Video: Hip-Hop vs. America Debate

Written by Rizoh. Posted in Chin Check, Videos

Published on September 26, 2007 with 74 Comments">74 Comments


::BET’s Hip-Hop vs. America debate featuring Nelly, T.I., Al Sharpton, etc.

I don’t get all the hullabaloo over hip-hop these days. How come it took a Don Imus to get us to this point? Since when have we become a community of reactionists? And, to paraphrase Nelly, since when did hip-hop become the lifeline of black folks?

*Violently throws keyboard against the wall and walks out*

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.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook

Newer Comments →
  • T2

    That women is blaming Nelly for her children turning out bad that is just stupid!

  • T2

    That women is blaming Nelly for her children turning out bad that is just stupid!

  • T2

    That women is blaming Nelly for her children turning out bad that is just stupid!

  • T2

    That women is blaming Nelly for her children turning out bad that is just stupid!

  • http://rollingthunderblog.blogspot.com MOP

    I don’t have alot to say about this, but I would like to know if Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West or Nas were invited to speak.

  • http://rollingthunderblog.blogspot.com MOP

    I don’t have alot to say about this, but I would like to know if Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West or Nas were invited to speak.

  • http://rollingthunderblog.blogspot.com MOP

    I don’t have alot to say about this, but I would like to know if Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West or Nas were invited to speak.

  • http://rollingthunderblog.blogspot.com MOP

    I don’t have alot to say about this, but I would like to know if Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West or Nas were invited to speak.

  • http://hhfanatic.blogspot.com HHF

    Dont get me started on this topic…

  • http://hhfanatic.blogspot.com HHF

    Dont get me started on this topic…

  • http://hhfanatic.blogspot.com HHF

    Dont get me started on this topic…

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Hold up, ok two serious questions as far as what Nelly said:

    A) Should the music attempt to be representative of where we are or where we want to be

    B) Do you believe that it provides a skewed perspective on the lives of those in this culture or a realistic one?

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Hold up, ok two serious questions as far as what Nelly said:

    A) Should the music attempt to be representative of where we are or where we want to be

    B) Do you believe that it provides a skewed perspective on the lives of those in this culture or a realistic one?

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Hold up, ok two serious questions as far as what Nelly said:

    A) Should the music attempt to be representative of where we are or where we want to be

    B) Do you believe that it provides a skewed perspective on the lives of those in this culture or a realistic one?

  • http://hhfanatic.blogspot.com HHF

    Dont get me started on this topic…

  • http://nayschola.blogspot.com Nahshon

    Hold up, ok two serious questions as far as what Nelly said:

    A) Should the music attempt to be representative of where we are or where we want to be

    B) Do you believe that it provides a skewed perspective on the lives of those in this culture or a realistic one?

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    The music is a very minute portion of the “real” representation of our culture, imho. We undermine our value when we guard it like it’s our lifeline. That’s not the only thing we’re competent at, but when we retain a frantic grasp on it — to the point where creativity is compromised for a quick cash-out — we give America the impression that rap music is all we have left.

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    The music is a very minute portion of the “real” representation of our culture, imho. We undermine our value when we guard it like it’s our lifeline. That’s not the only thing we’re competent at, but when we retain a frantic grasp on it — to the point where creativity is compromised for a quick cash-out — we give America the impression that rap music is all we have left.

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    The music is a very minute portion of the “real” representation of our culture, imho. We undermine our value when we guard it like it’s our lifeline. That’s not the only thing we’re competent at, but when we retain a frantic grasp on it — to the point where creativity is compromised for a quick cash-out — we give America the impression that rap music is all we have left.

  • http://www.therapup.net Rizoh

    The music is a very minute portion of the “real” representation of our culture, imho. We undermine our value when we guard it like it’s our lifeline. That’s not the only thing we’re competent at, but when we retain a frantic grasp on it — to the point where creativity is compromised for a quick cash-out — we give America the impression that rap music is all we have left.

  • Me

    Nelly is a pompous, self absorbed,
    sexiest son of a B.

    Take responsibility for you actions.

    Bragging about the great education for his kids, at the expense of all the others that have to listen to the garbage they put out in to our community, while his children are exposed to nothing but positive.

    Never liked him never will.

  • Me

    Nelly is a pompous, self absorbed,
    sexiest son of a B.

    Take responsibility for you actions.

    Bragging about the great education for his kids, at the expense of all the others that have to listen to the garbage they put out in to our community, while his children are exposed to nothing but positive.

    Never liked him never will.

  • Me

    Nelly is a pompous, self absorbed,
    sexiest son of a B.

    Take responsibility for you actions.

    Bragging about the great education for his kids, at the expense of all the others that have to listen to the garbage they put out in to our community, while his children are exposed to nothing but positive.

    Never liked him never will.

  • Me

    Nelly is a pompous, self absorbed,
    sexiest son of a B.

    Take responsibility for you actions.

    Bragging about the great education for his kids, at the expense of all the others that have to listen to the garbage they put out in to our community, while his children are exposed to nothing but positive.

    Never liked him never will.

  • Purpose

    I love how nelly justified the credit card swipe by saying it was girl’s idea. Oppression and exploitation are apparently OK if the other party consents.

    He needs to own up to the fact that it was pretty ignorant. The fact that it happens in other arenas doesn’t make it less ignorant.

    Certainly he has a right to do it. But he should recognize it for what it is. Defending it the way he does just makes him look ignorant.

    My other favorite line was T.I.’s “it was all in good fun.” So were minstrel shows.

  • Purpose

    I love how nelly justified the credit card swipe by saying it was girl’s idea. Oppression and exploitation are apparently OK if the other party consents.

    He needs to own up to the fact that it was pretty ignorant. The fact that it happens in other arenas doesn’t make it less ignorant.

    Certainly he has a right to do it. But he should recognize it for what it is. Defending it the way he does just makes him look ignorant.

    My other favorite line was T.I.’s “it was all in good fun.” So were minstrel shows.

  • Purpose

    I love how nelly justified the credit card swipe by saying it was girl’s idea. Oppression and exploitation are apparently OK if the other party consents.

    He needs to own up to the fact that it was pretty ignorant. The fact that it happens in other arenas doesn’t make it less ignorant.

    Certainly he has a right to do it. But he should recognize it for what it is. Defending it the way he does just makes him look ignorant.

    My other favorite line was T.I.’s “it was all in good fun.” So were minstrel shows.

  • Purpose

    I love how nelly justified the credit card swipe by saying it was girl’s idea. Oppression and exploitation are apparently OK if the other party consents.

    He needs to own up to the fact that it was pretty ignorant. The fact that it happens in other arenas doesn’t make it less ignorant.

    Certainly he has a right to do it. But he should recognize it for what it is. Defending it the way he does just makes him look ignorant.

    My other favorite line was T.I.’s “it was all in good fun.” So were minstrel shows.

  • PHUCT@

    its not that serious…some music is for entertainment, some is for spiritual upliftment and some is for educational…if you are looking for one of the the three and the music that you hear doesn’t present it to you turn it the fuck off. its music! white people have been biting off bats heads on stage,and other foul shit but the minute a dude who has nothing to do with hiphop calls some women hoes or bitches its because of hip hop.

  • PHUCT@

    its not that serious…some music is for entertainment, some is for spiritual upliftment and some is for educational…if you are looking for one of the the three and the music that you hear doesn’t present it to you turn it the fuck off. its music! white people have been biting off bats heads on stage,and other foul shit but the minute a dude who has nothing to do with hiphop calls some women hoes or bitches its because of hip hop.

  • Tae

    I think that Purpose is ignorant of the definition of ignorance. To be ignorant means that a person lacks knowledge or education; Nelly may have been slightly indecent for what he did or even obnoxious, but certainly not ignorant. He KNEW exactly what he was doing when he did it…he made a video that men would find entertaining! He did something that no one else had done in a video before…nothing to do with ignorance. Also, Purpose sarcastically mentioned that it was okay to “exploit and oppress” as long as the other party consents. If I tell you to slap me, why would anyone be upset with you for doing so? If White Chocolate asked for Nelly to swipe a credit card down her backside, she exploited herself. She knew exactly what she was doing. I live in Atlanta and that girl has made quite a name for herself exploiting herself in strip clubs. So, should we be upset at all of the men and women who frequent the clubs that she and so many others have danced at? Are they oppressing and exploiting her too? And how is Nelly oppressing her when that video probably got her tons of publicity all because of something that SHE prompted? Get real!

  • Tae

    I think that Purpose is ignorant of the definition of ignorance. To be ignorant means that a person lacks knowledge or education; Nelly may have been slightly indecent for what he did or even obnoxious, but certainly not ignorant. He KNEW exactly what he was doing when he did it…he made a video that men would find entertaining! He did something that no one else had done in a video before…nothing to do with ignorance. Also, Purpose sarcastically mentioned that it was okay to “exploit and oppress” as long as the other party consents. If I tell you to slap me, why would anyone be upset with you for doing so? If White Chocolate asked for Nelly to swipe a credit card down her backside, she exploited herself. She knew exactly what she was doing. I live in Atlanta and that girl has made quite a name for herself exploiting herself in strip clubs. So, should we be upset at all of the men and women who frequent the clubs that she and so many others have danced at? Are they oppressing and exploiting her too? And how is Nelly oppressing her when that video probably got her tons of publicity all because of something that SHE prompted? Get real!

  • Tae

    I think that Purpose is ignorant of the definition of ignorance. To be ignorant means that a person lacks knowledge or education; Nelly may have been slightly indecent for what he did or even obnoxious, but certainly not ignorant. He KNEW exactly what he was doing when he did it…he made a video that men would find entertaining! He did something that no one else had done in a video before…nothing to do with ignorance. Also, Purpose sarcastically mentioned that it was okay to “exploit and oppress” as long as the other party consents. If I tell you to slap me, why would anyone be upset with you for doing so? If White Chocolate asked for Nelly to swipe a credit card down her backside, she exploited herself. She knew exactly what she was doing. I live in Atlanta and that girl has made quite a name for herself exploiting herself in strip clubs. So, should we be upset at all of the men and women who frequent the clubs that she and so many others have danced at? Are they oppressing and exploiting her too? And how is Nelly oppressing her when that video probably got her tons of publicity all because of something that SHE prompted? Get real!

  • Tae

    I think that Purpose is ignorant of the definition of ignorance. To be ignorant means that a person lacks knowledge or education; Nelly may have been slightly indecent for what he did or even obnoxious, but certainly not ignorant. He KNEW exactly what he was doing when he did it…he made a video that men would find entertaining! He did something that no one else had done in a video before…nothing to do with ignorance. Also, Purpose sarcastically mentioned that it was okay to “exploit and oppress” as long as the other party consents. If I tell you to slap me, why would anyone be upset with you for doing so? If White Chocolate asked for Nelly to swipe a credit card down her backside, she exploited herself. She knew exactly what she was doing. I live in Atlanta and that girl has made quite a name for herself exploiting herself in strip clubs. So, should we be upset at all of the men and women who frequent the clubs that she and so many others have danced at? Are they oppressing and exploiting her too? And how is Nelly oppressing her when that video probably got her tons of publicity all because of something that SHE prompted? Get real!

  • Reemycks

    That nigga Nelly said “my daughter can pop, lock and drop it with the best of’em!”

    I was in tears!!!! Niggas are dumb!

  • Reemycks

    That nigga Nelly said “my daughter can pop, lock and drop it with the best of’em!”

    I was in tears!!!! Niggas are dumb!

  • Reemycks

    That nigga Nelly said “my daughter can pop, lock and drop it with the best of’em!”

    I was in tears!!!! Niggas are dumb!

  • Reemycks

    That nigga Nelly said “my daughter can pop, lock and drop it with the best of’em!”

    I was in tears!!!! Niggas are dumb!

  • moneda

    You’re right, Tae, Nelly wasn’t ignorant in his actions, but he was certainly exploitative. Consent has nothing to do with whether or not one is being exploited.

  • moneda

    You’re right, Tae, Nelly wasn’t ignorant in his actions, but he was certainly exploitative. Consent has nothing to do with whether or not one is being exploited.

  • moneda

    You’re right, Tae, Nelly wasn’t ignorant in his actions, but he was certainly exploitative. Consent has nothing to do with whether or not one is being exploited.

  • moneda

    You’re right, Tae, Nelly wasn’t ignorant in his actions, but he was certainly exploitative. Consent has nothing to do with whether or not one is being exploited.

  • Purpose

    Tae, you are ridiculous. It was ignorant, plain and simple.

    Please explain to me how exploiting the women of your community is not somehow “lacking in knowledge.” Clearly portraying the women of our community in that fashion has no positive value. And, to put out such a video, and then act like it has no impact, is in fact ignorant of the situation. If he wants to put out that video, and exploit and degrade the women of our community, at least recognize it as such (and accept the fact that strip clubs and porno shops get picketed all the time). Dont say “it was her idea” or act like it is harmless because it was all in fun. It is as though they dont teach the terms “patriarchy” and “oppression” in St. Louis

    The mere fact that society accepts strip clubs does not make it a good thing to do. To actually believe that pornography has no impact on the young men and women of our society is in fact ignorant of the reality.

    And as far as turn it off…Off course one can turn it off. But does that mean that people shouldn’t engage in a social critique? Should they have just turned off minstrel shows, or was it reasonable to actually speak up. He has every right to do it. And to do it means to expose himself to outside critiques. thats the process.

    I am criticizing Nelly for displaying absolutely no critical thought and being utterly clueless as to the larger world around him. You want to sell porn, sell porn. but deal with what comes with that. There is a reason porn is made in the valley.

  • Purpose

    Tae, you are ridiculous. It was ignorant, plain and simple.

    Please explain to me how exploiting the women of your community is not somehow “lacking in knowledge.” Clearly portraying the women of our community in that fashion has no positive value. And, to put out such a video, and then act like it has no impact, is in fact ignorant of the situation. If he wants to put out that video, and exploit and degrade the women of our community, at least recognize it as such (and accept the fact that strip clubs and porno shops get picketed all the time). Dont say “it was her idea” or act like it is harmless because it was all in fun. It is as though they dont teach the terms “patriarchy” and “oppression” in St. Louis

    The mere fact that society accepts strip clubs does not make it a good thing to do. To actually believe that pornography has no impact on the young men and women of our society is in fact ignorant of the reality.

    And as far as turn it off…Off course one can turn it off. But does that mean that people shouldn’t engage in a social critique? Should they have just turned off minstrel shows, or was it reasonable to actually speak up. He has every right to do it. And to do it means to expose himself to outside critiques. thats the process.

    I am criticizing Nelly for displaying absolutely no critical thought and being utterly clueless as to the larger world around him. You want to sell porn, sell porn. but deal with what comes with that. There is a reason porn is made in the valley.

  • dana

    i thiks it’s pretty wack to be having this disscussion NOW! they shoulda thought about “thye children” back when luke was going to court over his lyrics! or back when hip hop FIRST started to get “gangsta” and “offensive”. how are you gonna let something go on for 20 years now all of a sudden it’s such a big problem? rap didnt become what it is today overnight! and some one like al sharpton has ZERO credibility with me! he’s an OPPERTUNIST! he wasnt saying shit b4 the imus fiasco, now all of a sudden he’s and a member of the hip hop police….. nicca pleeze! mofo’s act like rap is the only violent outlet kids have, what about movies, the internet, video games? also since when does MUSIC raise a child? i thought PARENTS raised children….

  • dana

    i thiks it’s pretty wack to be having this disscussion NOW! they shoulda thought about “thye children” back when luke was going to court over his lyrics! or back when hip hop FIRST started to get “gangsta” and “offensive”. how are you gonna let something go on for 20 years now all of a sudden it’s such a big problem? rap didnt become what it is today overnight! and some one like al sharpton has ZERO credibility with me! he’s an OPPERTUNIST! he wasnt saying shit b4 the imus fiasco, now all of a sudden he’s and a member of the hip hop police….. nicca pleeze! mofo’s act like rap is the only violent outlet kids have, what about movies, the internet, video games? also since when does MUSIC raise a child? i thought PARENTS raised children….

  • dana

    i thiks it’s pretty wack to be having this disscussion NOW! they shoulda thought about “thye children” back when luke was going to court over his lyrics! or back when hip hop FIRST started to get “gangsta” and “offensive”. how are you gonna let something go on for 20 years now all of a sudden it’s such a big problem? rap didnt become what it is today overnight! and some one like al sharpton has ZERO credibility with me! he’s an OPPERTUNIST! he wasnt saying shit b4 the imus fiasco, now all of a sudden he’s and a member of the hip hop police….. nicca pleeze! mofo’s act like rap is the only violent outlet kids have, what about movies, the internet, video games? also since when does MUSIC raise a child? i thought PARENTS raised children….

  • dana

    i thiks it’s pretty wack to be having this disscussion NOW! they shoulda thought about “thye children” back when luke was going to court over his lyrics! or back when hip hop FIRST started to get “gangsta” and “offensive”. how are you gonna let something go on for 20 years now all of a sudden it’s such a big problem? rap didnt become what it is today overnight! and some one like al sharpton has ZERO credibility with me! he’s an OPPERTUNIST! he wasnt saying shit b4 the imus fiasco, now all of a sudden he’s and a member of the hip hop police….. nicca pleeze! mofo’s act like rap is the only violent outlet kids have, what about movies, the internet, video games? also since when does MUSIC raise a child? i thought PARENTS raised children….

  • http://www.kalanation.blogspot.com Kala Nation

    Listening to this bunch of ignorant rappers,was amazing.What does Ti mean dont judge?My man you need to get a clue.

  • http://www.kalanation.blogspot.com Kala Nation

    Listening to this bunch of ignorant rappers,was amazing.What does Ti mean dont judge?My man you need to get a clue.

Newer Comments →