In 2023 we said goodbye to several music icons, including 96-year-old Harry Belafonte. The late recording artist was best known for “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” though he also contributed significantly to activist movements around the globe. His work was sampled on several occasions in popular hip-hop releases, and he continues to be recognized as one of the few Black creatives to achieve EGOT status. When it came time for the annual Grammy Awards this month, many expected to see the show pay tribute to Belafonte for all his contributions. Unfortunately for them, Belafonte only briefly came up during the “In Memoriam” segment but failed to give any further acknowledgment as we saw other artists receive.
“Love @itstonybennett Love @tinaturner Love @sinadeocconor. Why the @recordingacademy [chose] not to do a special tribute to you I will #never understand!” the legend’s daughter, Gina Belafonte wrote on Facebook earlier this week. “Here is my Grammy tribute to you dad! So many winners you’ve mentored! So many winners you shared your stage with. You are the winner @theharrybelafonte and we are better because of your contribution!” she continued, giving her late father his well-deserved flowers.
“Belafonte’s career breakthrough album Calypso (1956) was the first million-selling LP by a single artist,” Gina reminded readers online. As AllHipHop notes, another of Harry’s daughters, Shari Belafonte, aired her grievances with the Grammys too. “While no doubt, Tony Bennett and Tina Turner were special indeed, Harry contributed far more to society and the music industry than those two put together, in my humble opinion. The Grammys missed a major moment.”
Harry Belafonte isn’t the only celebrity who seemingly got snubbed by the Grammy Awards. SZA’s fanbase was outraged after the TDE signee missed out on taking home Album of the Year, but for her part, she’s taking the loss with grace. “Only way from up is higher,” she declared following the ceremony. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, one of the most important films for Hip Hop culture was released in theaters around the globe. The Stan Lathan-directed Beat Street was a film that was able to help Hip Hop culture as a whole breakthrough into the mainstream market and showed a side of the scene that those outside of New York might not have ever heard about.
The plot follows Kenny Kirkland aka DJ Double K, a young man aspiring to be one of New York’s top DJs. Through performances, trials, and tribulations, Kenny is able to grow as a DJ and reach his goal of performing at the famous Roxy club in New York. This film’s narrative of perseverance and struggle to achieve your dreams inspired a generation to grow into many of the artists who have become prominent figures in Hip Hop today.
The film includes many of Hip Hop’s pioneering acts and personalities including Afrika Bambaataa and The Soul Sonic Force, The Treacherous Three(including Kool Moe Dee), the Rock Steady Crew, the New York City Breakers, Doug E. Fresh and many more of the culture’s major influencers of that era.
The film’s commercial success stretched past the boundaries of this country to influence the cultures across the planet. Grossing $16,595,791 in the box office, this film was just as big a hit in Europe as it was in the United States, specifically in Germany. It is said that this film single-handedly sparked the boom of Hip Hop culture in both West Germany in a time when the East and West were still separated. The film also helped the spread of graffiti culture in Across East and West Germany along with the United States.
Mentioned in songs by Jay Electronica, The Notorious B.I.G., AZ, and Ras Kass, it’s obvious that this picture transcended generations to inspire rap music at every tier. If you have not already, make sure you watch and see what for yourself what it was that inspired so many to take this genre that is so loved from an inner-city fad to an international cultural craze.
Earlier this week, sad news of Harry Belafonte’s passing took the entertainment industry by storm. Granted, the multi-talent did live to be 96, but seeing someone who contributed so much to music, film/television, and the civil rights movement pass away is never easy. Heartfelt tributes to the fallen star have been coming in all across social media since word broke on Tuesday (April 25), including a more recent one from Usher, who previously had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Belafonte.
The Texas-born R&B star shared a photo dump to his Instagram on Thursday (April 27), recalling some of the time he spent with the New York native. “A world-renowned entertainer. A barrier-breaking actor. A tireless activist. A one-of-a-kind friend. Inspired is the word that comes to mind when I think about you Harry,” Usher wrote in his caption. “A man of great strength, courage, and sense of purpose. All things that I view as admirable. When I spent time with you…I was in awe of how your presence was so powerful,” he added before praising Belafonte’s “amazing spirit and incomparable gifts.”
Usher Remembers His Fallen Friend, Harry Belafonte
The father of four’s powerful message came to an end with, “Your passion awakened our souls. The impression you made on my heart is why I wear you on my skin.” In the accompanying photos, we see Usher and Belafonte sharing a laugh while sitting on a couch together, as well as a video of the elderly man cheering his friend on from the audience in his wheelchair. In the final slide, the “Banana Boat” singer examines a portrait of him inked on Usher’s bicep, which beautifully captures his younger image.
Others who have been reflecting on HB’s impact include Diddy, who dubbed him “a true king and revolutionary,” as well as Chuck D. The latter labelled the icon as “the father figure of our community,” proving just how undeniably powerful his legacy is, even decades after the peak of his career. Read more beautiful tributes to the late Harry Belafonte from both friends and fans here. Make sure to check back later for more pop culture news updates. RIP.
Harry Belafonte’s songs have been a part of history for decades. The legendary Jamaican-American singer is one of the few entertainers to EGOT. This means he is among a handful of entertainers to receive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. This achievement solidifies his place in entertainment and, most importantly, Black history.
Outside of the entertainment world, Belafonte was also an outspoken voice in the civil and political sphere. This is where he placed his focus after releasing his last album in 1974. Belafonte’s music made an impact during its original run as he helped bring calypso music to American audiences. Not only was it well received, but it helped get him a myriad of performance opportunities. His music lives on through sampling in modern songs; we’ve gathered several of them in this list.
“6 Foot 7 Foot” – Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz (2010)
This is the most popular rap song that sampled Harry Belafonte. This song was produced by Bangladesh who sampled Belafonte’s classic song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” In this version of the sample, the vocals are sped up and pitched higher. The sped-up vocals play throughout the verses, giving the song a fun and fast-paced feeling. Things slow down between verses where the sample serves as a creative and brief hook. Both Wayne and Cory Gunz drop colorful and punchline-filled verses on the track, whose booming bass helps bring the energy they bring to an even higher level. This goes double for Gunz, whose rapid fire flow in the second half of his verse is a highlight for many listeners.
“Burnt” – Del The Funky Homosapien feat. Hieroglyphics (1991)
This song borrowed from Harry Belafonte during the peak time for sampling – the ’90s. However, it does not sample the instruments from the original song. It interlopes one of the most popular lines from it. Del opens the five-verse track, and he’s the one who uses lines from Belafonte. However, instead of using it for a hook, he effortlessly weaves it into his verse.
It fits so well that you wouldn’t even know it came from a different song. However, Del ensures he still pays homage as he enunciates “Day-O” just as Belafonte did in the original track. Furthermore, he drops a few more bars before returning to the interpolation. This is an example of how sometimes a song can transcend generations in a subtle but effective way.
This is another song where Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O” comes through interpolation. Timbaland is on production here, however, he does not pair any elements from Belafonte’s original song with his signature drums. Missy Elliott is the one who brings Belafonte’s influence into the smooth track. After her opening verse, we come to the hook which she sings. She brings the lyrics of the past to the present by using them about being out at the club all night. Missy’s pen has always been slick. This interpolation sounds right on target for her.
She also mirrors Belafonte’s delivery style while making it her own. Had a listener not known better, this would have sounded like something Missy wrote herself. All artists set out to make timeless music, but the passage of time is the only way to determine if they were successful.
“Shake Senora” – Pitbull feat. T-Pain and Sean Paul (2011)
This song samples Harry Belafonte in the most direct way. Not only is the song’s melody sampled, but the hook is also too. This time, the sample comes from his song “Jump in the Line.” Considering the original track would have fit in a party setting, it’s only suitable three people known for party music to utilize it for a sample.
Producers Clinton Sparks and DJ Snake take the tropical melody from the original song and pair it with glitzy synth melodies to give the song a modern feel while keeping the spirit of the original alive. Regarding the hook, T-Pain and Pitbull rap-sing it and combined Belafonte’s original lyrics with some updated ones that fit a modern party scene. This track is one where the inspiration from Harry’s original track is clear, and they paid homage in a fun and respectful way.
This Harry Belafonte song sample is one of the more sentimental ones on our list. The song “My Angel (Malaika)” is a duet with singer Miriam Makeba. The track that samples it features Smino, although we would classify his presence as a typical feature, not a duet partner. However, Doja’s song contrasts the tone of the original song in almost every way. The guitar melody from the original is sampled and sped up. It’s paired with skittering trap drums that give the song a much faster pace than the drumless original. Doja’s vocals float between being rapped and sung as her vocalizations line up more with the sentimental tone of the original song, while her rapped verses do not. Smino’s creatively rapped verse keeps the energy alive and brings its own creative melody.
This way this Harry Belafonte song was used makes it one of the most direct ones on our list. Even the song title is a direct connection to the original classic. Jason Derulo takes the most recognizable part of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and uses it for the hook. Like one of the previous entries, Jason modernizes it by bringing the lines to the club. Considering this, he connects people’s memories of the original song to new memories they created while listening to his song. He does this by simply swapping out a few words; his delivery aligns with his singing style. The feeling of happiness associated with the original version and his song is another aspect that connects them across generations.
Did you recognize any of these songs or their samples? Let us know in the comments section.
Usher took to Instagram and explained why he has a portrait of Belafonte tattooed on his forearm. The three-photo carousel includes one of Belafonte smiling at the ink in presumed approval.
“‘A world-renowned entertainer. A barrier-breaking actor. A tireless activist. A one-of-a-kind friend. Inspired is the word that comes to mind when I think about you Harry,” Usher wrote in his caption. “A man of great strength, courage, and sense of purpose. All things that I view as admirable. When I spent time with you… I was in awe of how your presence was so powerful. You’ve been called home after many, many years of gracing this world with your amazing spirit and incomparable gifts.”
He continued, “However, your impact on the world will be forever present. I’m grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to have you in my life and I will miss you. May you rest peacefully knowing the legacy you’ve left behind.’ Your passion awakened our souls. The impression you made on my heart is why I wear you on my skin.”
Usher added “Forever Missed,” four dove emojis, and “I love you Harry ‘Mr. B,’” and finished the caption with a Belafonte quote: “Artists are the gatekeepers are truth; We are civilization’s anchor. We are the compass for humanity’s conscience.”
Harry Belafonte died earlier this week. He was 96 years old.
Ken Sunshine, longtime representative for Belafonte, confirmed in a press release Belafonte died due to congestive heart failure. He was at his New York home when he died at age 96 “with his wife Pamela [Frank] by his side.”
TMZ caught up with Chuck D of Public Enemy, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Belafonte, and he shared the late legend’s impact on his life.
“Harry Belafonte is a giant tower of our time. He signified in his whole 96 years of his existence, his dignity, his grace, his power, and strength. He never was thinking about me. He was thinking about we.
Mr. B said he was an activist that became an artist, not an artist to become an activist. He is a father figure to our community, and I have the utmost privilege and joy for him to be able to share his time and counsel, laughs, wisdom, and intelligence. He inducted Public Enemy into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and we honored him that night by him honoring us. We honored him that night, and we fought for that to happen. I am very proud to use what we had in a platform to honor what he stood for in his life.”
You can hear it from Chuck D below and read more about Mr. B here. Rest in peace, Harry Belafonte.
Chuck D spoke about the impact of Harry Belafonte during an interview with TMZ at LAX on Tuesday. The legendary singer, actor, and activist died of congestive heart failure earlier that morning at the age of 96. Belafonte spoke at Public Enemy’s Rock & Roll Hame of Fame induction ceremony back in 2013.
“Harry Belafonte is a giant tower of our time. In his whole 96 years of his existence, his dignity, his grace, his power, his strength, and never was thinking about me– always thinking about we,” the Public Enemy rapper said. As for how he will remember Belafonte, Chuck D added: “As a father figure of our community. And I had the pleasure and the utmost privilege and joy for him to be able to share his time, council, laughs, wisdom, intelligence. He inducted Public Enemy into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and we honored him that night.”
Harry Belafonte Inducting Public Enemy Into The Hall Of Fame
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: Singer Harry Belafonte speaks onstage during the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage)
Chuck D was far from the only hip-hop artist to speak out about Belafonte’s impact in the wake of his passing. Diddy also shared a heartfelt message on social media on Tuesday. “I’m so blessed that I had the chance to get to know Mr.B,” Diddy captioned a photo of himself with the late Belafonte. “He taught me so much. The number 1 thing he taught me was to always have a rebel heart. Be fearless and do what others aren’t willing to do for the advancement of your people. ALL HAIL A TRUE KING AND REVOLUTIONARY! Thank you! Thank you!!”
Regarding his efforts as an activist, Belafonte was a key voice in the civil rights movement, even becoming a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He also led a campaign against apartheid in South Africa, and befriended Nelson Mandela. Additionally, he worked in the fight against HIV/AIDS and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Several artists and public figures have taken to social media to express their sadness over the loss of Harry Belafonte. Yesterday (April 25), the singer died of congestive heart failure at 96 years old, while in his Manhattan home.
Belafonte was known for popularizing calypso music with songs like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jump In The Line (Shake, Señora),” and “Jamaican Farewell.” He was also an outspoken advocate for racial equality and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., and was an open critic of George W. Bush’s policies as well.
Yesterday, beloved former President Barack Obama took to Twitter to honor Belafonte and share condolences to his loved ones.
“Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up,” said Obama. “He lived a good life — transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans.”
Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and… pic.twitter.com/g77XCr9U5b
President Joe Biden also reflected on Belafonte’s legacy, saying, “Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation. Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.”
Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation.
Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.
Yesterday (April 25) saw a major loss for the worlds of music, acting, and activism: Harry Belafonte died at 96 years old. His passing sparked many fond remembrances, including an Instagram post from Questlove.
The Roots drummer’s message begins, “Shining example of how to use your platform to make change in the world. Hi$ activi$m was crucial for the civil rights movement. His activism was key in the anti apartheid movement.” It later concludes, “If there is one lesson we can learn from him it is ‘what can I do to help mankind?’ Thank You Harry Belafonte!”
Find Questlove’s full post below.
“Shining example of how to use your platform to make change in the world.
Hi$ activi$m was crucial for the civil rights movement. His activism was key in the anti apartheid movement.
I once read a touching story of @theweeknd explaining how learning how #WeAreTheWorld (organized by, you guessed it Belafonte) was not only key to his jacksonesque vocal delivery but his family being the key family that benefited from the funds that record raised to relocate his family to safety in Canada.
Before the pandemic the storyline to @summerofsoulmovie was Belafontecentric once @selema explained to us how his father personally uprooted his legendary father #HughMasekela from the 60s South African apartheid & brought him to live in New York City & planted the seeds of activism in him.
He represented many things to us: fun calypso music, iconic acting (I came to know him as #GeechieDan in the iconic #UptownSaturdayNight as a child)—but most importantly he taught me to think in terms of ‘WE’ not ‘I’.
That stuck with me.
If there is one lesson we can learn from him it is ‘what can I do to help mankind?’
Diddy reflected on the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte on Instagram, Tuesday, after the legendary singer, actor, and activist passed away. Belafonte’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, confirmed to CNN that he died of congestive heart failure on Tuesday morning at the age of 96.
“I’m so blessed that I had the chance to get to know Mr.B,” Diddy captioned a photo of himself with the late Belafonte. “He taught me so much. The number 1 thing he taught me was to always have a rebel heart. Be fearless and do what others aren’t willing to do for the advancement of your people. ALL HAIL A TRUE KING AND REVOLUTIONARY! Thank you! Thank you!!”
Harry Belafonte At A Civil Rights Rally
A crowd of over 10,000 civil rights marchers gathers in the Manhattan Garment Center as Harry Belafonte sings at spiritual at a civil rights rally.
In addition to his work in the arts, Belafonte was a key voice in the civil rights movement, contributing his efforts as a strategist, fundraiser, and mediator. Over time, he even became a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Bernice King shared a statement in the wake of Belafonte’s passing. “When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways,” she wrote. “In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”
Later, Belafonte also led a campaign against apartheid in South Africa, and befriended Nelson Mandela. Additionally, he worked in the fight against HIV/AIDS and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. “I’ve often responded to queries that ask, ‘When as an artist did you decide to become an activist?’ ” Belafonte once said, as noted by CNN. “My response to the question is that I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both service each other, but the activism is first.” His efforts blended with his music when he came up with the 1985 hit song, “We Are the World.”
