I Am Not My Hair

IA-IAmNotMyHair

I Am Not My Hair is a song by American recording artist India.Arie from her third studio album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship (2006). Written by Arie and Shannon Sanders and produced by Sanders and Drew Ramsey, the song was released as the album's lead single in late 2005. It is a neo-soul and R&B song with a length of four minutes and two seconds. The song's lyrics discuss themes of self-acceptance and the societal definitions of beauty and identity, particularly in relation to hair.

Background and Composition

I Am Not My Hair features a moderate tempo and is composed in the key of E major. The song's instrumentation includes guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, providing a smooth backdrop for Arie's vocals. Lyrically, the song explores the relationship between identity and hair, challenging the importance society places on hair as a measure of beauty or social standing. Arie was inspired to write the song after experiencing various changes in her own hair, including cutting it all off, and realizing that these changes did not alter her sense of self or her identity.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, I Am Not My Hair received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its lyrical content and Arie's vocal performance. The song was seen as an empowering anthem that encouraged listeners to embrace their natural beauty and reject societal pressures. It also garnered attention for its social commentary, contributing to discussions about beauty standards and the representation of black women in the media.

Music Video

The music video for I Am Not My Hair was directed by Barnaby Roper and features various individuals, including Arie, showcasing different hairstyles and textures, further emphasizing the song's message of self-acceptance. The video was well-received for its positive portrayal of diversity and its reinforcement of the song's themes.

Impact and Legacy

I Am Not My Hair has been recognized for its cultural impact, particularly within the African American community. It has been used in discussions about natural hair movement and has inspired many individuals to embrace their natural hair texture. The song has also been covered and referenced by various artists and has been used in educational settings to prompt discussions about identity, beauty standards, and societal expectations.

Track Listings

The single for I Am Not My Hair included various remixes and versions of the song, featuring artists such as Akon. These versions provided different musical interpretations of the song's message, further broadening its appeal.

Awards and Nominations

I Am Not My Hair received several award nominations, highlighting its significance as a social and musical work. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, showcasing Arie's powerful vocal delivery and the song's strong message.

See Also

• Neo soul
• R&B music
• Beauty standards
• Natural hair movement