Chuck D. Calls Out Jay-Z and Kanye West During Economic Hardship
Dr. Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University sat down with Chuck D at a Measuring the Movement forum. He said that “Chuck D In a spin-off to the new song “Otis,” he engages in a lyrical assault like no other, highlighting the fact that it’s not cool for West and Jay-Z to brag about how much money they waste.”
Funk Flex
I met the rapper Chuck D at the Measuring the Movement forum, hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton. I sat next to Chuck for a good 30 minutes during the panel discussion and got to appreciate his humility and intelligence as it pertains to the plight of black people. What I also noticed was that Chuck stands a far cry away from his peers regarding whether or not they give a damn about the people who are buying their albums.
In a spin-off to the new song, “Otis,” written by Kanye West and Jay-Z, Chuck engages in a lyrical assault like no other, highlighting the fact that it’s not cool for West and Jay-Z to brag about how much money they waste when African Americans are in the middle of one of the most devastating periods in economic history. With 16 percent unemployment and the near complete decimation of black wealth, Chuck speaks directly to the public backlash toward artists who remain ignorant enough to believe that rapping about private jets and half-million dollar cars is preferable to discussing our collective plight. In fact, I’ll never forget when the artist Diddy gave his 16-year old son a half-million dollar car, and then turned around and gave a mere $10,000 to the entire country of Haiti.
Chuck also speaks on the prison industrial complex, which is something that neither Kanye nor Jay-Z seems to have noticed. I met another (nameless) artist who works with West on a regular basis. I asked him if Kanye is in tune with the social issues that plague the black community. To my disappointment, the artist simply said, “Kanye’s on some other sh*t.” I would hate to believe that the man who had the courage to speak up on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Katrina has turned himself into just another highly talented corporate monkey.
Hip-hop obviously needs to turn the corner. Using the guidance and inspiration from empowered and progressive artists like Chuck D, one would hope that the creative fire of hip-hop music can be harnessed for progressive change. The time is ripe for a major political movement: Economic times are worse than they’ve been in decades, the Internet allows people to come together like never before, and the disapproval rating of political leaders in Washington is at an all-time low. Chuck is onto something, and I hope that his speaking up against “The Throne” (Jay-Z and Kanye’s latest exercise in self-absorption) is the first of many steps toward giving our community the vision that it needs to create a better life.
Real hope and change lies in the streets, not on Capital Hill and not at Def Jam Records. All of us have to speak up, stand up and make our world into what it needs to be.
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Sorry, but Chuck D….who the Fuck cares about you anymore. Wanna talk money where is yours at?
Chuck D need to tell some of those poor black folks you should’ve SAVED YOUR Money Up, instead of making babies, buy expensive Gucci and Louie V and riding in expensive cars with a high ass car note. SAVE YOUR MONEY AND PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR FUTURE.
This is real.
The same artists always complain about “not changing” and “remaining the same” when they rap about the bullshit that the average American, NOT BLACK PERSON, experiences. Especially in a time and economy like now. I wanna hear clever bars. Not about Rolexes and Maybachs. Especially when we’ve had a summer full of Rick Ross and MMG rapping about the same thing.
Chuck D makes a very good point, but we are constantly reminded of how bad things are. Jay and Kanye are artist who are entertaining us. It is no different than going to see a movie that has nothing to do with the economy or unemployment rate of the black community. It is entertainment
Its just slave mentality. When a broke nigga get some money he will spend it all on unnessary shit.rap used to be about real shit, now its about drivin a bugatti, drinkin rozay and other dumb shit.
chuck is right im tired of hearin about rappers spending habits but then again they do talk about black struggle
Chuck Is Smart He Need 2 Check All His Facts CAuse I Sure Didnt See Him Or Whoever Giving A Free Concert 2 911 Nypd & Nyfd Talk ABout Them Proceeds Chuck
these people are artists they are in the entertainment industry. thats their job. just like an actor or a singer. you don’t see anyone pointing fingers at denzel washington or will smmith about the plight of poor blacks. how about we stop pointing fingers at each other and screaming about what other blacks should be doing from our self righteous pulpits. and we hold these politicians that we elect accountable. how about we hold ourselves accountable and stop “waiting on superman”
Yeah I don’t know about you guys but I don’t listen to Jigga and Kanye for financial advice.
umm listen to something else chuck i mean i know ppl are going trhough hard times they always are thats not the audience they trying to pull… theres new up and comers rapping about the struggle unfortunately is mostly underground i am fan and is just reality the masses (commercial) dont wanna listen about some one struggling they rather listen to popping bottles and what notis the way it is again unfortunately ra is a from of expression cant tell a ni**ga what he can rap about and what he cant is freedom of speech in other words i love you chuck (pause) i love p.e. but you sound like an old fart complainin about those yongins racketing
This is stupid. Did he listen to the whole album? “the joy”, “made in america”, “no church in the wild”, “new day”, “murder to excellence”.
“And I’m from the murder capital, where they murder for capital…heard about at least 3 killings this afternoon, lookin’ at the news like damn I was just with him after school…no shop class but half the school got a tool and I could die any day type attitude, plus his little brother got shot reppin’ his avenue…It’s time for us to stop and re-define black power” Kanye, i don’t see anything about a mayback or jewelry in that. Tell chuck D to get the f*** outta here with his hatin.
Trailblazers in any movement you have to respect the wisdom in what he is saying. We are ignorant to the past civil conflict that was going on in the street and the music industry(unless we were a activist in the movement)WE WERE LISTENERS.The influence they have (KANYE&JAY)they have the power to change the intellectual growth of the youth. Lil wanye and waka flocka had enough influence to assist are young people to join bloods. We are becoming desensitized and distance from the true meaning of real. Study CHUCK D examine his contribution to hip-hop.
Let them eat cake.
Marie Antonett..
What caused the French revolution was hunger poverty and the audacity of hope.. they’ll come around if not they will be stake for the people..
This is what its about. Yeah we like those songs but they should use their power to helps their own, mine and anyone else who thinks money “ain’t” a thing.
its funny how when a has been artist is no longer relevant and gets broke then they want to tell the new school how to do it.I highly doubt jay-z wants to walk in his path
Loved Chuck & PE in their day. Love J & kanye today. But i must say at the age of 40 and entering 2012, We need less entertainment and more socially conscience artists. That’s what Chuck & PE gave us and I appreciate that to this day (entertainment while using their music to socially increase our awareness). J & kanye touch on it very briefly and lightly. WE NEED MORE FROM YOU BROTHERS!!
When I read some of these comments I hear “I’m happy to be ignorant, I don’t like to acknowledge that I am a pawn of the rich, I prefer to imagine that I am somehow like the rich and powerful if I buy their crap”