In an emotional and powerful moment at Angie Stone’s memorial service, renowned filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry used his platform to address a long-standing issue in the entertainment industry—the financial mistreatment of Black artists. Held to celebrate the life of the legendary neo-soul singer, the service was filled with heartfelt tributes, but it was Perry’s impassioned speech that left a lasting impact.
Angie Stone, an icon in the world of R&B and soul, tragically passed away in a car accident on March 1, 2025, near Montgomery, Alabama. She had just finished a performance at a Mardi Gras concert in Mobile and was traveling with her band members when their vehicle was struck by a semi-truck. In the months leading up to her passing, Stone had been vocal about her struggles in the industry, particularly the ongoing fight to receive her rightful royalties. A heartbreaking video released shortly before her death showed her candidly discussing the financial hardships she faced, despite her immense contributions to music.
Tyler Perry, known for his advocacy for underrepresented individuals in Hollywood, used this moment not just to honor Stone but to call out the exploitation of artists like her. “I’m tired of seeing us struggle,” Perry stated, his words echoing throughout the venue. He highlighted the industry’s systematic failures and the devastating reality that so many artists—especially Black artists—contribute their talent, only to receive little to nothing in return. He even referenced Stone’s song “$20 Dollars,” which painfully captured the financial difficulties she faced in her career.
Perry’s words were not just a tribute to Stone’s legacy; they were a demand for change. The memorial became a rallying cry for justice, with other celebrities and musicians also acknowledging the unfair power dynamics in the industry. Stone’s passing, coupled with Perry’s speech, served as a stark reminder that the exploitation of Black talent remains rampant. The industry profits immensely from Black artists, yet many of them die penniless, their royalties swallowed up by record labels and corporate greed.
My Thoughts: The Ugly Truth About Black Artists and Industry Exploitation
I have to give credit where credit is due. Over the years, I’ve had mixed feelings about Tyler Perry. No one can deny his overwhelming success or his inspiration to many, but my issue with him—like so many others—is that he has often failed to paint Black men in a favorable light in his films. I won’t nitpick every single movie he’s made, but let’s just say he could have done better. However, with his speech at Angie Stone’s service, he earned a little more respect from me.
Now, was this speech genuine? Or was it damage control for his image? Would he have spoken out like this if he were still struggling, without the security of his own production empire? I don’t know. But what I do know is that we, as Black people, have a responsibility to support our artists—independently.
Let’s stop dancing around the truth. We all know who controls the music and entertainment industry. The Jewish community has a stranglehold on every aspect of it, yet people are too afraid to say it out loud. Why? Because if you do, you will be blackballed, silenced, and unable to work in that industry ever again. History has shown this time and time again. Look at Michael Jackson—he spoke out against industry control, and shortly after, he was gone. Prince? The same. And now Angie Stone—out of everyone in her vehicle, she was the only one who didn’t survive.
These artists pour their souls into their craft, yet they end up broke while industry executives continue to profit from their work long after they’ve died. And we’re supposed to accept this as normal? Angie Stone should not have been struggling. She was a legend. The fact that she had to publicly plead for her rightful earnings is a disgrace. But this is the game—sign the wrong contract, and you’ve basically signed your soul away.
So I have to ask—will Tyler Perry now face industry backlash for what he said? Will they try to undermine his success now that he’s spoken against their exploitation? He has the security of owning his own studio, but how long will they allow him to operate freely before trying to clip his wings? And will he really take action to support artists, or was this just another moment of performative outrage? Time will tell.
What I do know is that we—as a people—must stop running to these exploitative systems expecting fair treatment. We have the talent. We have the resources. And if we truly pooled our money together, we could create our own entertainment empires that would allow our artists to thrive without begging for crumbs. But instead, we continue allowing these industry gatekeepers to dictate our fate.
Think about this: What if you had a family member who gave their whole life to their art, only to die broke while executives pocketed millions from their work? What if your loved one struggled to put food on the table while their face was plastered all over billboards, album covers, and music videos? That’s the reality for too many of our artists. They suffer in silence while we, as fans, assume they’re living in luxury.
This has to stop.
We can’t just sit around mourning another fallen artist while doing nothing to change the system. The industry will not change on its own—we have to make the change happen. It starts with us supporting independent Black creatives. It starts with us refusing to feed the machine that continues to exploit our talent. And it starts with us recognizing that we have the power to rewrite the rules—if we are bold enough to take that step.
Rest in power, Angie Stone. Your voice, your talent, and your struggle will not be forgotten.
