Common, Public Enemy and Patti LaBelle were honoured at the Black Music Action Coalition’s sixth annual BMAC Gala on Thursday.

Common received the BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award, while Public Enemy was presented with the BMAC Social Impact Award. Patti LaBelle received the BMAC Icon Award in recognition of her legendary R&B career.

Common recognised for advocacy through music

Common has spent nearly four decades working as a conscious rapper and has used his music as part of his advocacy for the Black community, according to the source report.

Discussing the way musicians communicate ideas today, Common said artists continue to use their work to express meaningful messages, even when their music is not formally described as conscious.

“It may not be labeled conscious, but they got something to say. Some of them are very artsy, but it’s still being said,” he said.

Common cited Earl Sweatshirt and Kendrick Lamar as examples of artists whose music contains significant messages or reflects consciousness.

“Great things are being said. Earl Sweatshirt is somebody I really dig that says something. But I want us to think about the fact that one of the biggest artists has consciousness to him, Kendrick Lamar,” Common said.

Chuck D reflects on Public Enemy’s legacy

Chuck D, a founding member of Public Enemy, spoke about the group’s influence and the responsibility of artists to remain committed to their work.

He said there could never be another Public Enemy, but added that musicians could still challenge power in their own way by remaining true to their art.

Chuck D also urged artists to understand their audience, their purpose and the history and future of art while keeping an open mind.

“What artists could do today is number one, understand who they’re talking to, what they’re doing it for, what art is, the history of art, and the future of art by just staying committed and having their ears and their minds open,” he said.

He further encouraged musicians to consider whether their songs create opportunities for conversation rather than simply being made without a clear artistic purpose.

“Even when you’re down to making and writing a song. Can somebody have a conversation about your song? Or are you just going through the motions? Art is short for artificial, but at the same time it could be everything you needed to be to go around the world in your ticket to ride,” Chuck D said.

The gala’s honours placed the contributions of Common, Public Enemy and LaBelle at the centre of an event focused on the impact of Black music and its artists.