Since radio shock jock Don Imus was fired by CBS Radio and NBC for referring to the players on the Rutgers University women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed ho’s,” blame has shifted to lyrics in rap songs. Here are what some hip-hop artists have had to say:
“It’s time to protect and build our community; not destroy it. We do not want to censor you, but we have to incorporate new messages and address the real issues: education, racism and economic discrimination.”
RHYMEFEST
[in his letter to “hip-hop” posted Tuesday night at myspace.com/rhymefest]“[Imus] crossed the line because it was directed at specific people. Rappers are usually talking in general terms or just joking. Hip-hop is being made a scapegoat for someone who said something wrong. The two have nothing to do with each other.”
LUTHER CAMPBELL
[told the Miami Herald, adding a concession: “… I will say sometimes it goes too far and we need to do a better job of filtering to make sure the music is not offensive.”]“I know that Don Imus did not disrespect those young ladies because of hip-hop music. I’m 99 percent sure that he doesn’t even listen to hip-hop like that. Everybody who’s taking on hip-hop music are the same people who are just looking for a moment or window of opportunity. This is their moment to say, ‘[Bleep] hip-hop.’ “
FAT JOE
[in an interview with mtv.com]“A lot of influential people are taking a stand on hip-hop. But what about the negative images you have in cartoons like [those on] Adult Swim? Movies, [TV shows like] ‘Desperate Housewives,’ ‘Sex and the City’? They off the chain and raw with it.”
YUNG JOC
“We’re talking about ho’s that’s in the ‘hood that ain’t doing [bleep] that’s trying to get a [bleep] for his money.”
SNOOP DOGG
[told mtv.com, adding that rappers are not talking about collegiate women]
