In recognition of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute a series of essays that explore themes such as identity, music, culture, and inclusion.
Today, Ebonie Smith, a music producer, audio engineer, and singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, shares her essay titled "On Imagination: A Tribute to Black Art, Black Language, and My Friend Derrick Cobb," as part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month series.
In August 2024, Smith released the poetry album "On Imagination," which features contributions from notable figures such as activist Angela Davis, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Dawn Richard, Tarriona Ball from Tank and the Bangas, Valerie June, Flyana Boss, and others.
Regarding her project, Smith states, "'On Imagination' serves as a meditation on Black art and language, acknowledging the legacies that influence us. It is an offering, an opportunity to reflect on the strength of words, the endurance of storytelling, and the beauty inherent in our shared experiences."
As a prominent player in the music industry, Smith serves as a senior audio engineer and producer at Atlantic Records, having worked on significant projects like the Broadway cast album of "Hamilton," Janelle Monae's groundbreaking "Dirty Computer," and Cardi B’s hit "Invasion of Privacy." Additionally, she is the Co-Chair of the Producers & Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy, highlighting her commitment to excellence in music production. Beyond her professional endeavors, she founded and leads Gender Amplified, Inc., a nonprofit that uplifts women and gender-expansive emerging producers and artists through various initiatives. Their first EP, "In Bloom," is set to release on March 7th.
An inspiration through both her words and actions, Ebonie Smith exemplifies what it means to make an impact, reminding us of the importance of our words and actions. Read her poignant Black History Month essay below, and listen to "On Imagination" on your preferred music streaming platform!
“The poems on this album are restorative,” shares Smith. “They aided my healing and re-centering post-COVID. The language challenges the listener, requiring effort for deeper comprehension, but those who engage will discover the powerful and transformative nature of these poets’ words. After the passing of Takeoff, I turned to these poems to find solace and make sense of the losses occurring in hip-hop culture. The language on this album provided me strength during that difficult time.”
**A Tribute to Black Art, Black Language, and My Friend Derrick Cobb**
by Ebonie Smith
In 2022, the tragic death of Takeoff, a cherished member of the Migos, profoundly impacted me. Like many, I found it challenging to process the senseless violence and the accompanying grief. What struck me most was the realization of the various forces that contributed to this tragedy—systems that frequently endanger Black lives. After learning of Takeoff's death, I reached out to my close friend Derrick Cobb, and we spent nearly two hours discussing the situation, exploring everything from the societal structures that propagate violence to the troubling dynamics between Black music and commerce.
We expressed our frustration over how Black artists, especially in hip-hop, are encouraged to perpetuate violence and degradation in their work as a pathway to fame and success. The commodification of Black cultural expression has long twisted and reshaped these voices to conform to societal narratives, often at the detriment of the artists themselves. As we talked about these matters, I felt a compelling need to take action—something beyond merely writing another opinion piece or posting online. I wanted to create a significant statement that would endure. I sought to harness my platform, artistry, and talents to reclaim something that had been taken from Black artists: the power of language.
My conversation with Derrick inspired the creation of "On Imagination," my poetry album. I knew I wanted to foreground the voices of Black artists, particularly African-American female poets, whose work often goes unnoticed in mainstream spaces. This album would serve as not just a response to the tragedy of Takeoff’s passing but also a reflection on the broader issues confronting Black artists in music, culture, and society.
As I began to develop the project, I turned to poetry to articulate these intricate emotions. The first poem that resonated with me was Phyllis Wheatley's “On the Death of a Young Gentleman.” Wheatley’s precise language and tone captured the grief I felt over Takeoff’s death and led me to contemplate his legacy. It made me ask the questions I would have posed to Takeoff, had I the opportunity. Although rhetorical, these questions influenced the creation of music that conveyed the raw emotions rooted in Wheatley’s verses.
In the ensuing months, I sought out additional poems with rich language and sonic inspiration. I aspired to craft an album that not only paid homage to poetry but also provided a beautiful, tragic, and cathartic sonic experience. The
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Ebonie Smith presents her essay, ‘On Imagination: A Tribute to Black Art, Black Language, and My Friend Derrick Cobb,’ as a contribution to Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!