Ed Sheeran Voted The Most Important Act In Black And Urban Music

Renad Farid

Staff Writer

@OhMyRino

According to BBC’s 1Xtra, Ed Sheeran is considered the #1 act in black in urban music. The only problem is.. Yes you guessed it, he’s white!!

Courtesy of mariesheerio.tumblr.com

When the list was released on Friday, July 11, by BBC’s top station for urban radio it was met by quite a shock. Because not only Sheeran had topped the list, but he was followed by DJ duo Disclosure, both of whom are also white! The first black artist who came at 3rd place was rapper Tinie Tempah, followed by Sam Smith, who’s also white.

People have reacteded to this list on Twitter, including journalist Sam Diss.

https://twitter.com/SamDiss/status/488628196771115008

Even Wiley, the British rapper in the 16th spot, responded to the news in several tweets.

https://twitter.com/WileyUpdates/status/488617209669746688

https://twitter.com/WileyUpdates/status/488617457792188417

https://twitter.com/WileyUpdates/status/488619053481598976

https://twitter.com/WileyUpdates/status/488619386937147392

BBC spokesperson explained their decision:

 Artists were considered on variables such as sales statistics, quality of music and impact across the wider industry – it is not about the colour of someone’s skin.

Meanwhile Ed Sheeran replied to 1Xtra on Twitter presenting his thanks, but he did not comment on the controversy surrounding.

@1Xtra legends, thank you for that, il see you very soon

— Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) July 11, 2014

Here is the full list:

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 32
20. Dizzee Rascal

Ed Sheeran’s latest album X was released last month.

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