As HBCU bands gear up to show off their talent, we take you through some of the most iconic performances and their impact. Presented by Capital One, keep watching to see more!
Tetris Kelly:
Southern University, Florida A&M, Howard University, and more are home to talented marching bands. We’re looking at how they celebrate the culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country. HBCUs have celebrated their culture through music since the 1870s. But it wasn’t until Florida A&M’s band combined choreography and popular music that the bands started to reflect the groups we know and love today. Whether they’re performing at homecoming or halftime, they leave it all out on the field. They mix classic performances with creative covers of today’s hip-hop and R&B hits. Every year, the best of the best go head-to-head at the National Battle of the Bands, and this year, the schools brought their A-game – and rap beef – to the competition in Houston. Southern University’s Human Jukebox put their spin on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” and Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South reimagined “BBL Drizzy” by Metro Boomin. The Battle of the Bands also featured live performances from Muni Long, Lecrae, Boosie Badazz, and more. Performances aren’t just limited to college events. HBCU bands have also brought their talents to the Super Bowl, Formula 1 races, and even the White House. But no matter where you see an HBCU band, you’ll be in for a treat. For more coverage of music that’s shaping the culture, head over to Billboard.com.
