I wonder which happened first? Did Drake text Michael Jordan that he was about to comment on police brutality forcing Jordan to jump in line? Or did MJ reach out to Drizzy about the need for Brand Jordan to care about people?
MJ was always my favorite athlete. Not just my favorite basketball player. My favorite athlete. Outside of a three-year stretch where he was neck-and-neck with fellow Pro Star, Bo Jackson (and if Bo didn’t know what it was like to run his leg out of his hip, he might still be), Jordan’s been in a league of his own.
On the court, I’ve never witnessed a bigger winner; a more ferocious competitor; a more prolific player (and until Obama, a person more personally inspirational). From age 9 through age 17, like most 80s babies blessed with cable TV and a hoop within walking distance, Jordan was bigger than life. And he did it without muddying his reputation with messy social issues.
I imagine many Drake fans feel similarly. Since 2009, Drake has put together a six-year run only rivaled by LL Cool J, Jay Z, Eminem, and Kanye West. The $39.5 million notched in 2015 was enough to place him third on Forbes annual Hip Hop Cash Kings, ahead of Dr. Dre. All four of his albums (Thank Me Later, Take Care, Nothing Was The Same, and Views) have gone platinum-plus, all of his singles seem to go #1, all of his relationships are front-page news. Possibly most improbably, all of his beefs seem to end with Drizzy throwing up the W. And he did it without muddying his reputation with messy social issues.
Drake released a statement on police brutality two weeks ago in the wake of the Alton Sterling and Philando Castile shootings, marking the first time he’s addressed a potentially complicated societal ill publicly.
Today, MJ dropped a statement of his own. This is also the first time Jordan’s addressed a potentially complicated societal ill publicly.
“As a proud American, a father who lost his own dad in a senseless act of violence, and a black man, I have been deeply troubled by the deaths of African-Americans at the hands of law enforcement and angered by the cowardly and hateful targeting and killing of police officers,” Jordan wrote. “I grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, as I know their pain all too well.”
Jordan one-upped his Jordan Brand ambassador by tossing two $1 million grants on top—one for the Institute for Community-Police Relations (launched in May by the International Association Of Chiefs Of Police) and one for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The Legal Defense Fund’s astonishment rang throughout its statement as if the organization couldn’t believe it cracked Michael Jordan’s billion dollar radar:
“We’re surprised and shocked, but obviously thrilled,” Legal Defense Fund president and director Sherrilyn Ifill wrote, almost hilariously. “We’ve been working on these issues for some many years, and it’s great to hear that Michael Jordan and his people are aware of our work and are willing to make a contribution.”
If there’s a knock against MJ’s awesomeness, it’s how little his public influence has been used to help causes vital to communities that continue to reinforce the coolness of his products.
It’s hard to blame Michael Jordan for taking an OJ Simpson approach to celebrity, though. At least he hasn’t been accused of murder.
Aside from his prolific use of ghostwriters and his inability to craft a classic album, if there’s a reason why Drake is nowhere near Greatest Of All Time conversations, it’s the fact that his lyrical career is built on a foundation noticeably void of addressing issues vital to communities that continue to reinforce the coolness of his products.
Drizzy’s got it good. He’s half-black and half-Jewish. He gets to have a Bar Mitzvah and say “nigga.” He’s half-Canadian and half-American. He has two different countries defending his actions and inactions, simultaneously. He’s arguably the most corporate rapper on the planet. Jas Prince, Young Money, Cash Money, Republic, Universal, OVO, Warner, Apple, Jordan Brand, Nike all make something off the kid.
It’s hard to blame Drake for taking a Michael Jordan approach to celebrity, though. At least he’s half-Jewish.
“…The relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it was decades ago,” Aubrey posted to IG. “I do not know the answer… open and honest dialog is the first step.”
Welcome to the conversation, Jordan and Drizzy.
It’s only been going on for 400 years.
Justin Hunte is the Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX and has been featured on Revolt TV’s “Revolt Live” and the AllOutShow on SiriusXM. Prior to joining DX, he was the host of The Company Man Show and Brooklyn Bodega Radio on PNCRadio.fm and has covered music, politics, and culture for numerous publications. He is currently based in Los Angeles, California. Follow him on all socials @TheCompanyMan.
music. sports. culture and real social issues.
the perfect editorial.
Thank you for checking it out.
Boo hoo booo hooo…. poor black people can’t get their shit together so they remain on the Democratic plantation. Keep it up Demos your fear tactics are clearly working.
Better than the Republican’s “actual” plantation.
^^^^ 10 years ago, the Bush administration used fear tactics in the same way during the Iraq War. Today is no different where you have whole immigrant families who have been here for generations in fear of a Republican prez candidate wants to kick and keep them out of the country based on their race and religion. I hope “Uncle Tom” saw Trump’s CNN interview with Jake Tapper for a reference point.
Not to be the devil advocate, but immigration has never been helpful to Black people in America. This is a capitalistic competitive society. Immigrants have always been the buffer Between whites and Black people receiving benefits. Youtube Dr. Claude Anderson powernomics. He explains politics and how Blacks are played by the system. The democratic and republican party have both screwed us. If you don’t own any businesses you have no say in an election. I agree with Trump on immigration and trade.I don’t vote based off of personality. I vote based off of policy.
I feel the sentiment but it’s delusional to act as if you have moral high ground over someone who just donated 2 mil. Regardless of how late his response is to you, which will go further in the eyes of history, and just in general his 2mil or your article?
For the record, I’m glad Michael Jordan and Drake finally spoke about issues around this. There’s a lot about MJ’s statement I could nitpick like how I wonder whether he would’ve said anything at all if people hadn’t attacked police officers or how I think it’s weird that his statement calls it cowardly to attack the only people in our society that wear bulletproof vests to work. To me, it’s more cowardly to gang-choke a man selling loosies or shoot a 12-year old kid with a toy gun. Nevertheless, the $2million is great, too, but I always assumed both cats quietly donated heavily to various charities over their careers. Silence is the real adversary and I’m happy Jordan and Drake used their public influence to address this scourge. Late is definitely better than never.
If late is definitely better than never, in your books, this wouldn’t have been your headline, but we get it, you’re click baiting people who hate these two standout talents.
It’s definitely safe now. It’s one thing to feel like police brutality is an issue. It’s another to see people getting shot to death through your phone. Trayvon was 4 years ago. The Watts riots were 40 years ago. 4 days ago a dude laid on the ground with his hands up trying to save an autistic kid and the police still shot him. Then when he asked the cop why he was shot, the cop answered, “I don’t know.” That one is extremely difficult one for anyone to justify.
Great Editorial Justin!
I’ve always had this issue with both celebs. Your title says it all “Michael Jordan & Drake Speak Up Only When It’s Safe”.
Great article.
Why do you hate Drake so much? Never read any Editorials Article on DX about Drake that doesn’t try to discredit him.
Try this one. https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.2162/title.drake-kendrick-lamar-the-new-era-of-competitive-hip-hop
I think Jordan is speaking because Allstar game won’t be in Charllote and because Melo.
Tons of successful rappers besides Drake say nothing – what about jay z???
Here’s what I said to the other cat about Jay Z:
Jay’s clearly sold aspiration over everything throughout his career. I do give him credit for boycotting Crystal. I haven’t heard about that brand in a decade and it’s a reminder that #BlackDollarsMatter. I love “Hell Yeah” with Dead Prez, clearly one of Hov’s best verses. The fact that Ye got Hov as close to quotable consciousness as he was on “Watch The Throne” is a near miracle for a guy that owned a sports team at the time. Jay’s no Nas. But he’s no Drake either.
So MJ made a statement but you made it about shading Drake. Amazing.
At least they rock the same kicks.
Articles like this are why some celebs don’t want to speak out because when they do, ppl like the author of this discredit them.
“No one man should have all that power” – Yeezus
Micheal Jordan is a Uncle Tom or another OJ Simpson. Drake is just a Fake. Everything down to Drakes dance moves are borrowed. We don’t expect much from them. All they do is take. Good article.
Great Article and very true about both Michael Jordan and Drake
Thank you.
Mj is not a great leader on or off the court most people fell to realized that. You can put Lebron on 10 different team
and he would make them better because of his character and willingness to understand other people. Can’t say the same
for Jordan you can put him on 10 different teams and he’s bound to run some of those teams into the ground because of his
selfishness and character.
Thats kinda true Air Jordan placed unrealistic expectation on his teammates and if they didn’t reach he would have
them x out sometimes even black balled, King James places unrealistic expectations on his teammates too, if they fail he finds
different ways to motivate them, look at all the guys that weren’t good but extended their careers just by playing with King James
look at james jones, Delly got a big new contract with the bucks, Mozgov big contract with the lakers.
Never thought about that at all until now. fresh thought. I agree with you. Washington was a major test and MJ didn’t get close to getting them over the hump. Most of those players blossomed after leaving MJ. Shouts to Rip Hamilton.
Damned if you do damned if you don’t. Smh.. You actually wasted your time writing this because at the end of the day MJ speaking up and out is more than you have ever done or will ever do. Facts.
Thank you for the comment, Truth.
your ffucking idiot how the fuck is drake half American lol he was born in canada
His dad is an American
Exactly.
His Dad is American,from Memphis, thus he can claim American roots.
When it’s safe. This seems like an attack on drake and his background. There are other black artists in this situation that don’t sppeak or speak when its financially beneficial. Just to zero in on just Drake and Michael seems like its personal. Also cause people like this don’t post on social media doesn’t mean they are not doing something.
This is what I said to the cat earlier who left a similar comment. Yes, I’m quoting myself:
For the record, I’m glad Michael Jordan and Drake finally spoke about issues around this. There’s a lot about MJ’s statement I could nitpick like how I wonder whether he would’ve said anything at all if people hadn’t attacked police officers or how I think it’s weird that his statement calls it cowardly to attack the only people in our society that wear bulletproof vests to work. To me, it’s more cowardly to gang-choke a man selling loosies or shoot a 12-year old kid with a toy gun. Nevertheless, the $2million is great, too, but I always assumed both cats quietly donated heavily to various charities over their careers. Silence is the real adversary and I’m happy Jordan and Drake used their public influence to address this scourge. Late is definitely better than never.
“it’s the fact that his lyrical career is built on a foundation noticeably void of addressing issues vital to communities that continue to reinforce the coolness of his products.” To be fair you could throw the same accusation at Jay Z or Lil’ wayne. I mean Jay Z could possibly be worst than Drake, he actually does donate money but does it in the shadows. HOV doesn’t usually open address these issues or does things in way, that he has plausible deniability to the movement. He does this because he thinks it will fuck with his bank. Remember, that Jordan quote? “Republicans buy sneakers too”. That’s why Nas keeps losing, consistently rapping conscious bullshit.
Thought about that for a while. He’s clearly sold aspiration over everything throughout his career. I do give him credit for boycotting Crystal. I haven’t heard about that brand in a decade and it’s a reminder that #BlackDollarsMatter. I love “Hell Yeah” with Dead Prez, clearly one of Hov’s best verses. The fact that Ye got Hov as close to quotable consciousness as he was on “Watch The Throne” is a near miracle for a guy that owned a sports team at the time. Jay’s no Nas. But he’s no Drake either.
I mean even though you don’t hear about Cristal in Hip Hop, sales actually went up in the years after HOV made those comments. Also, HOV eventually did get into the champagne game to fill that commercial void in Hip Hop. At the end of the day, HOV has more products on the line(live nation, roc nation, Samsung, Ace of Spades, Tidal, 40/40, Rocawear etc) than Drake and never really stuck his head out to be the face of a bigger movement(BLM), like say Muhammad Ali, because it fucks with his money. This has only gotten worst since his marriage to Beyoncé. Let’s be real for a second, on a world wide popularity level, HOV is an also ran to Beyoncé. Beyoncé has been up and down in public celebrating her blackness and black lives matter but hey HOV put out some year old spoken word joint on Tidal! that’s why Nas is broke and HOV got the money.
Boycotting crystal isn’t even a real issue for black people and that’s biggest social activism Jay Z has been the front of. Everything else on black matters, Jay Z is never at the front and hasn’t used his popularity to bring light to issues in a very visible way. Jay Z hasn’t issued an official statement on these black deaths, but Beyoncé, Drake and Jordan have. Does that mean your going after Jay next?
I think Jay Z is a work in progress though. He’s made a few conscious songs, he’s spoken about racism in his songs, and he’s spoken about racism in his interviews. The Elliott Wilson interview where he speaks about Trayvon Martin, the song “Minority Report” from Kingdom Come, the song “Murder 2 Excellence” on WTT, and to a lesser extent, songs like “Oceans” and “99 Problems.” And he puts his money out there, privately and publicly – i.e. the big Tidal donation to Black Lives Matter organizations. He’s definitely had his slip-ups, like the Occupy All Streets t-shirts. Some would say the Barneys partnership was a slip-up (though I personally wouldn’t).
Even that Tidal donation was linked to a concert (Tidal X) that was celebrating crossing the 1 million subscriber mark and not BLM. They just chose to donate SOME money from that concert to BLM/social justice charities. Also, it was Tidal the company that made the donation not HOV, he didn’t hand over the check, he wasn’t the face of that donation. At the end of the day Jay Z is a dude pushing 50 years old but won’t step in from of these issues like Muhammad Ali, he doesn’t want lose that money. That’s why Nas keeps losing, his eye isn’t on the money.
so you come at MJ and drake for not being socially aware speaking up donating etc.. and then when they do you still come at them its because of fucking idiots like you that they probably don’t do it
What statement are you trying to make with this lame-duck article?
Where are you taking us as readers?
If you want to vent please do it on your personal blog, but provide us with substance on this site. Thanks.
Kill yourself, Drake. Go die in a plane crash..,
You don’t even look Black, Drake. Do the world a favor and kill yourself, Drake.
People telling someone to kill themselves on the internet.. Tough guys.
It’s more frustrating with Drake, because his voice/words such a huge part of his platform. Yet we only see him speaking about police brutality when he’s dissing Meek Mill or in this statement. I don’t know if any star that has been so big has been as detached from what’s going on in the world around him. And that’s the frustrating thing – it feels more like he’s making a statement for his legacy than he is for the cause.
I feel weird about Jordan finally speaking up now, right after Charlotte loses the all-star game. And his statement could’ve taken a much harder stance. But there are two things that make his better than Drake: he put his money where his mouth is, which is arguably where MJ could be the most useful anyway. And in his statement, he said “I can no longer stay silent,” which is an acknowledgment that he has been silent before. I’m not a Jordan convert, but I’m glad he did this.
Very well said!!! Co-Signature
Michael Jordan is a FHOKING COWARD.
All the Rich Nigggggrs who have looked the other way so that the MAN would not take away their blings are nothing but a freaking DISGRACE and a slap at the faces of those who put their lives on the line to make today’s bling easy for nigggrs.
Quinton Terrantino, A WHITE MAN marched with BLM long ago, took heat, and not a single Rich Niggeggr came out to support him, while they watched CHILDREN being executed on the streets of USA by KKK sons of bhitches who have traded their hoods and Robes for Blue Uniform.
Nowadays, the get paid on free vacation for killing black people without provocation.
I do not know why Jordan is worried about Cops being shot by avengers who have watched desperately as their likes were becoming endangered species, knowing that all killings since two years ago were never in any situation where the Cops life was threatened, just cold blooded execution without any cogent reason.RICH NIGGGGGGRS, YOU CAN HAVE ALL THE MONEY ON EARTH, BUT YOUR LIFE IS NOT WORTH A DIME MORE THAN THE GHETTO NIGGGR ANY DAY.
COWARDS. SHAME ON YOU ALL
NIGGGGRS
yawn
Justin Hunte really? You write for a online magazine that promotes music that is damaging to our community. You just did a video about rap beef. I know you’re not a journalist, but you can always aspire to be one. When you do please try harder to be bias.
Did you watch that video? It’s all about Sandra bland. The “rap beef” headline is so the ignant stumble into a message. Sadly, when we put “Mike brown” or “Ferguson” or “Charleston shooting” or “Eric garner” on the title, people won’t watch.
if you do the research this is not the first time michael jordan has donated money to an organization that matters to black people. he’s just not vocal. we as people are so starved for leadership that we want anyone with a dollar to be the next malcom or martin. i understand why people feel they way they do but in my opinion its not every black celebrity/athletes responsibility to run to the front line every tmie something happens. what do we do in our own communities except bitch and moan about the rich blacks? we shouldnt have to wait for rich people to make an impact. we can make an impact on our own. michael jordan and drake were late? how many of us said nothing at all and havent donated a dime? lets check ourselves before we start bringing each other down.
Jordan doesn’t owe anybody anything! He gave us some of the best moments in sports history. He doesn’t have to give money or make any statements… If you have a problem with him don’t wear or buy his stuff and he will still make more billions… Thank You Mike for donating money you didn’t have to do that. Disney, Sony and ALLLL these other companies don’t owe you anything neither does Jordan…
The man who is sleep never truly lives. You should always be aware or conscious about yourself the world and your people. That goes for Black or White. Anyone can be conscious.
The safe negros never will say anything too controversial to mess up their money. All they are is automatons and intellectuals with no consciousness whatsoever. No one has the balls to speak out. Even though Jordan doesn’t own the shoe brand anymore. He still is rich enough to speak out on issues. No one is over him at this point. He is is own boss. Thats why he can say what he wants. You know why Donald Trump can talk his shit, because he own his own. Drake also plays it safe, but I wouldn’t expect to here to anything about social awareness from a pop star.” I can’t piss off massa or White folks .They pays me good. Im just a meek mannered subservient negro.” selling out my people at the expense of the White masses. I think instead of criticizing Black who don’t speak out or say anything. We should just simply stop buying their products.
#BlackDollarsMatter
Lol replys to the only comment that supports his article; how about responding to all the others commenting on how all you’re doing is spreading spiteful negativity. The fact is these guys have NO obligation to do anything. You quoted Drake saying he doesn’t know the answers so how can you expect him to do anything if he doesn’t know what to do? These guys don’t owe you or anyone else shit so if they do do anything to help just be grateful and continue doing your own part to continue the positivity but you and your hateful, poorly written articles are a much bigger part of the problem than Jordan and Drakes silence
Why should Drake ruin his career for social issues? Drake’s a pop singer dude. It’s easy for an Anonymous to complain, but if you had his following would you be speaking up? I HIGHLY doubt it. And even if you say you would, I’ll never believe you. Drake wants to make as much money as he can because you never know when the public will stop caring.. if he were to ruin it now it would just be dumb. When Drake’s 40+ like Jay-Z he can start speaking out on these issues.
When does Jay Z speak on these issues? If that’s the case Drake can go another 20 years without championing any black causes.
I think you meant hear not here
I’m hearing all this hate about them both not speaking up before, but honestly are they under an obligation to even speak up about it? Yes they’re both extremely popular with communities being affected by these issues but let’s not forget at the end of the day they’re just people as well. These guys are entertainers not politicians, however famous they are or however large their outreach is they did not achieve the platform they’re on and have never tried to base it upon, social issues. If you, the people that purchase their products, are annoyed by this, then the answer is simple. Stop consuming their products. But, that’s not going to happen, so there you have it. And Justin Hunte, Drake said it all in his IG, “I do not know the answer”. I recommend you get off your high horse rather than bashing two successful black men, via charitable donations, have more than likely done more for social issues than you ever have or will.
Most of the rappers don’t talk about injustice, wars and how the working class is becoming an slavery class. Are you also going to write an article dissing them?
What a disappointing article. I almost don’t want to comment because I think this is just click bait. This article is negative cotton candy that does nothing to further the cause – it may actually subtract from the cause because others may decide they can’t win for speaking out. I think the Drake pieces are obviously about personal dislike. To compare Drake a 29 year old Canadian man who has been in the spotlight for less than 10 years to 53 year old Michael Jordan who has never said a thing in over 30 years of fame is ridiculous. Better to criticize Jordan and Drake for not speaking out than to write this nonsense after they have.
The forehand slap gives props, the backhand taketh them away, thus stinging Drake’s palm and cheek–both now glowing bright and red. #props. However, lumping Drake and Jordan in the same criticism of (“Black”) celebrity seems forced.
The article sounds like some personal problems between black people. This article would fit in well in a Pro-Black centric web site but not on a Hip Hop web site. Don’t confuse the Hip Hop Community with the Black Community, Justin. They are not the same. Black people are the minority in Hip Hop but that doesnt matter since Hip Hop is multi-cultural. This article doesnt belong on a Hip Hop Web Site.