Tag: jemele hill

Spotify Celebrates Black History Month With the Launch of Frequency Zine

February 13, 2023

Black voices continue to be left out of the cultural narrative. So in 2021, we launched Frequency—what’s become our year-round global initiative to celebrate Black art, entertainment, creativity, and community. Its mission is brought to life by programs like the Ripple Effect Sunday dinner series and the Free Studio creator residency. Frequency is the home for Black expression as it shapes how the future sounds. 

This Black History Month, we’re continuing our support by unveiling Frequency Zine, a new social series focusing on dynamic artists who embody the boundless future of Black music. Throughout the series, we’ll highlight six Black artists across Frequency’s genre-specific playlists, including Indie, Dance/Electronic, Rock, Pop, and more. The first artists to be featured in Frequency Zine include Austin Millz, Bree Runway, Chiiild, Connie Constance, Foggieraw, and Kelela. 

Along with the playlists, each edition will feature a digital cover, custom photoshoot, and interview videos. Fans can follow Frequency on Instagram and Twitter to check out Frequency Zine as soon as it drops.

Frequency is a part of our ongoing commitment to support creators from historically marginalized communities and foster equity in the audio space. Read on for some more ways Spotify is highlighting Black creators across our platform this February. 

Black authors step into the spotlight with Audiobooks

There’s always more to learn about Black history and culture, so this month, some of our listeners will also receive recommendations for Audiobooks they can sink their ears into, like The 1619 Project developed by Nikole Hannah–Jones, Son of Elsewhere by Elamin Abdelmahmoud, We Over Me by Devale Ellis and Khadeen Ellis, and Finding Me by Viola Davis, which has been nominated for a Spoken Word Grammy.

The Audiobooks Hub will also be taken over with five curated shelves highlighting titles by Black authors within some of our most popular genres. These shelves consist of The Classics, Mystery & Thriller, Editor’s Picks, Lost in Love, and Be Inspired. Some of the titles you’ll find include:

  • More Myself by Alicia Keys: A book for fans of Alicia Keys with great music tie-ins and full-cast narration from Alicia Keys herself, as well as America Ferrera, Bono, Clive Davis, Craig Cook, DJ Walton, Jay-Z, Krucial, Leigh Blake, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Swizz Beats, and Terri Augelo. 
  • Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson: This multigenerational story was in President Barack Obama’s reading list picks for 2022.
  • All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson: A series of personal essays from a prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist. 
  • Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert: This brand-new rom-com from a popular British author is sure to be a hit for lovers of YA novels. 

Black podcast creators continue to set the tone

In addition to the Frequency Zine and our curated Audiobooks shelves, we’re also proud to showcase thought-provoking conversations from some of Spotify’s top Black podcast creators.

The Unbothered Network is a groundbreaking podcast and production company created by award-winning journalist Jemele Hill. Unbothered seeks to elevate the voices, stories, agency, and nuance of Black women by producing high-quality audio experiences on Spotify. The slate of shows including Jemele Hill is Unbothered, Sanctified, and The Black Girl Bravado offers conversation that builds community, all through the power and intimacy of podcasting.

We Said What We Said with Rickey and Denzel recently returned for its fourth season exclusively on Spotify in all video. Each week, longtime best friends Rickey Thompson and Denzel Dion dish on all things pop culture, sex, partying, struggle, love, and more. We Said What We Said is a show with bold advice, hot takes, and risqué storytelling.

On The Ringer’s Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay, the hosts dissect the biggest topics in Black culture, politics, and sports. Two times per week, they will wade into the most important and timely conversations, frequently inviting guests on the podcast and occasionally debating each other.

Spotify is committed to creating space for Black creators and fans to express themselves year-round, and as we move forward in 2023, we will continue our support on and off our platform.

Looking for more on the diverse and exciting sounds coming from Black artists around the globe? Check out our playlist This Is Frequency.

Kicking Off Cannes Lions With an Intimate Evening of Music and Culture

June 21, 2022

Marcus Mumford performs at Spotify's intimate evening of music and culture, during Cannes Lions 2022, at Villa Mirazur

Photo credit: Getty Images

On Monday, Spotify welcomed our guests back to the stunning Spotify Beach for the first time since 2019. The day began with two insightful panels and ended as only Spotify can: with an evening of music, culture, and celebration.

Set at a villa overlooking the picturesque French Riviera, the event featured memorable live performances, seasonal cocktails, and cuisine. Guests were welcomed to the flower-studded event by an instrumental quartet that played instrumental versions of pop hits. 

Quiz: This Week on ‘For the Record’

June 25, 2021

Think you're up-to-date on the latest in Spotify news, data, and trends? Take our quiz to test just how well you’ve been following along.

1. How many hours have listeners streamed Spotify’s most popular and influential playlist, Today’s Top Hits?
2. Boza is the latest artist to join the U.S. roster for our emerging talent program, RADAR. However, this isn’t the first time that the Panamanian singer has been picked to be a RADAR artist. In 2020, Boza was part of RADAR in what region?
3. Spotify announced a new podcast network, The Unbothered Network, in partnership with a creator. Which podcaster is at the helm?
4. New Spotify original podcast “Proxima Parada” brings its listeners daily news from the outskirts, or “quebradas,” of São Paulo, Brazil. When does the podcast premiere?
5. On our podcast “Spotify: For the Record,” we explored three local music genres: hyphy, chopped and screwed, and go-go. Which of these music styles originated in Washington, D.C., and was named the city’s official music?
6. This week at Cannes, Gimlet Managing Director Lydia Polgreen sat down with Brandy and Black Girl Songbook host Danyel Smith for a conversation about the power of podcasts. What was their big insight?

Jemele Hill and Spotify Partner on The Unbothered Network to Elevate Black Female Voices—And Bring Season 3 of ‘Unbothered’ to Listeners

June 25, 2021

In 2019, award-winning journalist, culture critic, and multihyphenate creator Jemele Hill joined the Spotify lineup with her own Spotify Original Podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered. Now, she’s expanding her exclusive partnership with Spotify with two big moves: a third season of the critically acclaimed show—and her very own podcast network. 

The Unbothered Network 

Jemele’s new groundbreaking podcast and production company, The Unbothered Network, seeks to elevate the voices, stories, agency, and nuance of Black women, an audience she feels is often chronically underserved across all mediums. Jemele will be working in partnership with Spotify and her longtime representative Evan Dick (Exit 39). Together, this powerhouse team of creatives and executives will create premium content that drives conversations and builds community, all through the power and intimacy of podcasting. Spotify, Jemele, and her production company, Lodge Freeway Media, will identify and develop new exciting series for the Network.

“The Unbothered Network is more than just a content hub—it’s a space where Black women can hopefully see their full selves,” says Jemele. “There’s so much about the lives of Black women that hasn’t been fully explored, and so many of our stories have either been dismissed or overlooked. I’m also proud of this network because it not only centers Black women, but it’s also run by Black women. We can’t empower Black women if we’re not positioning them in leadership roles.”

“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with the incomparable Jemele Hill,” says Courtney Holt, Head of Studios and Video, Spotify. “An acclaimed journalist, storyteller, podcaster, and creative—whose bold and authentic takes on social politics, sports, and culture have shined a spotlight on topics that are often overlooked. We can’t wait for her to continue her podcast and bring new and diverse talent to her network that amplifies and strengthens the voices of this important community.”

Jemele’s team of creatives and executives at The Unbothered Network include award-winning journalist Christina M. Tapper as Executive Producer & Head of Content, and Webby award-winning Creator/Producer Rich Boerner as Head of Operations and Production.

“I’m beyond grateful and excited to join Jemele and Spotify in building an audio home where Black women are primary,” says Christina. “I’m energized by the work of creating an expansive portfolio of premium podcasts for Black women listeners and by Black women creators at The Unbothered Network. We’ll tap into a variety of formats and genres to do just that.”

Unbothered Podcast Season 3

To top it off, the third season of Jemele’s podcast Jemele Hill is Unbothered is set to debut June 28. This installment of the critical and thought-provoking show is sure to stand up among its previous seasons. And the first guests? Singer-songwriter-actor Mary J. Blige, singer-songwriter Jill Scott, and actor Michael B. Jordan.

As an arbiter of culture and a storyteller, Jemele is a pioneer in the audio space who has continued to expand her reach and global audience. Whether breaking down difficult conversations about national discourse, racial inequality, gender equity, activism, politics, entertainment, or cancel culture, Jemele isn’t afraid to have an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real time as it unfolds.

Tune into Season 3 of Jemele Hill is Unbothered, free on Spotify June 28.

Celebrate Spotify’s Biggest Year for Podcasts This International Podcast Day

September 30, 2020

It’s only September, but Spotify has already seen our biggest year ever for podcasts. The number of new shows added to the platform this year increased by 240%* compared to 2019, and fans are spending more time streaming podcasts on Spotify than ever before. And since today (September 30) happens to be International Podcast Day, we’re celebrating the milestone by taking a look back at some of the podcasting trends of 2020, as well as debuting some new shows, podcast playlists, and features.

When it comes to podcasts . . .

  • Laughter is the best medicine. Comedy has been the top-ranking global podcast category this year to date, with Call Her Daddy, The Misfits, and Office Ladies dominating.
  • We’re keeping up with the Os. The Obamas, that is. The Michelle Obama Podcast from Higher Ground held its spot on the Trending Charts Top 10 globally longer than any other podcast since July 2020.
  • DIY podcasting is a growing field. Since last year’s International Podcast Day, new podcasts created on Anchor, Spotify’s all-in-one podcasting platform, have increased by more than 380%.*

And to keep the momentum going, Spotify will be celebrating International Podcast Day all week with new playlists, podcasts, and special features. Take a look:

  • 9/28: We’re releasing Best of 2020 So Far, a podcast playlist full of this year’s top pods, handpicked by Spotify’s editorial team.
  • 9/30: Parcast’s Blind Dating and Gimlet’s Resistance podcasts are dropping exclusively on Spotify.
    • No one has ever found love on a podcast until now, on Blind Dating, the new Spotify Original on Parcast. Hopeful singles listen to voices of potential matches before making their choices and having their identities revealed.
    • Gimlet’s new podcast Resistance offers stories from the front lines of the movement for Black lives, told by the generation fighting for change. Listen to the Resistance trailer now on Spotify.
  • 9/30: It’s International Podcast Day! Stream your favorite pod, and don’t forget to check out Instagram for our International Podcast Day filter. Plus, Spotify for Podcasters is going global for podcasters in Brazil and Mexico. Finally, the most passionate podcast users in English-speaking countries will receive push notifications letting them know that they are in the top 5% of podcast listeners on Spotify—surely something to celebrate.
  • 9/30–10/2: Creators like Jemele Hill, Ashley Flowers, and Reba McEntire will be “passing the mic” to spotlight the podcasts they love via their social channels, so stay tuned. 

*Numbers stated are from September 30, 2019, to June 30, 2020.

Spotify House of Are & Be Highlights Black Women in R&B and Podcasts

July 5, 2019

Essence Fest, held annually in New Orleans, LA, is the ultimate “Party with a Purpose.” The music festival serves to magnify the voices of Black female creators, and this year, Spotify’s House of Are & Be will help turn the volume up even higher. 

The House of Are & Be celebrates Spotify’s Are & Be playlist hitting five million followers. The house is also a multi-storied tribute to Black women in R&B and podcasts that includes an art gallery showcasing musicians and podcasters, recording studio, and performance space. 

Each of the six rooms on the first floor of the house are designed based on different eras in R&B. Album and podcast art on display tell the stories of true works of art from legends Patti LaBelle, Erykah Badu, Sade, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Destiny’s Child, H.E.R, and more.  

In the Bar Room, find The Classics. Move onto the Red Room for Neo Soul, followed by Contemporary R&B in the White Room. Things heat up in the Pool Room, which is a tribute to the many ladies of 90’s R&B, followed by R&B Excellence in the Dining Room and New R&B in the Backyard. 

Move from the first floor to the second and remember that Black women’s talents extend beyond music, with a podcasting studio and gallery showcasing six Black women-led podcasts including Jemele Hill is Unbothered, Dope Labs, The Nod, Still Processing, and Therapy for Black Girls. The focal point of the room is Jemele Hill is Unbothered, an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining weekly podcast that focuses on American life, culture, politics and more. 

Beyond the installations, Spotify House will also host a live recording of Jemele’s podcast, featuring Kamala Harris, The Black Girl Magic brunch and day party with performances from Summer Walker and Ari Lennox as well as an evening Are & Be Jam Session curated by musician and producer Raphael Saadiq.  

Black women have incredible stories to tell—and the Spotify House of Are & Be is handing them the mic.

Jemele Hill is Unbothered

January 8, 2019

There are no shortage of podcasts to listen to on Spotify—from the hundreds of NPR titles now on our platform, to the release of the Amy Schumer, Guy Raz, and Joe Budden shows, there’s something for everyone.

So it’s only fitting that today at CES, our Head of Spotify Studios Courtney Holt sat down with Jemele Hill, former chief correspondent and senior columnist for ESPN’s The Undefeated and Emmy Award winning journalist, to discuss how creators are leveraging podcasts to build connections with new audiences, explore the creative spectrum, and reinvent their personal brands. They also chatted about the overall evolution of podcasting into a powerful, authentic storytelling device.

During the discussion, Hill announced that she’ll be telling her own story—and joining the Spotify lineup with her own original podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered.

Jemele Hill and Courtney Holt

Coming to Spotify on Mondays and Thursdays starting this March, Jemele Hill is Unbothered will feature Hill and her co-hosts along with a rotating cast of high-profile guests. On the podcast, Hill will explore the news of the week and the intersectionality between the worlds of sports, politics, music, identity and culture. Jemele Hill is Unbothered is an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real-time as it unfolds, only on Spotify.

Thanks to her 12 years at ESPN as a leading voice providing content and commentary for their digital, television and audio platforms, Hill is no stranger to to these topics.

“Spotify and I are very like-minded,” Hill says. “We both believe in being bold and authentic. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to stretch myself in a much different way, with a support system that I believe will bring out the best in me. I look forward to sharing my perspective and experience with Spotify’s many listeners across the world.”

Each 60-75 minute episode of Jemele Hill is Unbothered will delve into the issues that matter—from athletes speaking out about race, to Usher’s new perm. The conversations with current newsmakers will be personal and memorable.

“Jemele is an important voice in sports, race, culture, and politics, and their intersection in media,” says Holt. “She will bring her unique point of view to our platform with this podcast, which is sure to be a favorite of listeners with diverse interests and viewpoints.”

Spotify now has more than 200 million users worldwide, but with the ever-growing catalog of podcasts available, each one is sure to find a story that captivates them.

 

Hill is represented by Exit 39, CAA, and Jackoway Tyerman.

Culture: Now Streaming, Live from CES

January 8, 2019

Every January, tech companies, marketers, publishers, and media agencies converge in Las Vegas, Nevada, at CES (Consumer Electronics Show). It’s a marquee opportunity for creative and technology leaders to set the stage for—and get a glimpse of—what’s in store for the year ahead.

Spotify, founded on innovation, is no stranger to the annual event. In fact, our activations at CES (not to mention the Cannes Lions Festival, as well as dozens of other stages over the past six years) showcase our commitment to the constant we’ve built our business upon: change. This year, we’ll once again be part of the CES mix, highlighting the latest innovative and effective ad opportunities for our brand partners.