Mos Def, who is currently in Jena, Louisiana for the rally in support of the “Jena 6,” is not happy with the response the Hip-Hop community has shown over the incident. Speaking to MTV News from Jena, Mos criticized his fellow artists, whom he noted seem to have no problem showing up at parties and award shows, for not traveling to Jena for the rally. “Shame on everybody who’s not here,” the rapper told MTV News. “I’m fuckin’ mad. I’m disappointed to always be coming to these things and it’s only one or two people [from the industry here]. If you ain’t gonna use your voice, then be quiet. I’m disappointed and ashamed.” Mos recently called upon his peers and any “influential African-Americans” to join him at the rally. Also in Jena this week is Port Arthur, TX native and UGK group member Bun B, who jumped in his car and drove over when he heard about the demonstration. “I grew up right next to a town where it’s strictly white people,” Bun explained. “I’ve been privy to these small incidents of violence in these all-white towns. We were blessed to find out about the Jena Six and were blessed to try to make some type of impact in this community before things went too far.”
I reserve my thoughts on this article for the moment...what are yours?
Article reference: XXL Magazine
16 comments:
i. LOVE. MOS. DEF!!! My boo KRS-one wasn't there? And Chuck D didn't make an appearance? Hmmmmm....
I agree with Mos that some of the most outspoken voices in the music and film industries were quiet as the Vatican at sunrise, but the stars who punctuated the moment were the thousands of people from all walks of life who gathered to send a clear message to the world:
This nonsense must end...NOW.
The sweetest interview moment was a native Louisiana sister from Coushatta (small town in the northeastern sector of my home state)who told a CNN reporter that she "had to come down in support for the mothers...I would want and NEED that in such a horrible time as this." That statement beautifully defined "village thinking" and the way that I was raised. I feel Mos Def on his statement, but THE PEOPLE were the stars to see at this gathering. He should be accustomed to empty speech from people who want media attention to build their street credit and fanbase...even if it understandably pisses him off!
I think MOS DEF is one of the most involved hip hop artists in the industry. he is intelligent and stays on top of important issues. I couldn't agree with him more.
I give him mad props for all his efforts! He is leading by example, unfortunately his peers aren't in step with him yet.
excellent post topic and post, brah!
i agree with Mos Def....I thought about it intially when I heard that MLK Jr.'s kids made the statement that they were going to be in Jena. I thought okay, thats nice and all but, the Jena 6 boys don't know nuthin about them! They may, its just an assumption, Im sure they appreciated the support. However, they are not the ones that the generation admires. The Hip Hop community should have been there in full force, they have more than the nessasary means to travel without incident than the 50,000 non celebrities that were representing.
After I saw Mos Def in the movie "Something The Lord Made", I've been a big supporter of him. I can see his frustration at the lack of support from his fellow artists. I would have thought that at least a few industry people would have been there. I don't quite understand it.
Mos Def impressed me when I first heard a Black Star interview on a pirate radio show (the only way a Durty South bwoi was catchin' the new heat from NYC) before their first project hit stores. Both Mos and Talib Kweli garnered my respect with their thorough knowledge of history, ill lyricism, and sick flows. Mos immediately stood front and center due to that CRAZY voice of his--one part Kwame Toure, one part Huey P. Newton, and one part KRS-One in a young cat's voice. I appreciate his love for people--especially BLACK people-- and his spirit. He strikes me as a good dude FIRST, ya know?
Good for Mos! It's so sad that more (hip-hop)artists aren't following his lead.
I PRAY that one day we'll (blacks) get it together.
My tv stays away from MTV so I haven't heard anything about this. I recently wrote a post about the overall lack of involvement by celebrities for any cause. I think this post is speaking directly to me.
I'm still a young buck, but I'm mad that I slept on Mos during my teenage years. I really didn't notice him for the first time until I saw Brown Sugar. Mos' is the man.
DC, Sheletha, and Anali, thanks for stopping by here! I don't think I greeted you in my last comment.
Kiki, I saw thousands of Black people--real people--on hand for the Jena 6 show of support. It takes real people to cause real change in this world. I understand that celebrity can add a little importance to an under-appreciated issue, but this situation was my favorite kind of protest: the people banded on the strength of the story and NOT for the love of some favored public figure. Mos Def, cool as he wanna be, was another person in the GROUP. The news media singled him out for extensive interviews because he is a public figure who is smart enough to keep his touch on the pulse of the streets and the barbershops of America. The rest of us listened because bloggers and neighbors and coworkers and salon workers and people from every other walk of life repeated this story on the "hoodnet" until the American media finally stopped ignoring it. The village is in better shape than we give it credit. We may have our problems, but Blacks in America still know how to cover each other's respective backs.
MadPappy, welcome to the village! Don't feel bad about missing the Jena 6 story earlier. The best thing about being real people in the real world is that we can talk and learn from each other. However you heard the story, it spread because people shared. I take that as a lesson...and a hope.
Maddypappy1, forgive me for misreading your comment. The good thing about catching hold to good music "late" is that you get to see it in a brand new light and discuss it in a way that makes people like me feel that "first listen" rush all over again! Enjoy Mos Def...and check out his partner Talib Kweli, too!
you never have to back track to say wuz up, brah. it need not be spoken because it is felt.
how you doing?...on the real. still got you and yours in my prayers, brah.
Rightly so. Ced, if you haven't checked it out yet, Youtube search for Mos Def on the Bill Maher show.
Dave! Man, I recorded that episode as soon as I learned that Mos and CORNELL WEST (weird as hell, but one of the greatest minds on Earth--I have MUCH respect for his words...even when I disagree) were going to be guests on his show. LOVED IT! I like Bill Maher's show (even when I disagree with his personal opinions and O'Reilly-like tangent-shooting style) because he says what he feels, relishes in differing opinions, and freely admits when guests correct his vision on topics for which he has only the "Hollywood version" (his cool way of saying it).
Hey, what did you think of Michael Eric Dyson's take on the last episode?
Ced..I watched and he was putting it down. i don't see too many people get bill a lil antsy then get him to digress, but the talk on hip hop was so on point even bill had to just be quiet and listen.
excellent excellent guest that night!
I feel you Ced, but I can't get over that so many of our artists aren't at least speaking up about it. I understand not being able to attend the rally, but as an artist use your platform for something other than bling and such nonsense. I love mos def for that reason, he knows that he is was given the opportunity to reach the masses and that he does.
DC, I laughed at the way Bill Maher tried to hack Mos at one point by tossing a tangent about Muslim history and how Cornell West (master of the game of word battles) turned it back on Mr. Hollywood! Even then, Mos came out the corner swinging! I love the grasp on history both brothas have!
Hey, lady! Of course, I feel the same! I just understand that most rappers are "talkin' loud and sayin' nothin'" (RIP James Brown); some people scream for the downfall of everything lighter than a banana in America--until someone lighter than a banana pays them A CHECK. Mos Def is the truth. Thanks for stopping by!
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