Boycott Hip-Hop

Written by Rizoh. Posted in Chin Check

Published on September 09, 2007 with 44 Comments">44 Comments

Ever since I first blogged about the Jena 6 incident two months ago I’ve kept my ears to the streets to see if any rapper would lend his weight to the issue. But no. Rappers are too busy engaging in faux feuds to bother with something as grievous as Jena 6. When it comes time to sell CDs, silly rappers devise the illest publicity strategies, hire the most aggressive street teams, and do just about anything to make that paper for their corporate pimps. But when some of those kids that they’d normally sell CDs to need them to lend their resources to a worthy cause, same rappers simply turn their backs. Sure, Mos Def mentioned it briefly on Bill Maher’s show(see above video) and some bloggers have been pounding on the issue for a minute, but whatever happened to all the rappers who claim to be the Black CNN? Whatever happened to being the Voice of the streets, the so-called purveyors of harsh realities? Here’s a harsh reality check: some 17-year old kid is about to spend 22 years in prison for exercising his right to sit under a tree.

Make no mistakes, I’m not delusional at all. I’m aware that no one’s about to stop buying rap records just because Rizoh said so. Hell, even if ‘Pac came back from Cuba and said “boycott hip-hop,” not many will be willing to heed his call. In fact, one million+ rap CDs are about to exchange hands as we speak.

Regardless, I’m on a personal mission to shun all hip-hop CDs (yeah, I belong to that small population of CD buyers, the hundreds of press copies that land in my mailbox every week notwithstanding). Bottom line: I won’t buy another rap CD until I see more rappers take an active stand on the Jena 6 issue.

TRU

Rizoh

Rizoh is the most powerful man in all the lands. He lives in Houston where he earned a BS in Nerf Herding. He's the founder of The Rap Up, the editor of Roc4Life.com, and is in the Grammy-awaiting band Pervertable Disciples.

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  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    Real talk man. The press (Rolling Stone…I’m disappointed in them) makes it no surprise that the 50/Ye “rivalry” has nothing to do with GOOD music but rather making money. Meanwhile we’ve got our brothers and sisters in this country and across the world suffering and nobody does SHIT ABOUT IT.

    While I have been performing my own boycott as well (I refuse to listen to commercial radio, I am not subscribed to MTV & BET…) I think we need to do more. Problem is, I can’t think of anything. It’s all about resources, something I don’t have.

    I think what we need to do is stop fooling ourselves:
    We say that 50 Cent is a “gangsta rapper” while Kanye contrasts this as being a “conscious rapper.” Not true! They’re the same!!! It’s just like comparing and contrasting Republicans and Democrats. We need a third group to strengthen and assert itself into the musical, political and all-around social arena.

    1

    P.S. I appreciate the rant Rizoh. It’s totally coincidental: I was talking to an old English teacher of mine today, explaining to her how I felt that my generation is too complacent and sheep-ish. “We as a people”…HAVE TO WAKE UP!

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    Real talk man. The press (Rolling Stone…I’m disappointed in them) makes it no surprise that the 50/Ye “rivalry” has nothing to do with GOOD music but rather making money. Meanwhile we’ve got our brothers and sisters in this country and across the world suffering and nobody does SHIT ABOUT IT.

    While I have been performing my own boycott as well (I refuse to listen to commercial radio, I am not subscribed to MTV & BET…) I think we need to do more. Problem is, I can’t think of anything. It’s all about resources, something I don’t have.

    I think what we need to do is stop fooling ourselves:
    We say that 50 Cent is a “gangsta rapper” while Kanye contrasts this as being a “conscious rapper.” Not true! They’re the same!!! It’s just like comparing and contrasting Republicans and Democrats. We need a third group to strengthen and assert itself into the musical, political and all-around social arena.

    1

    P.S. I appreciate the rant Rizoh. It’s totally coincidental: I was talking to an old English teacher of mine today, explaining to her how I felt that my generation is too complacent and sheep-ish. “We as a people”…HAVE TO WAKE UP!

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Wow Riz,
    Thats pretty wild. But one point (that I’m sure you have considered) is who can speak intelligently on this issue. Obviously Mos Def did, but Talib’s cd was done before this hit the nationial spotlight. As was Kanye’s. KRS was waaaaaay released by then. Obviously its going to be discussed in the context of a song on a cd ala Minority Report, so maybe they just need some time.

    I’m of the belief that these rappers are convinced that they can’t do anything about particular instance of racism like the Jena 6 incident so to provide commentary on it this early would be kind of pointless. The kind of prejudice that still runs deep in the heart of the south, is huge and takes years of concerted effort and education to tear down.

    But at the same time, for fear of sounding like I’m copping out: They could at least drop a freestyle or something. I think if the silence goes on any longer it will be quite suspicious.

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Wow Riz,
    Thats pretty wild. But one point (that I’m sure you have considered) is who can speak intelligently on this issue. Obviously Mos Def did, but Talib’s cd was done before this hit the nationial spotlight. As was Kanye’s. KRS was waaaaaay released by then. Obviously its going to be discussed in the context of a song on a cd ala Minority Report, so maybe they just need some time.

    I’m of the belief that these rappers are convinced that they can’t do anything about particular instance of racism like the Jena 6 incident so to provide commentary on it this early would be kind of pointless. The kind of prejudice that still runs deep in the heart of the south, is huge and takes years of concerted effort and education to tear down.

    But at the same time, for fear of sounding like I’m copping out: They could at least drop a freestyle or something. I think if the silence goes on any longer it will be quite suspicious.

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    P.P.S. Like Papoose said “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired…” Ain’t that the truth….

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    P.P.S. Like Papoose said “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired…” Ain’t that the truth….

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    Nahshon:
    I’m a big fan of Jay-Z. And to be fair enough, that also means I’m a big critic of him. The song “Minority Report” is excellent. No one is denying that. Michael Eric Dyson has applauded it. I find it to be a rather emotional song. Beautiful. But what does it SOLVE!?!?!?!? NOTHING!!!! In my eyes, it further deepens the torment of being unable to make better of the situation. Because hey, if Jay can’t fix it, I can’t…. Y’know what I’m sayin’?

    At this point in the game, we need more than music. We need a movement….I

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    Nahshon:
    I’m a big fan of Jay-Z. And to be fair enough, that also means I’m a big critic of him. The song “Minority Report” is excellent. No one is denying that. Michael Eric Dyson has applauded it. I find it to be a rather emotional song. Beautiful. But what does it SOLVE!?!?!?!? NOTHING!!!! In my eyes, it further deepens the torment of being unable to make better of the situation. Because hey, if Jay can’t fix it, I can’t…. Y’know what I’m sayin’?

    At this point in the game, we need more than music. We need a movement….I

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Ivan,
    I definitely agree with you and I will tell you why. People with resources (AKA white people) don’t respect the so-called “leaders” that they (those same white people) have put in place to address the social issues of the black community. I feel like they just found somebody loud and black to appease us but with no real respect or connections outside of our community to actually get anything done. The problem with this situation is that we need a combination of things: money for representation in court, an honest judicial process, and national exposure. I think we are striking out on all 3 and Sharpton, Jackson, and Winfrey don’t seem to be tripping over each other to get that started.

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Ivan,
    I definitely agree with you and I will tell you why. People with resources (AKA white people) don’t respect the so-called “leaders” that they (those same white people) have put in place to address the social issues of the black community. I feel like they just found somebody loud and black to appease us but with no real respect or connections outside of our community to actually get anything done. The problem with this situation is that we need a combination of things: money for representation in court, an honest judicial process, and national exposure. I think we are striking out on all 3 and Sharpton, Jackson, and Winfrey don’t seem to be tripping over each other to get that started.

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    “who can speak intelligently on this issue.”

    ————
    They can speak intelligently and eloquently when it’s time to sell us some crappy albums but they can’t say a word or two about racial injustice?

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    “who can speak intelligently on this issue.”

    ————
    They can speak intelligently and eloquently when it’s time to sell us some crappy albums but they can’t say a word or two about racial injustice?

  • http://bgdboom.blogspot.com Enigmatik

    I’m with you on this one sir. Eff these rappers.

  • http://bgdboom.blogspot.com Enigmatik

    I’m with you on this one sir. Eff these rappers.

  • T

    big up rizoh.

    BET brainwashed target audiences are too fuckin stupid snappin they fingers and soulja boyin to even wanna learn about the issue even if they are aware of it

    entertainment is used to numb thinkin and erase thought from ones mind period so people are zombie’s and do whatever they are told and that is exactly what the younger generations are experiencing.

    hip hop is not being made any more its just titty poppin ass shakin finger snappin bullshit to make u 4get whats really goin on today

    i truly pray for the younger ppl out there these days… they will never know the history current state or future of oppression in which their people reside

    shameful fucking shit. read a book man.

  • T

    big up rizoh.

    BET brainwashed target audiences are too fuckin stupid snappin they fingers and soulja boyin to even wanna learn about the issue even if they are aware of it

    entertainment is used to numb thinkin and erase thought from ones mind period so people are zombie’s and do whatever they are told and that is exactly what the younger generations are experiencing.

    hip hop is not being made any more its just titty poppin ass shakin finger snappin bullshit to make u 4get whats really goin on today

    i truly pray for the younger ppl out there these days… they will never know the history current state or future of oppression in which their people reside

    shameful fucking shit. read a book man.

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    “read a book man.”

    That’s what’s so idiotic about the whole equation. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with reading a book. But the act of saying “yo, fuck this, I’ma just do my own thing and read” doesn’t solve anything either. Look at Nas. He’s “criticized” by mainstream gangsterism for “reading too much.” I think that pretty much sums up the state of the game at this moment.

    I dunno man…

    Riz, you really got me with this one…

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    “read a book man.”

    That’s what’s so idiotic about the whole equation. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with reading a book. But the act of saying “yo, fuck this, I’ma just do my own thing and read” doesn’t solve anything either. Look at Nas. He’s “criticized” by mainstream gangsterism for “reading too much.” I think that pretty much sums up the state of the game at this moment.

    I dunno man…

    Riz, you really got me with this one…

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    Nahshon:
    “Ivan,
    I definitely agree with you and I will tell you why. People with resources (AKA white people)…”

    It’s not really exclusively white people. I mean let’s go back to Jay-Z. On several occasions, he’s worn a t-shirt with the Communist leader Che Guevara, even claiming on record to be “Che Guevara with bling on…complex.” Now if he was really down with helping the poor (I’m not saying he doesn’t, but in my book, he doesn’t enough) he wouldn’t need all those Bentleys, Jets, yachts etc.

    He’s nothing like Che Guevara.

    Man….I gotta leave this post alone….lol

  • http://hiphopisread.blogspot.com Ivan

    Nahshon:
    “Ivan,
    I definitely agree with you and I will tell you why. People with resources (AKA white people)…”

    It’s not really exclusively white people. I mean let’s go back to Jay-Z. On several occasions, he’s worn a t-shirt with the Communist leader Che Guevara, even claiming on record to be “Che Guevara with bling on…complex.” Now if he was really down with helping the poor (I’m not saying he doesn’t, but in my book, he doesn’t enough) he wouldn’t need all those Bentleys, Jets, yachts etc.

    He’s nothing like Che Guevara.

    Man….I gotta leave this post alone….lol

  • DJ Raida

    Great post Riz, You make a good point, Rappers should get on top of the issue. But ima still buy kwelis album when it drops in australia ;)

  • DJ Raida

    Great post Riz, You make a good point, Rappers should get on top of the issue. But ima still buy kwelis album when it drops in australia ;)

  • http://www.hiphopremix.com Vizion

    Riz – I agree 100% with on this. I was watching the vma’s last night and honestly praying someone…somehow would mention this situation. Nothing. Nothing at all.

    I guess I had my hopes on high but seriously if actors can speak on the war on iraq when they get an emmy then why the hell can’t a music artist mention Jena 6 during the vma’s?

    Truly a sad time.

  • http://www.hiphopremix.com Vizion

    Riz – I agree 100% with on this. I was watching the vma’s last night and honestly praying someone…somehow would mention this situation. Nothing. Nothing at all.

    I guess I had my hopes on high but seriously if actors can speak on the war on iraq when they get an emmy then why the hell can’t a music artist mention Jena 6 during the vma’s?

    Truly a sad time.

  • http://www.theehlp.com esbee

    As an up and coming rapper myself the question always is, what can I do to help bring more light to the situation? Yeah making a song about it is great, how many ppl will pay attention and will it motivate enough to want to find out more about it?

    Gives me an idea..

  • http://www.theehlp.com esbee

    As an up and coming rapper myself the question always is, what can I do to help bring more light to the situation? Yeah making a song about it is great, how many ppl will pay attention and will it motivate enough to want to find out more about it?

    Gives me an idea..

  • http://beatsandrants.blogs.com Trent

    Great post Rizoh. It’s time for hip-hop to stand up to this issue.

    I think the reason why there’s hasn’t been any focus on the Jenna 6 case here is because we’re on the east coast (New York, Northeastern states).

    Meaning, there’s this mindstate amongst some people here in the east that feels, “oh, it’s in Louisana, so it doesn’t affect me.”

    But rappers, politicans, people in general should find a way to rally behind such this American injustice as it relates to race and racism.

    Now with Sept. 11 upon us, here in New York, the Jenna 6 story is on the back burner.

    I have to do more reading on this case. I don’t understand why the NAACP hasn’t asked the help of the best defense attorneys in the U.S. to participate in the boys’ defense? And I don’t see Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson around. Heck, I don’t see Oprah.
    She’s in New York talking to David Letterman.

    We need to do more.

  • http://beatsandrants.blogs.com Trent

    Great post Rizoh. It’s time for hip-hop to stand up to this issue.

    I think the reason why there’s hasn’t been any focus on the Jenna 6 case here is because we’re on the east coast (New York, Northeastern states).

    Meaning, there’s this mindstate amongst some people here in the east that feels, “oh, it’s in Louisana, so it doesn’t affect me.”

    But rappers, politicans, people in general should find a way to rally behind such this American injustice as it relates to race and racism.

    Now with Sept. 11 upon us, here in New York, the Jenna 6 story is on the back burner.

    I have to do more reading on this case. I don’t understand why the NAACP hasn’t asked the help of the best defense attorneys in the U.S. to participate in the boys’ defense? And I don’t see Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson around. Heck, I don’t see Oprah.
    She’s in New York talking to David Letterman.

    We need to do more.

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Ok this is my last one,
    You are never gonna be able to outright convince and guy like Jay-z who came from no money to go back to no money helping somebdy else. I agree that he could and should do more but baby steps.

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Ok this is my last one,
    You are never gonna be able to outright convince and guy like Jay-z who came from no money to go back to no money helping somebdy else. I agree that he could and should do more but baby steps.

  • MS.KARLA

    RIZ I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE GETTING AT THESE WEAK ASS RAPPERS.BUT IT AIN’T JUST THE RAPPERS THAT NEED TO STAND UP IT’S ALL THESE DAMN BACK CELEBRITIES SITTING BACK COLLECTING CHECKS LIKE IT AIN’T EVEN ABOUT THEM. HOW STUPID ARE THESE PEOPLE THAT’S WHY I DON’T PLAY THAT FAN SHIT!PEOPLE NEED TO REALIZE THESE SO-CALLED CELEBS DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.WHAT ABOUT (CHILD MOLESTOR)RUSS?I GUESS HE’S OUT HERE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER TEENAGER TO REPLACE KIMORA.AND WHAT ABOUT KIMORA? GUESS SHE’S TOO BUSY BEING FABULOUS!AND THE COMMENT ABOUT JAY TAKING BABY STEPS…YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!I’M WITH YOU RIZ I AIN’T SUPPORTING NONE OF THESE IGNORANT ASS RAPPERS,ETC. IF THEY CAN’T SUPPORT THEIR OWN PEOPLE!!!

  • MS.KARLA

    RIZ I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE GETTING AT THESE WEAK ASS RAPPERS.BUT IT AIN’T JUST THE RAPPERS THAT NEED TO STAND UP IT’S ALL THESE DAMN BACK CELEBRITIES SITTING BACK COLLECTING CHECKS LIKE IT AIN’T EVEN ABOUT THEM. HOW STUPID ARE THESE PEOPLE THAT’S WHY I DON’T PLAY THAT FAN SHIT!PEOPLE NEED TO REALIZE THESE SO-CALLED CELEBS DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.WHAT ABOUT (CHILD MOLESTOR)RUSS?I GUESS HE’S OUT HERE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER TEENAGER TO REPLACE KIMORA.AND WHAT ABOUT KIMORA? GUESS SHE’S TOO BUSY BEING FABULOUS!AND THE COMMENT ABOUT JAY TAKING BABY STEPS…YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!I’M WITH YOU RIZ I AIN’T SUPPORTING NONE OF THESE IGNORANT ASS RAPPERS,ETC. IF THEY CAN’T SUPPORT THEIR OWN PEOPLE!!!

  • MS.KARLA

    I’M SORRY BUT WHO IS TRYING TO CONVINCE JAY, OR A GUY LIKE JAY TO GO BROKE. I’M JUST LOST ON THIS RIGHT HERE…WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT PAPER? IT’S ABOUT TAKING A STAND! IF HE WANTS TO THROW A COUPLE OF DOLLARS IN THERE HE DAMN SURE AIN’T GOING BACK TO BROKE!!YOU’RE FUNNY AS SHIT…BABY STEPS FOR A GUY LIKE JAY IS CRAZY!!!!!!

  • MS.KARLA

    I’M SORRY BUT WHO IS TRYING TO CONVINCE JAY, OR A GUY LIKE JAY TO GO BROKE. I’M JUST LOST ON THIS RIGHT HERE…WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT PAPER? IT’S ABOUT TAKING A STAND! IF HE WANTS TO THROW A COUPLE OF DOLLARS IN THERE HE DAMN SURE AIN’T GOING BACK TO BROKE!!YOU’RE FUNNY AS SHIT…BABY STEPS FOR A GUY LIKE JAY IS CRAZY!!!!!!

  • MS.KARLA

    STAY ON UM RIZ!!!!

  • MS.KARLA

    STAY ON UM RIZ!!!!

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  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    I’m not saying “rap about it” or talk about it, because that only goes so far. I’m hoping that some of these guys would lend their support through some form of action. When you’re on that level of popularity you’re able to reach way more people than the average Joe who wants to help.

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    I’m not saying “rap about it” or talk about it, because that only goes so far. I’m hoping that some of these guys would lend their support through some form of action. When you’re on that level of popularity you’re able to reach way more people than the average Joe who wants to help.

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  • http://www.andyoudontstop.com andyoudontstop

    Does anyone know how to get in touch with Jay-Z’s Rocawear “I Will Not Lose” Campaign? That’s definately the type of forum that can get the word out on this blatant tragedy.

  • http://www.andyoudontstop.com andyoudontstop

    Does anyone know how to get in touch with Jay-Z’s Rocawear “I Will Not Lose” Campaign? That’s definately the type of forum that can get the word out on this blatant tragedy.

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  • http://www.djtrackstar.com Trackstar the Dj

    FYI Crooked I spoke on it briefly in his Hip Hop Weekly freestyle over Jay’s “Blueprint 2″…..

  • http://www.djtrackstar.com Trackstar the Dj

    FYI Crooked I spoke on it briefly in his Hip Hop Weekly freestyle over Jay’s “Blueprint 2″…..

  • Matt

    real talk Rizoh!!! Hope things will change as far as people and rappers wake up and do exactly what you said!! I mean, I don’t need to add anything cause you said it all!! I fully agree with you!

    Much respect and love from Germany

  • Matt

    real talk Rizoh!!! Hope things will change as far as people and rappers wake up and do exactly what you said!! I mean, I don’t need to add anything cause you said it all!! I fully agree with you!

    Much respect and love from Germany

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