Sharpton Claims Obama Victory Will Help Clean Hip-Hop
November 9th, 2008 | Author: Anthony Springer Jr
As the debate over what President-elect Barack Obama will or will not do rages on, some are shifting the conversation to what changes—if any—the Hip Hop generation will make post November 4.
A recent article in the Chicago Tribune highlights Obama’s sometimes shaky relationship with the culture.
Obama, who graduated high school in 1979 has admitted to listening to some Hip Hop, but is sometimes troubled with the messages in the music.
“There are times, even on the artists I’ve named, the artists that I love, that there is a message that’s sometimes degrading to women, uses the ‘n’ word a little too frequently,” Obama told BET after citing Kanye West, Jay-Z and Common among some of his favorite artists. “But also something that I’m really concerned about is [they're] always talking about material things, about how I can get something; more money, more cars.”
Rev. Al Shaprton, a frequent critic of Hip Hop believes that the Obama victory will “force” Hip Hop artists to behave better. Sharpton predicts that the Obama administration will force a decline in the more violent and misogynistic elements of the culture. “You can’t be using the ‘b’ word, the ‘n’ word, the ‘h’ word when you have Barack Obama redefining overnight the image that black people want to have,” Sharpton says. “Here’s the greatest political victory in the history of black America, and the thug rappers can’t come near it. They will have to change or become irrelevant.”
While an Obama administration may have a minimal effect on Hip Hop lyrics, it’s important to that artists like Common, Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco have found success straying from the perceived status quo that says negativity is the only way to get on.
Russell Simmons disagrees with Sharpton’s assessment saying that “Young people will use their language the way they want,” he said. “If it’s in their heart, they will express it.”
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i don’t think obama’s victory will “force” anyone to do anything. what i have noticed is more artists are holding our leaders accountable, speaking on issues from the economy to the war in iraq, etc. an obama win just solidifies hip hop as a genuine avenue to the front door of the white house without having to kick it in. sharpton has no business telling people to change or become irrelevant. to each his own mr. sharpton.. 100’s
It almost seems like Al is a little jealous because many rappers are doing more positive things than he his. Not to take away from his accomplishments, but I think Al needs a hug from Nas or someone..
Well Mr. Simmons makes a good point. What ever happen 2 freedom of speech?
al talking all this nonsense rappers are feeding there family just like he would and obama is on so preal (playa and real)it is time for everybody to come together and quit worrying about everybody else business and help instead of criticizing
Al Sharpton keeps on losing. He needs to get more in touch with the younger generation before he keeps making stupid statements like this and fighting for “change” within the industry.
so as far as im concerned al sharpton needs 2 stay outta pplz business.. rappers r gonna say what they need 2 say 2 sell records (is that not their job??).. i mean, we def got some rappers out that r changin the game up – nd big upz 2 them 4 it!! but i dont think the fact that obama being president is gonna change the hip hop culture at all. with the statement that “thugs rappers can’t come near it”.. well, lets just say that i dont think al sharpton could walk in2 a room nd make ppl cry 4 joy with his apperance. nd im also not quite sure that many listen 2 him or respect his opinion.. it just got me feelin like dude’s tryna pull a publicity stunt by commentin on the issues he comments on. whats even more hilarious? i think lil wayne put sharpton on blast with misunderstood – mmmmmmm.. i guess these “thug” rappers that he was talkin about pay a lil bit more attention to the important issues than he thought….
xoxo!!!!
keep ur hustle up nd stay right
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As I read the article, I think Al Sharpton idea is on point and I think Russel Simmons idea is on point. Both men make a powerful statement on the success of other people. Now, the turn and twist of this article is that both men are making statements about other people instead of self.
To keep this in the center I believe the Obama victory will open the eyes of many of our rappers/MCs and they will make songs more about things of the world instead of thier block or neighborhood. When I listen to most rappers/MCs the song relates to what they have seen, done, experienced, and/or knew of from someone or something. In reality there is more to our life as people than the block. When we grow up and mature we as people will have to face this world. We all will have problems but each and everyone one of us on this earth must deal with them and the world together. This doesn’t give to or take away from freedom of speech but it must (not will) come a period in time when we put down the harsh words we describe our own people and find words that better promote records to make a living and promote better living. As long as we as black people keep breaking down boundaries in the USA it doesn’t amount to anything if on the other end that same boundary is being build by other black people.
As president-elect Barrack Obama take office and president-eject G.W. Bush leave we as black people have witnessed a coming that was meant to be for years. We was brought here as slaves built this country and now we can identify with a black man as our president. On one end we are breaking down years of boundaries then with freedom of speech there are black people that is building that same boundary on the other end.
So, my question – are winning or are we losing?
To conclude this comment Al has a point rappers have the ability to change how we speak on behalf of our life style now there is a President in office but Russel have a point also, you have right to say what you want how you want it. Put them together and you have something like this.
You have the right to say what you want and how you want but it is wise and/or a must that major figures in the public view use the words in the English language more carefully. What part of the game is that?
obama i
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