Faves of the Week: Jun. 5, 2020

This week, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande maintain their reign in the chart. Meanwhile, in the real world, demands for justice intensify. That's why this space will be dedicated to the black artists that participated in the creation of this week's entries.

As performers, we have Travis Scott at #3 (TKN), Chloe x Halle at #4 (Do It), Odunsi (The Engine) and Runtown at #5 (star signs), Kafu Banton at #6 (Tú Eres un Bom Bom (Remix)), The Weeknd at #8 (In Your Eyes (Remix)) and #14 (After Hours), Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé at #10 (Savage (Remix)) and Doja Cat at #8 (In Your Eyes (Remix)), #11 (Say So) and #20 (Like That).

But there are also several songwriters and producers here. Victoria Monét is involved in Do It, Nija Charles in Rain On Me, and so does The-Dream in Savage (Remix). The same track is produced by J. White Did It, behind the songs of other members of the community such as Tinashe, Cardi B, Gucci Mane and 21 Savage. Odunsi (The Engine) is the producer of his own work.

However, the presence of the black community in these songs isn't limited just to the official credits. Rain On Me explores genres like house and disco, started within the Afro-American culture. Mala Rodríguez is one of the most rewarded Spanish hip-hop artists. Her approach to the genre wouldn't be possible if the black community didn't develop the style first. And this is where cultural appreciation comes in. People external to the black community should by all means educate themselves on the sounds that they make or listen and understand the struggle within the roots of house, hip hop, and other many genres.

This happens as well with other communities: PUTOCHINOMARICÓN often talks about his struggles as a LGTB+ Asian boy in Spain during his childhood. Bad Bunny is bringing reggaeton and Latin music to a new public, and South Korea's BLACKPINK are at the front of many Korean artists and bands taking over the globe. This week, three chart-toppers from different communities fall off the chart. Soleá Morente's music is full of Romani's culture, as her father was one of the best known Flamenco singers in Spain. Rina Sawayama has lived in the United Kingdom almost all her life, but also feels very connected to her Japanese roots, which she explores on her music. Pabllo Vittar is revolutionizing Brazil with the success of her music. She is, as of now, the most-listened drag queen musician.

Music has always been a place for minorities to express their concerns and feel safe, and that's why nobody should steal that heritage from them. Always appreciate, never appropriate.

OUT

• Soleá Morente feat. Cariño — Ducati [#18 last week, 11 weeks, peak #1]
• Rina Sawayama — XS [#19 last week, 6 weeks, peak #1]
• Pabllo Vittar and Jerry Smith — Clima Quente [#20 last week, 11 weeks, peak #1]