At 50, We Need Hip-Hop To Reignite Its Advocacy for HIV Awareness

Nearly 20 years before the songs Old Town Road and Despacito peaked at #1 on Billboard’s charts, another song seemed to be played on an endless loop. Released in 1995, ”One Sweet Day” by Boys II Men & Mariah Carey sat at the top of the charts for 16 weeks, tying it for 2nd longest reign in Billboard’s history. “One Sweet Day” was an endearing and poignant ballad that gave the nation permission to feel and grieve; it was a testament to the enduring impact of love and loss. The heartfelt words and the soulful delivery evoked a sense of catharsis for both the singers and the listeners. It captured the soul of a nation that seemed to be in constant mourning.

What many do not know is that in addition to being a staple in pop culture, "One Sweet Day" also holds significant cultural importance within the context of the HIV pandemic. The genesis of the heartfelt song traces back to the tragic passing of David Cole, Mariah Carey's longtime collaborator, from AIDS complications in January 1995. Co-written and co-produced alongside Walter Afanasieff, the song was crafted with the noble purpose of providing solace and consolation to those affected by the AIDS crisis while also serving as a poignant tribute to the departed souls.

Like One Sweet Day, from the death of Eazy E from HIV-related causes to Salt N Pepa’s cultural staple “Let’s Talk About Sex,” hip-hop and R&B played a crucial role in elevating public consciousness about HIV in the 1990s. Songs and musicians once openly advocated for HIV awareness. 

Miami Downtown, FL, USA - MAY 31, 2020: Demonstration against racism during a pandemic. Historical events in the USA. Crowd of people on the US streets — Photo by hannatv

HIV is still an issue for Black Americans

 Even though it has moved mainly from public consciousness, HIV is still a significant public health issue, especially for the Black community. According to the Center For Disease Control, Black Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for more new HIV diagnoses and people living with HIV than other racial and ethnic groups. Despite representing only 13% of the U.S. population, Black individuals make up approximately 42% of new HIV diagnoses. When considering the impact of HIV on the queer community within the Black population, it is crucial to recognize that HIV disproportionately affects Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). According to the CDC, MSM accounted for 66% of new HIV diagnoses among Black individuals in 2018.

Regardless of sexuality or gender, Black Americans still continue to see elevated rates of HIV acquisition. Sadly, this trend has existed since HIV’s inception. From the beginning of the epidemic, Black communities were relegated to the shadows, forcing communities to carve out their own space for HIV advocacy, activism, and awareness. Some hit the streets to protest.. Others hit the studio and recording booth.

“From the beginning of the epidemic, Black communities were relegated to the shadows, forcing communities to carve out their own space for HIV advocacy, activism, and awareness. Some hit the streets to protest.. Others hit the studio and recording booth.”

Legacy of HIV Activism in Hip Hop

Hip-hop, a genre that originated in the South Bronx of New York City during the 1970s, holds immense cultural significance and has profoundly impacted music, art, fashion, and social movements. Hip-Hop turned 50 this year and is now the most listened-to genre in the US and UK. Rooted in African American and Afro-Caribbean communities, hip-hop emerged as a form of creative expression and storytelling, reflecting the experiences and struggles of marginalized urban youth. Hip-hop has always been a powerful platform for addressing social issues, including racial inequality, poverty, and police brutality, amplifying the voices of the oppressed and marginalized. In the 1990s, one of the most pressing social issues was the recent HIV epidemic.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the HIV/AIDS epidemic struck with devastating force. As the epidemic unfolded, governmental and societal responses were slow and often inadequate, leaving Black communities grappling with the brunt of the crisis. In turn, hip-hop became the vehicle for information and social change.

The album 'America Is Dying Slowly' marked a historic moment for hip-hop. It became the genre's inaugural benefit album focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, making it a significant milestone in HIV education. In October 1995, hip-hop elites like Notorious B.I.G. and Wu-Tang Clan all performed at Urban Aid 4 Lifebeat, a five-hour benefit concert centered on HIV activism after the death of Easy E.

Black women were equally unapologetic about their music and messaging at the time, too. In 1991, each verse of Grammy award-winning artist MC Lyte’s song “Eyes of the Soul” paid tribute to individuals who died of AIDS-related complications or who were living with HIV.  Salt-N-Pepa re-released their song with a new title, “Let’s Talk About AIDS,” TLC proudly wore colored condoms as part of their outfits, and their hit “Waterfalls” has a hidden message about HIV prevention. In the early 2000s, BET even sponsored and co-produced a series of PSAs focused on HIV and condom use called “Rap It Up.”

Pockets of hope: Black queer men leading the charge

 Hip-hop is certainly not void of vulnerability. In recent years, multiple artists have disclosed their activism for other health issues, especially mental health. Rapper Meek Mill has gone on record stating the importance of therapy for the Black community. Grammy award winner Kendrick Lamar revealed his battle with depression and suicidal ideation. Megan The Stallion released her website “Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too” a mental health resource explicitly tailored for Black women.  

During the 1980s and '90s, artists aimed to raise widespread awareness about HIV/AIDS in its early stages, focusing on urgent issues such as dispelling misconceptions about casual HIV transmission and promoting love and compassion for those living with the virus. However, the perception of AIDS has shifted in the United States since the mid-1990s, especially for older millennials and Gen Z.

Lil Nas X Concert, Rock Werchter Festival Werchter, Belgium, June 29, 2023 (Photo: Ben Houdijk)

One artist sees this as an opportunity. Lil Nas X continues to lead the charge for HIV activism in pop culture. In addition to raising thousands of dollars for HIV research, Lil Nas X used his 2021 VMA performance to highlight the health disparity of HIV and Black queer men living in the South. Given this context, Lil Nas X, a discernible Black gay figure, is vital in drawing attention to the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in Southern states, and he used his visibility to steer resources to grassroots organizations via a registry. 

Hip-hop is the voice of the people, a microphone for injustice. The injustice of HIV is still around even if artists are no longer shedding light on it. 50 years ago, hip-hop broke the musical mold and explored issues other genres wouldn’t dare explore. It’s time to break that mold again and bring HIV back into the limelight.

At face value, Old Town Road and One Sweet Day have little in common. One is a soaring ballad, and the other gained notoriety on TikTok. What do they have in common? Both have records for being Billboard #1, and all artists were unapologetic about their commitment to eradicating HIV. The lyrics of One Sweet Day are nearly 20 years old, but they are as salient and relevant as ever.