(August 6, 2024) There is an ongoing debate about “cancel culture.” Does it exist? Should it exist? Which offenses rise to the level that justifies a person getting cast into the outer darkness of cultural life? We may never answer the second and third questions to everyone’s satisfaction. As to the first question, the sad saga of Chrisette Michele is all the evidence many need to show that cancel culture is in full effect – for some people anyway.
Michele had crafted a successful career as a R&B singer who sported a raspy and emotive vocal that fans found very appealing. That had a lot to do with the quality of her music. Michele’s debut, I Am, was excellent, and she followed that up with projects that included songs like “Epiphany” and “A Couple of Forever” that were mainstays on radio.
Then, in 2017, Michele agreed to perform during the inauguration of Donald Trump. The backlash was swift and harsh. Something similar happened to Ben Vereen when he performed at Ronald Reagan’s inaugural in 1981.
Vereen caught heat for the specifics of his performance which involved wearing blackface in a one-man performance. Vereen’s career was not seriously damaged, and he worked throughout the 1980s and 90s. People criticized Michele for normalizing Trump by performing. Michele rightly noted that other Black artists performed without facing blowback, but the damage was done and the decision to sing there ruined her career and she believes played a role in ending her marriage.
That was eight years ago, and hopefully no other artist will face a similar choice on Jan. 20, 2025. It seems like the right time for music fans to talk about Chrisette Michele’s music, which is what drew us to her in the first place. Her new song, “Home,” is a breezy and sentimental musical trip back to her roots where Michele sings of finding acceptance and peace among those loved her unconditionally. “Home” can also be viewed something of a melodic mea culpa.
It’s easy to listen to the lyrics where she sings about returning home with suitcase filled with her belongings after making a mistake and conclude that Michele is still bruised by the backlash she received for thinking that politics would get put the back burner for one day. However, the song’s lyrics about the course correcting and restorative powers of mom’s home cooking and dad’s hugs ring true, particularly for those who cannot go home again.
“Home” is a good song and one the DJ can spin when Chrisette Michele gets reinvited to the cookout. Check out the song and accompanying video here.
By Howard Dukes
