Society gives artists a certain amount of lee-way for creative expression. We understand and accept the eccentric behavior, strange metaphors and abnormal clothing. We accept that creative genius does not always fall under the umbrella of “society standards”, but has the ability transform what society considers normal. With that being said, there are a few rappers who “once upon a time” were visionaries or at the very least skilled lyricists, but have now gotten reckless with their lyrics and their actions. They seemed to have forgotten that their words reach millions and have the ability to affect the mindset of their fans, particularly their young ones. They have become an embarrassment to rap, hip hop and African Americans by making a mockery of serious social issues. With one stroke of their pen—one uttered rhyme, these rappers have the ability to set us back a hundred years—all in the name of shock value and record sales.
Ray J
Although he’s not a rapper, his recent attempt at fame put him on the list. His newest release, “I Hit It First” is chock-full of subtle digs at his ex, Kim Kardashian. Yesterday, Ray J went on Hot 97 in New York claiming that the song is not a “Kim-ye” diss record, but the evidence speaks for itself.
Exhibit A) On the hook, he sings “She might move on to rappers and ball players, but we all know I hit it
First”
Exhibit B) In one of the verses he says, “I hit it north, with her a** goin’ south, but now baby chose to go west.”
Exhibit C) At the end of the song, Ray J references the famed sex tape that launched her career and stunted his singing, “If you were to come back to me, we can make another movie.
The song is generic and boring. The only thing keeping it in rotation is the absolute absurdity of a failed performer trying to resurrect a dead career by exploiting his ex.
Lil Wayne
Weezy is by far one of the most influential rappers/artist of our time and definitely a lyrical mastermind. Lil Wayne has the ability to weave metaphors and analogies through the ill-est tracks and make a Top 40 hit out of any song he is featured on. However his recent lyrics involving the slain teenager Emmitt Till made him Public Enemy No. 1 amongst industry greats like Stevie Wonder as well as Till’s family. In the song “Karate Chop” by Future he says, “beat the p***y up like Emmett Till”. On what planet did Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. think it would be appropriate/clever/funny/cool/hip hop to compare sex to the torture, degradation, fear and death of a fourteen-year-old is beyond comprehension. While Epic Records has apologized for the lyrics, Lil Wayne has not. For that reason, we are done with him.
Rick Ross
“Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it / I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.”
Yes—Ricky Rozay, father to a daughter–son to a mother, really went into the studio, recorded lyrics advocating rape and released it to the public. Last year, there were an estimated 300,000 rape cases reported in the United States. Keeping in mind that that the number only includes the number reported and does not account for those too ashamed or afraid to report their attack, making light of rape is not only morally irresponsible but shows a lack of empathy for girls around the world who are molested by family and strangers alike, who are sold as slaves in the sex trade business—who are brutally victimized and robbed of their dignity, security and sometimes their life. Rick Ross has apologized, but critics aren’t buying it. Considering he stands to lose a multi-million dollar contract with Reebok, it benefits him to apologize no matter how insincere.
Follow Amber L. Bogins on Twitter @AmberLaShaii