Positionality Statement
As a first-generation BIPOC community member, my perspective is shaped by my immigrant background and experiences navigating both Western and South Asian identities. While I aim to explore the role of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in popular music, I acknowledge that I am not Black and cannot fully understand the systemic issues faced by Black people. This awareness shapes my approach, recognizing the power of language while remaining mindful of the lived experiences that I cannot fully comprehend.
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By Jess Kaur Sohi, Founder of Seven Rivers Counseling
Ever wonder why rappers use “Da” instead of “The” in their names? Think DaBaby or Da Brat. This linguistic choice is more than creative flair—it’s a powerful act of decolonization and identity reclamation.
According to Rickford (2000) and several other authors, Black English also referred to as African American Vernacular English (AAVE) or Ebonics, has been misunderstood and dismissed by mainstream society. Psychologist Robert Williams coined the term “Ebonics” in 1973, combining “ebony” (Black) and “phonics” (speech sounds) to honor the linguistic heritage of African Americans (Rickford, 2000). In fact in 1968 Claude Brown author of mankind in the promise land coined the term “spoken soul” for black English (Rickford, 2000).
A prime example is the use of “da” instead of “the,” as seen in names like Hip Hop star, DaBaby. These choices are acts of resistance, affirming cultural identity and defying societal norms. Beyond music, AAVE influences broader culture, as evidenced by the Toronto Raptors’ slogan, “We The North!” This slogan’s unique grammatical structure embodies pride and defiance, symbolizing the resilience of Black voices in the face of systemic marginalization.
As we honor Black History Month, it’s essential to recognize how language preserves cultural identity and fosters resilience. Through their artistry, rappers and creators weave history, heritage, and advocacy into their work, challenging societal norms and inspiring self-acceptance.
A Brief History of Black English
The origins of Black English trace back to the transatlantic slave trade, where enslaved Africans, stripped of their native tongues, developed a creole blending African linguistic elements with English (Smith, 2024). Over time, this evolved into what we now recognize as Black English—a unique dialect born from survival and ingenuity.
During the Jim Crow era and beyond, Black English became a marker of identity and resistance. Despite societal pressures to conform to Standard English, it endured, carrying oral histories, music, and cultural expressions of resilience (Rickford, 2000).
In 1979, Martin Luther King Jr. et al. v. Ann Arbor School District marked a pivotal moment in education. The case arose when a group of Black parents sued the school district, arguing that their children, who spoke Black English, were unfairly placed in remedial programs due to the educators’ failure to recognize their linguistic patterns as valid. The court ruled that neglecting these differences disadvantaged Black English-speaking students, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive teaching (Rickford, 2000). This precedent compelled schools to address language barriers that hinder equitable access to education, ensuring instructional programs embrace students’ linguistic backgrounds. By validating Black English, the ruling underscored the importance of inclusive teaching practices that support academic success and foster equity for all learners.
Yet, misconceptions persist. Black English is still unfairly associated with illiteracy or poverty, and legislation promoting “English-only” policies has historically sought to marginalize its use. Despite its influence on mainstream culture through social media and music, it remains stigmatized when used by Black youth in formal contexts. According to Luu (2020) colonization profoundly shaped the perceptions of Black English. Standard English is often upheld as the norm, while Black English is marginalized or dismissed. This dynamic reinforces systemic inequalities and perpetuates linguistic discrimination. Challenging these colonial attitudes requires a shift in how we view and value diverse linguistic practices.
“Wade in da water” is a variation of the African American spiritual “Wade in the Water,” which has deep historical and cultural significance. This phrase explicitly uses “da” instead of “the,” a spelling and pronunciation common in African American Vernacular English (Uitti, 2023).
The breakdown provides a short video on the history of black English. To view please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7FIky7wplI&t=2s&ab_channel=BETNetworks
The Importance of Black English
Black English is more than a dialect; it is a cultural cornerstone reflecting the resilience, creativity, and identity of the Black community. Linguists have debunked the myth that it is “broken English,” instead recognizing its complex grammar and rich vocabulary (Rickford, 2000). There is often a love hate relationship, Black English is loved in music and entertainment, but hated and not accepted when it is spoken in education settings, especially for youth.
Beyond its linguistic significance, Black English fosters community and identity. Its influence is evident in hip-hop, literature, and art, shaping entire cultural movements. Recognizing its value is essential to fully appreciating the contributions of Black communities to society (Rickford, 2000).
Modern-Day Applications
In today’s world, Black English is a vital force in:
- Social Media and Internet Culture:
Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have popularized terms such as “on fleek,” “slay,” and “tea,” though often without proper acknowledgment of their Black origins. - Advertising and Marketing:
Brands like Wendy’s have adopted AAVE to connect with younger audiences, using phrases like “We finna drop some fire” in their campaigns. - Music and Entertainment:
Artists like DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, and Cardi B regularly incorporate AAVE into their lyrics, bringing Black English to global audiences. See below for some examples.
3a) . Lil Baby
Song: Emotionally Scarred
Lyric: “Ain’t ask for nothin’, I took the heart away.”
-Use of “ain’t” and dropping the “g” in “-ing” endings are common AAVE features.
3b). Cardi B
- Song: Bodak Yellow
Lyric: “These expensive, these is red bottoms, these is bloody shoes.”- The use of “these is” reflects AAVE grammar, which allows for this structure for emphasis or rhythm.
3c). DaBaby
- Song: BOP
Lyric: “It’s a bop.”- “Bop” (meaning a good song or beat) is modern slang originating in Black communities and popularized through AAVE.
3d). Roddy Ricch
- Song: Late at Night
Lyric: “It ain’t a thing that you can’t have.”- “Ain’t” and informal phrasing stay true to AAVE’s linguistic patterns.
While its widespread adoption highlights its cultural influence, the appropriation of Black English without understanding its roots often strips it of its cultural significance.
Moving Forward: Celebrating Black English
To embrace Black English and honor its legacy, we must:
- Champion Media Representation: Respectful portrayals of Black English in media can combat stereotypes and celebrate its richness. 93% of Black respondents feel that both Black men and women are negatively stereotyped by the media, film, and television (Lewsey, 2023)
- Foster Cultural Appreciation, Not Appropriation: Engaging with Black English in ways that respect its origins and acknowledge the community behind it is essential. This includes giving credit to the Black creators and communities who popularize its use. Understanding its historical roots in African dialects, Caribbean Creole English varieties, and as a form of resistance during slavery (Black American English: A Language in Its Own Right, Not Anyone’s to Recite, 2024)
- Advocate for Linguistic Diversity: Promoting awareness about linguistic diversity and combating discrimination against speakers of Black English can foster broader societal change. Challenging the perception of Black English as ungrammatical or uneducated, and instead recognizing it as a distinct dialect (LibGuides: Inclusive Language : Language Appropriation, 2025)
Conclusion
Black English is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African American community. Its history, cultural importance, and ongoing influence demonstrate the power of language as a tool for identity and resistance. By valuing Black English and challenging colonial attitudes, we can create a future where all linguistic practices are respected and celebrated.
To learn more please visit the references section of this article.
References
American Experience. (2017, March 17). Jim Crow Laws. Pbs.org; American Experience. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/freedom-riders-jim-crow-laws/
Black American English: A Language In Its Own Right, Not Anyone’s To Recite. (2024). Feminuity.org. https://www.feminuity.org/post/using-bve-as-a-non-black-person-is-appropriation
Kashif, A. (n.d.). NPS Ethnography: African American Heritage & Ethnography. Nps.gov. Retrieved January 6, 2025, from https://www.nps.gov/ethnography/aah/aaheritage/sysmeaning_furthrdg1.htm
Lewsey, F. (2023, September 28). Black British Voices: the findings. University of Cambridge. https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/black-british-voices-report
LibGuides: Inclusive Language : Language Appropriation. (2025). Pratt.edu. https://libguides.pratt.edu/c.php?g=1278195&p=9413482
Luu, C. (2020, February 12). Black English Matters – JSTOR Daily. JSTOR Daily. https://daily.jstor.org/black-english-matters/
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., ETC. v. Ann Arbor Sch. Dist., 473 F. Supp. 1371 (E.D. Mich. 1979). (2025). Justia Law. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/473/1371/2148458/
Rickford, J. (2000). Spoken Soul. In Google Books. John Wiley & Sons Inc. https://books.google.ca/
Smith, J. B. (2024). African American Vernacular: Why It Matters In Language Learning. Icls.edu. https://doi.org/10637403/module_138167866992_ICLS_menu
Uitti, J. (2023, February 3). Behind the Meaning of the Classic Gospel Song “Wade In The Water.” American Songwriter. https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-meaning-of-the-classic-gospel-song-wade-in-the-water/
