As HBCU bands prepare to showcase their talent, we guide you through some of the most iconic performances and their impact. Brought to you 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 are seeing how they celebrate the culture of historically black colleges and universities across the country. HBCUs have celebrated their culture through music since the 1870s. But it wasn't until the Florida A&M band combined choreography and popular music that bands began to reflect the groups we know and love today. Whether they're performing at homecoming or halftime, they leave it all on the field. They mix classic performances with creative versions of current hip-hop and R&B hits. Every year, the best of the best face off in the National Battle of the Bands, and this year, schools brought their best game (and rap) to the competition in Houston. Southern University's Human Jukebox put a spin on Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us” and Jackson State's Sonic Boom of the South reimagined Metro Boomin's “BBL Drizzy.” The Battle of the Bands also featured live performances from Muni Long, Lecrae, Boosie Badazz and more. Performances are not just limited to university 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're in for a treat. For more coverage of the music that's shaping culture, visit Billboard.com.
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