September 27th, 2007Power of pressure
(September 24, 2007) —
Don’t underestimate public pressure.A syndicated columnist recently argued on this page that gangsta rap should be allowed to die on its own since album sales are already on the decline. We take issue.
While speaking with one’s wallet is a powerful tool, it doesn’t mean society should abdicate its responsibility to hold rappers and music executives responsible for much of the junk that passes for hip-hop music these days.
Public pressure, like this page’s more than 2-year old campaign against gangsta rap, can spark change.Public pressure is what led to Don Imus getting fired. It’s what has led to the many discussions about hip-hop music and the vows by some rappers to clean up their acts.
The fact that Black Entertainment Television, one of the major enablers of violent and misogynistic music, has decided to put together a three-part series, Hip-Hop vs. America, is another telling sign of what public pressure can do.
Panelists for the show include rappers T.I., Nelly and Master P, as well as hip-hop writers and experts. The discussion, based on clips received from BET, appears to be an interesting and thought-provoking one. Nelly and T.I. try to justify their lyrics and actions. While others, like a former Essence magazine editor, challenge the rappers to take some responsibility for the repercussions of their music.
It’s a shame it took BET so long to join this worthwhile discussion. But if not for public pressure, it probably would have been business as usual.
