Lenny Kravitz Talks About Being 'Boxed' in Early Music Career

Lenny Kravitz is "thrilled" to observe that the new generation of Black artists enjoys greater "artistic freedom" than he did in his early career.

The singer of "Fly Away" is thrilled to see a new generation of Black artists enjoying "artistic freedom" and being able to create music in the pop, rock, and alternative genres, as opposed to being restricted to R&B and hip-hop.

Kravitz, recalling the music industry at the time he signed with his record label, told Billboard that everything was in these really tight, black-and-white boxes. He explained that similar to 'the pop department,' it signified Caucasian, while the Black department was R&B.

He added that the fact that there is such artistic freedom makes him feel wonderful. When these artists approach him and tell him how much he was meant to them, he was always flattered and humbled.

They grew up listening to his music and viewing his visuals and felt empowered to test the limits, Kravitz proudly shared.

He then mentioned the singer-songwriter Steve Lacy, stating that the 24-year-old "reinspires" him. Elsewhere in the interview, the American Woman hitmaker disclosed that his next two albums are "pretty much cut" and that he is eager to return to the road following the cancellation of his last tour due to the pandemic. He explained that he was two years into a three-year world tour when the COVID pandemic hit. Therefore, he is ecstatic to be returning to the road and sharing this experience with the public.

Last month, Lenny Kravitz has just dominated the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards stage, showing how he has not lose anything.

The four-time Grammy winner performed "American Woman" and "Fly Away" from his 1998 album 5, respectively. "American Woman" was originally performed by The Guess Who, but it was covered by him for the album. Lenny also sang "Are You Gonna Go My Way" from his similarly titled 1993 album.

He warmed up the stage in a leather ensemble. His black trousers were adorned with a beaded belt, and he added some sexiness by wearing an unbuttoned shirt. As viewers are aware, Lenny, 58, was also chosen to present the 10th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards, which took place on March 27.

He said he was thrilled to host and perform at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate the best in music.

As usual, the show featured exciting surprises and indelible performances that music lovers from across the nation did not want to miss.

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