BRITHOPTV: [Music News] Uproar over 1Xtra Power list of the most influential artist in Black & Urban Music hits BBC Newsnight | #MusicNews #UKRap

Uproar over 1Xtra Power list of the most influential artist in Black & Urban Music hits BBC Newsnight .

The BBC 1Xtra ‘Power List’ has been whipping up a storm online over the last couple of days,  and was taken to new heights when it became a the topic of discussion on Newsnight last night (July 14).

Controvesy arose when what is being dubbed as ‘Power List’ was released by via DJ Twin B ‘s show which saw White artist Ed Sheeran taking the number one stop.

The context and criteria surrounding the list seemed unclear at the time of broadcasting, which became problematic when a number  websites including HMV put their spin on it with the headline: “BBC 1Xtra names Ed Sheraan as the most influential and powerful artist in contemporary black and urban music“.

This article went viral and immediately was met with a strong reaction from artist, fans, and people connected with black music. One of the most vocal was Grime pioneer, Wiley who expressed disapproval of 1Xtra decision to give Ed Sheeran the top position, and the credibility of the whole list.

We have been bumped basically .Not taking anything away from ed ..he is sick . but black artist in england we are getting bumped.

— Wiley (@WileyUpdates) July 12, 2014

DJ Twin B has been forced to respond to a barrage of questions that have been coming his way via Twitter. He quickly went into damage control, claiming that the nature of the list was spun out of context and sensationalised by the media.

Following the uproar from the release of the 1Xtra Power list, DJ Twin B found himself embroiled in more online controversy as a result of an interview with Noisey, where he is quoted as saying:

“As a genre, British MCing is so young. This is the first and second generation black British MCs, it’s a young movement. Even though it feels like it might have come and gone, So Solid was only 12 years ago, there’s a big future ahead.”

Long-time Hip-Hop veteran, DJ Teddy Ted, (Formerly Big Ted) took exception to this, which sparked another debate on Facebook.

1Xtra’s Power List top 20:

1. Ed Sheeran

2. Disclosure

3. Tinie Tempah

4. Sam Smith

5. Rudimental

6. Emeli Sande

7. Naughty Boy

8. Katy B

9. Krept & Konan

10. Fuse ODG

11. Boy Better Know

12. Rita Ora

13. Lethal Bizzle

14. DJ Fresh

15. Jessie J

16. Wiley

17. Giggs

18. Laura Mvula

19. Wretch

20. Dizzee Rascal

15th July 2014

w/c 14th July 2014