Community Comment : ‘Excusing Negative Rap Is Wrong’

Last week, rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg was ordered to stand trial in April in Los Angeles on murder conspiracy charges. In the last four years, other rappers, including Slick Rick, Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur have had run-ins with the law, hurting rap’s image. TED HAYES, former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and homeless activist,is campaigning to end negative rap. He was interviewed by CAROLYN PATRICIA SCOTT. I’m not against gangs. I’m against negative gang activity: gangsterism and the abuse of the ancient African art form of rapping. The gift of rapping is exploited, not only by recording artists, but by the entertainment industry.

Young people are just starting to wake up, realize that if (jail) is where all of these rapper’s money and fame leads to, then that’s not what they really want to emulate.

In ancient Africa, the griots were tribal historians who related history in carefully crafted tales passed from generation to generation. Top storytellers, then and now, are very articulate, able to express themselves and impart key moral principles. African Americans have kept the griot traditions alive. Powerful orators such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Sojourner Truth are but a few who perfected the articulation Africans are known for.

The word “rap” once just meant the ability to communicate. Coaches like Pat Riley rap to inspire team spirit. The danger is in the misuse of rap. When teen-agers (use expletives) and call it commenting on issues, they are corrupting that ability. Historians suggest that the misuse of the griot storytelling power may have been responsible for the downfall of the great civilizations of Ghana and Benin.

A more ominous example of the misuse of finely crafted speech is Adolf Hitler, who believed that oratory was more powerful than bombs.

Clearly this is not a black and white issue. Young white kids are buying N.W.A. and Snoop Doggy Dogg too. These negative lyrics are affecting their psyches. The recording industry that encourages this abuse of an art form must take responsibility for its effects. Martin Luther King said that the destiny of black people and white people are intertwined: “If the black man goes down, he’s bringing down the house.”

Before rock and rap were so influential, many watched “The Untouchables” and “The Godfather” and began to admire the men in suits involved in illicit activities. They copied drive-by shootings from old-time gangsterism.

Snoop and all the rest of them have got to understand that just making money isn’t enough. They’ve got to realize that their actions, their words and deeds do influence people’s lives. Now, all these young people will see that (money and fame) didn’t lead anywhere but to jail.

I challenge the studios, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the music industry to stop gangsterism in rap. There are things that can be done. (Putting labels on music warning of questionable lyrics) is a start. Church and community leaders can say: “Mr. Record Producer, we’re going boycott you.”

Dancers and musicians should help us re-establish some positive trends like break-dancing. When breaking went out, gangsterism went up. In fairness, there are positive players: My son is a rap artist and there’s Queen Latifah, the College Boys, Def Jef, Heavy D and Arrested Development, even M.C. Hammer. With their lyrics and their community service, they encourage people to do the right thing.