Even if you’re not an NBA fan, you’ve probably already seen videos of Brandy’s National Anthem rendition all over social media. And if you haven’t- let me bless your feed:
Brandy and June’s Diary: Performing the National Anthem
The NBA definitely has a history of “iconic” national anthem performances…just not always for the right reasons. Especially when it comes to overly ambitious arrangements, few moments are as infamous as Carl Lewis’s rendition of the national anthem at a 1993 game between the Chicago Bulls and the New Jersey Nets. The collective gasps from the crowd — punctuated by Lewis’s own audible “uh-oh” during the chorus — set the tone for a performance that has since gone down in history as one of the most notorious anthem renditions ever (aside from Fergie’s performance)!
In contrast, Brandy, alongside June’s Diary, a girl group formed from the show “Chasing Destiny” by Kelly Rowland and producer/choreographer Frank Gatson Jr, performed one of the most musically interesting renditions of the national anthem in a long time. The bar was truly set!
Traditionally sung in a 4/4 (balad) rhythm, Brandy opted for a 3/4 (waltz-like) rendition. Between the silky runs, the harmony stacking, and the signature R&B layering, viewers couldn’t help but get goosebumps from this performance. They turned into a whole spiritual experience! Music connoisseurs, especially, would appreciate this non-traditional performance, which felt like a mini concert!
However, it did spark debate among some users online. Regardless of differing opinions, there is no denying Brandy and June’s Diary’s exceptional vocal ability, nor the immense talent and preparation required to deliver such a powerful performance. It is undoubtedly one for the books!
Known as “The Vocal Bible,” Brandy revolutionized R&B with her dense, jazz-influenced vocal layering, especially on her album “Full Moon.” She stacks multiple harmonies of tracks to create a rich, choir-like sound, similar to this rendition of the national anthem. Many of her arrangements feature intricate harmonies, dissonance, and suspension to add tension and emotion, with background vocals that act as countermelodies. Her innovative style has influenced modern R&B artists like Kehlani and set a new standard for vocal production.
Yes, being born in the early ’90s to early 2000s is a cultural flex. It was a time when music icons didn’t just dominate charts—they shaped identities. Artists like Britney Spears, Ne-Yo, Usher, and Justin Timberlake weren’t just popular; they defined eras and influenced how an entire generation dressed, danced, and expressed themselves. Even legends like Michael Jackson left an undeniable imprint on the music industry, reaching beyond millennials and shaping Gen Z in ways that are still prevalent today.
Yes, everyone loves to listen to Good Luck Babe! and Espresso, but not as much as people loved to listen to Michael Jackson.
Gen Z doesn’t have a music icon as legendary as Michael; Nor will they ever.
Simply put: the world/industry that made Michael Jackson doesn’t exist anymore.
That isn’t necessarily a knock on Gen Z—it’s a reflection of how the music industry, sound, and taste have shifted with each generation. Nowadays, we are seeing more industry plants than ever. Think of “artists” like Ice Spice. She blew up out of nowhere. Literally. Now, where is she?
The way music is created, consumed, and marketed today is fundamentally different, leaving less room for artists to reach the kind of universal, era-defining status their predecessors achieved. (Think of songs like Thriller or Black or White).
While many argue that music is purely subjective, there has always been a standard—craftsmanship, vocal ability, originality, and cultural impact—that separates good music from forgettable hits. When music becomes more about virality than longevity, that standard starts to blur, and fewer artists leave a lasting imprint.
Like… who’s going to remember Boy’s A Liar 20 years from now, or Good 4 u or even Manchild?
For example, this is how Billie Eilish became famous: By being a viral Soundcloud artist who defined a “new genre” of ‘bedroom’ pop or alternative music. Let’s not forget that she has her brother Finneas (as a writer/producer) to thank for her success in the industry.
In her defense, Gen Z music has always been about relatability and exploration. A simple Google search will show that artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chapelle Roan are regarded as top Pop and Cultural icons, whereas artists such as Post Malone, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar are the most influential.
One thing that these artists have in common is that they all reshape the algorithm. The algorithm that comes from TikTok, Niche artists on Spotify, and micro genres.
Basically, these artists aren’t changing the world with their music, at least not like Michael Jackson did. Not to take away their impact (because they are changing modern-day music), it’s just that the world did, in fact, stop for Michael.
The world doesn’t stop for Sabrina Carpenter or Drake. The world keeps spinning, and the industry keeps looking for the next best artist.
To compare, Michael became famous during a time when almost everyone was watching the same shows, radio stations, and buying the same records. Musicians were idolized (larger than life). In addition, fame was “diluted” or “rare” in comparison to today’s day in age where everyone is an influencer (whatever that means).
To add, the word “famous” gets tossed around so loosely in this era that influencers are reaching “fame” status for not really having many talents that true and genuine artists have that took years to cultivate. Also, Gen Z artists are more accessible (fan service, meet and greets, pop-ups) and less “mysterious,” thus lowering their “legend” status.
Similar to K-Pop music companies (which Michael basically set the standard for), labels used to invest years crafting an artist’s sound, image, performances, and legacy. Michael was trained from childhood, pushed relentlessly, and shaped into a once-in-a-generation performer. However, he was born with a gift (raw ability) that was carefully cultivated—and ultimately changed the world. Not to take away from amazing performers such as Tate McRae, the Michael Jackson era was just different. (With the help of producers like Quincy Jones).
Today, Gen Z music is easily replicable, unlike Michael’s. No one can produce music as authentic as hits like Dirty Diana or Human Nature without it sounding like a Michael Jackson sample or inspiration.
Now, industries chase virality and lean on rebrandings to achieve a new level of fame. Examples include Sabrina Carpenter, Addison Rae, Zara Larsson, Tate McRae, SZA, etc…
Despite Michael having many rebrands (Jackson 5, “Off the Wall”, “Thriller”), most of them were evolutionary, unlike new rebrands that are hit-or-miss and tend to come and go like phases. Michael’s rebrands shifted cultures while keeping his legendary image throughout his career.
Sure, anyone can say that Taylor Swift and Chapelle Roan impacted cultures to an extent, but Michael truly touched people’s hearts with his sound and presence.
And despite his scandals, Michael Jackson was truly larger than life. Metric-wise, he excelled in vocals, dance, performance, visuals (to an extent), global reach, and cultural impact.
Today, success can be built on a sound, a vibe, a look, or even one viral moment. That doesn’t mean Gen Z won’t have stars—it just means the likelihood of anyone reaching Michael Jackson–level aura is very low.
Michael’s music was for everybody. The same can’t be said about songs like exes, or Watermelon Sugar that are constantly replayed to push a hit. Not to mention how social media has largely impacted access to music. Now everyone is a “starving artist.”
You’ve probably stumbled across this XG XYPHER Tape on YouTube and, after watching it, thought, “There is no way they just did that…”
If you’ve done other research after viewing the tape, you’d know that’s how most reaction videos start when listening to XG. For example, here’s a very genuine reaction by Sebastine:
Screenshot of Sebastine reacting to XG Xypher
This wax XG’s version of a cypher: when rappers come together to freestyle over music.
The tape features XG rap-line members Cocona, Maya, Harvey, and Jurin freestyling using famous rap beats from songs like “Sourround Sound” by JID, 21 Savage, and Baby Tate.
Two years ago, after the Xypher tape was released, it went viral. It has 42 million views.
Truly, no one expected to hear these ladies pop off lyrically. To introduce XG (before debut), members performed covers that were released on YouTube. Different members performed covers based on their vocal strength. To watch Chisa, Juria, and Hinata’s amazing vocals here is a cover. Some of XG like Jurin and Maya are skilled at rapping and singing.
(Not to mention they are all skilled at dancing too)!
In the words of many, XG is futuristic, heart-stopping, and iconic.
Having met through “X-Galaxy” at XGALX (an idol project aimed at debuting a global girl group), XG has paved a new pathway in the K-Pop industry.
With 4 million listeners on Spotify, XG has released singles with Japanese-Korean producer Jakops known for producing genre-bending music. (If you know anything about the K-Pop industry this is very common in K-Pop music.) XG’s music is hard to place into one genre though it is strongly influenced by hip-hop and R&B. (Spotify classifies their music as “pop.”)
Technically, they are highly regarded as a K-pop girl group as they promote in South Korea. However, XG releases music in English, whereas typical K-Pop music incorporates English in many choruses or a few lyrics throughout a song. Regardless, they are a global girl group trying to refine the K-Pop scene.
The 21st Century Girly Blog 