supreme Sirens: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Music Written by Marcellus Reynolds. From photos of Grace Jones to SZA, Reynolds explains history in the most important way he knows how. Through photography and interviews, the author has put together this work in hopes of celebrating Black women and their accomplishments.
missy elliott Being featured on the cover of a book and becoming the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a “happy coincidence,” Reynolds said by phone. MC is the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elliott’s announcement of the beginning of a profound volume feels timely, but it is also the moment for her to receive her flowers. This year also marks the perfect timing for hip-hop’s 50th anniversary.
The book’s demographics are notable, centering around women who are masters of culture like Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, and Monica (who wrote the foreword). Reynolds wanted the book to feel “alive,” so in addition to the photographs, he carefully selected the women who appeared in it. “The photos I chose for this book are all of actual women performing,” Reynolds said. “There [are] I took a lot of pictures of women on stage and women accepting awards because I want to normalize awards for black women. ”
He said readers will see singer and actress Jennifer Hudson accepting her Oscar award within the extensive print confines. The author shares that it also stars Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, the first three Black women to win multiple awards in one night. “You’re going to see pictures of them holding five or six Grammys in their hands.”Apart from these historic moments, Reynolds also chooses to enjoy the beauty of Black women, giving her three I’ve included images of hairstyles ranging from braided styles to afros.
Reynolds chose the word “siren” to describe its evocative nature. “This book draws you in like a siren. Each page is more beautiful than the last,” he said. He wants people to see the best of black women, past and present, from Roberta Flack to modern stars like Cardi B. The book’s extensive coverage of each type of woman is truly inspiring. The history of these women is immortalized in glossy pages filled with photos and quotes that represent their excellence. This is the only way black women should be featured in history. “I want people to know Solange as much as they know Sarah Vaughan,” Reynolds says.
pre order Supreme Sirens: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Music upon Amazon.com. This book retails for $60.
