“It’s Ok To Be Black,” the anthemic debut single by Jac Ross was released at the beginning of the year. However, since its release, it took on a new level of meaning in the context of the world that we are living in. Hence, it has now been reimagined and retitled “It’s Ok To Be Black 2.0,” featuring guests D Smoke and Buddy, who have added a new take to the meaningful song. This song emphasizes the continuing social injustice, and D Smoke and Buddy incorporate poetic verses to resonate the integral message.
“Working with D Smoke and Buddy was amazing. It was actually a dream come true, as I’m a fan of both their work and appreciate their music,” said Ross. “I wish we could have worked together under better circumstances and actually got to be in the studio together to vibe, but I’m really thankful we were able to get this done regardless. This song is so important to me and I can’t wait for people to hear this reimagined version.”
Although Ross is the newest sensation in music, the song aligns with a movement that will undoubtedly make history. Moreover, as the NBA season has finally begun, the song was selected to be the background music for the NBA’s Black Lives Matter PSA Commercial, and has since been airing quite regularly. Billboard declared, “Reminiscent of the social, cultural and political through-lines that connect predecessors such as Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye, Ross’ brand of message music is a welcome oasis of honesty, hope and love in a pandemic-stricken world.”
Ross, who hails from Live Oak, FL, was first discovered by the Grammy-winning producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who contributed immensely to the pop/R&B scene of our era (“It’s Not Right but It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez, “Telephone” by Lady Gaga, etc.)
In 2019, Ross started off with an exciting performance at the annual Urban One Honors television special, wherein he enjoyed a standing ovation from starts such as Chance The Rapper and Jamie Foxx, amongst others. Since then, he continued to amaze guests with his remarkable voice as well as anthems that are thought-provoking through virtual events, out of which, the most notable are Richard Weitz’ widely publicized Zoom Pandemic parties.
© 2020, Jonathan P-Wright. All rights reserved.
