In recognition of Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute essays that explore themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.
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Today, Virginia-born and LA-based artist Farrah Fawx presents her playlist titled ‘Joy Is My Genre: Escapism Through Black Music’ as part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month initiative!
With a sound akin to Azealia Banks and early Doechii, Farrah Fawx stands out as a powerful singer, rapper, and songwriter – a vibrant talent that effortlessly combines rap, R&B, house, and pop. Her music captures influences from her time in New York and elsewhere, fusing the energetic beats of UK dance music with a bold Southern flair, all unified by her distinctive vocal rasp.
Check out Farrah Fawx’s newly released music video for “Stretch” below, and also enjoy more tracks like “Chop Chop” and “HI MY NAME IS” (featuring Carly Gibert) wherever you listen to music. You can find her special Black History Month playlist on Spotify (or click the songs below to listen on YouTube).
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Escapism Through Black Music
by Farrah Fawx
Black joy, in many respects, serves as a robust form of resistance. In a world that often attempts to undermine or categorize Blackness by focusing on trauma and fatigue, and subsequently appropriating it for profit and entertainment, joy becomes a form of rebellion and healing.
It’s not unusual for Black artists to utilize music as a vehicle for expressing life's intricacies; it encompasses not only the struggle but also the beauty, humor, vitality, and triumph. Our music has consistently had the power to spark something remarkable, something intrinsically tied to celebration. It’s not about overlooking the obstacles we encounter but about honoring the strength, simplicity, and beauty that persists despite them.
Here are a few songs that evoke and reinforce this feeling for me:
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“What a Wonderful World“
by Louis Armstrong
This may be one of the most purely beautiful songs I can think of.
“Golden“
by Jill Scott
A remarkable declaration of Black Joy and Happiness.
“Lovely Day“
by Bill Withers
I didn’t fully grasp the importance of Bill Withers’ music until his passing. This track was a staple of my childhood, as my grandmother often played it in the car alongside Anita Baker and Otis Redding.
“Before I Let Go”
by Maze & Frankie Beverly
Doing the Electric Slide to this song at family gatherings, surrounded by loved ones and delicious food, is both a tradition and a rite of passage. I can't think of another song that unites people quite like this one.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
by Whitney Houston
I rarely have moments where I feel completely carefree. Yet, whenever this song plays, I momentarily release all my cares. I remember being around four years old, belting this out in the car with my mom on the way to school.
“All I Do“
by Stevie Wonder
This song gives me a serotonin boost. I listen to it in the mornings before or after “Early” by the Gap Band. What I cherish most about it is the feeling of pure devotion, love in its most joyful, soul-stirring form. It’s devoid of ego.
“Crank That (Soulja Boy)“
by Soulja Boy Tell’em
I’m grateful to have experienced the height of Soulja Boy’s career.
“Becoming“
by Diana Gordon
No one can tell me anything when this song is playing.
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‘Joy Is My Genre: Escapism Through Black Music’ – a playlist by Farrah Fawx
Farrah Fawx © courtesy of the artist
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I believe that Black joy is an open invitation and a call to dance, to sing, and to fully embrace who we are. Through my creations, I aspire to respond to that call. I strive to inspire a reaffirmation of our essence at its core.
So, let’s continue dancing, keep celebrating, and most importantly, live in joy. Because joy transcends mere emotion; it is a revolution.
Crafting music that inspires feelings of freedom, declaration, and a profound connection to our inherent joy is my form of protest.
Joy is my genre. – Farrah Fawx
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:: stream Farrah’s “Joy Is My Genre” playlist here ::
:: connect with Farrah Fawx here ::
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Reviewer: Otis Robinson Released: February 28, 2025 Label: Because
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Farrah Fawx presents her playlist, ‘Joy Is My Genre: Escapism Through Black Music,’ which serves as both an invitation and a call to dance, to sing, and to embrace the entirety of our being, as part of Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series!