Thank God it isn’t such a painful memory in retrospect but when I was 12-years-old, I went to Jerry Sandusky’s football camp.
It was a four-day, overnight skills camp at a Penn State University branch campus in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Fortunately, I walked away unharmed. That was in 2003, five years after it was reported to Penn State officials that Sandusky had showered with a young boy, one year after it was reported to Penn State head coach Joe Paterno that Sandusky molested that boy and nearly three decades after court documents revealed Paterno was told by another boy that Sandusky molested him.
Sandusky was still running football camps for boys on Penn State campuses. He was even allowed onto the school’s campus up until 2011 when the media volcano erupted, leading Sandusky to be charged on 48 counts spanning 10 victims. He was found guilty of 45 counts and sentenced to 30-60 years in prison. And yet, when all of this happened, Penn State fans, former players and alumni came out in droves to support their beloved Paterno, even though evidence was indisputable of his guilt by not only his silence but by covering up Sandusky’s actions. Just as Paterno put football ahead of the lives of children, so did these fans by supporting him and by attacking anyone who rightfully criticized him.
Right now KRS-One is acting just like those fans. The mere thought turns my blood into scalding hot DNA.
Following the numerous accusations that Afrika Bambaataa sexually molested teenage boys – accusations weighty enough to cause his dismissal from the Zulu Nation – KRS-One spoke in favor of Bambaataa. He said during an interview with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s “Drink Champs” podcast, “For me if you keep it Hip Hop, nothing can be taken away from Afrika Bambaataa...But if you want to dig into dude’s personal life and accusations that’s being made and so on…Personally — me personally – I don’t give a fuck. Look, if somebody was harmed or whatever, y’all gotta deal with that shit. Deal with it. That don’t stop Hip Hop. That don’t stop what you did for Hip Hop. It don’t take away none of it. History is history. But deal with that. That’s personal.”
That was a distasteful response, stating he personally didn’t care about the matter, and that even if the allegations were true, it needed to be dealt with, but that it doesn’t superceded Hip Hop. However, I understood part of what he meant. After all, scumbag athletes, even some who are in prison, can still be recognized for their talents and contributions to their sport. Bambaataa’s contributions to Hip Hop surely still matter, right?
But he didn’t stop there. He went on with a pathetic attempt to rationalize exactly why he doesn’t care that one of the founding fathers of Hip Hop is an alleged child molester.
“Even if you knew the facts, a person like me, I deal with dudes that are questionable all the time,” he continued. “Not even just if the accusation is rape. If you know anybody from prison, if you know anybody from the shelter, if you know anybody – if you’ve lived really in the hood, you know shooters. You know dudes running from the cops. You know your man might have an open warrant on him right now. I’m not judging these motherfuckers, man. That’s my nigga right here, yo. That’s it. Now what you do and your crime, and your shit and your bullshit, whatever you’re doing, that’s on you. That’s you, my G. That’s how I always dealt with it. I can’t pick and choose.”
So, because you associate with some less than reputable people, that makes it OK with you if Bambaataa went and molested kids?
After media posted articles that KRS-One dubbed “sensationalism,” he fired back at us by claiming his words were taken out of context. He also backtracked with an explanation not at all in line with his original comments and said that people need to go back and listen to the whole recording concerning his comments.
Well, I did, and it only made him sound worse. N.O.R.E. was the one interviewing him. “I think of you, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, as the fathers,” he said, referring to their place in Hip Hop’s lore. KRS-One acknowledged that, and N.O.R.E. asked him, straight up, how Hip Hop is supposed to respond to the situation with Bambaataa. N.O.R.E. made it a point to say, “You being our father, whatever you say I have to move in accordance to it.”
With N.O.R.E. telling KRS-One, The Teacha, that Hip Hop was looking to him on this matter, his response was to emphasize Bambaataa’s Hip Hop contributions and downplay the alarming allegations against him.
For his part, Bambaataa is vehemently denying the allegations from four men who say he sexually abused them when they were juveniles, including former music industry executive and Bronx Democratic Party activist Ronald Savage.
“I never abused nobody. You know, it just sounds crazy to people to say that, hear ‘you abused me,'” Bambaataa said in an interview with Fox 5 News’ Lisa Evers. “You know my thing is you know all my people back then, you know the hundreds of people that been around me. If something like that happened, why you never went to none of them?”
Yes, these are only allegations. To that end, KRS-One’s words ring in my head: “Even if you knew the facts, a person like me, I deal with dudes that are questionable all the time.”
Again, trying to dismiss alleged alarming behavior on the basis that you know other people who behave alarmingly?
Come on, bro. Hip Hop, as important, as powerful, as life-changing and relevant as it is, should not be emphasized over the lives and safety of children.
There are certain rappers from which I’d expect this. Not KRS-One. To share N.O.R.E.’s sentiment, he’s an elder statesman of Hip Hop, one of the greatest and most influential emcees of all time, and a spokesperson for the culture.
The lesson learned here is not even your teacher can be right 100% of the time.
Aaron -youve lost your marbles man. you need to sit down son. U dont even understand what KRS-one is saying. He is saying Afrika Bambatta’s contribution to hiphop has nothing to do with his personal life. And it doesnt. U dont know Afrika Bambatta. You dont know KRS-one. U dont know Jay-Z. U dont know J Cole. Lets be real: maybe u really mad KRS-one gave props to Drake and didnt diss him for collaborators? Doesnt matter – U dont know Drake either. KRS-one is right. His personal life is his personal life. We listen to music and enjoy his art- thats it. You can not judge art like that. Judge the music, judge the art. Nobody watches Rosemary Baby saying “Forget this, Polanski is a rapist”, just like no one stops listening to the Sex Pistols becuase Sid Viscious probably murdered his girlfriend. All we have is the music – THATS ALL. Stay out of the media hype and people’s personal lives. Enjoy the art and leave the legends alone.
Sooooooo if someone’s personal life just happens to involve ILLEGAL ACTIVITY like…I don’t know…playing with little boys, it should be ignored because its his personal life? GTFOH.
Thats the exact reason why his comments caught fire because he defended the PERSONAL LIFE in the name of HipHOp.
Nigga most rap involves illegal activity, so turn it off altogether.
@ champ. ONCE again you miss the point. We respect Afrika Bambatta for his music, We dont know anything about his personal life. We dont know these people. His music is his contribution to hiphop. Hiphop artists arent politicians. Stop reading People Magazine.
@ champ. ONCE again you miss the point. We respect Afrika Bambatta for his music, We dont know anything about his personal life. We dont know these people. His music is his contribution to hiphop. Hiphop artists arent politicians. Stop reading People Magazine.
Who’s discrediting his music? If Bambaata got found guilty tomorrow, it still wouldn’t change the fact that he helped start Hip Hop or Planet Rock is a classic record. What you and KRS are failing to do is seperate the legacy and all this nostaglia mumbo jumbo from serious accusations. And I’m clearly writing this on DX…Im not reading people magazine or no other pop culture bs.
Hey Arron Mackrel ever heard of iinnocent till proven guilty” why dont you take your biased judgemental ass elsewhere! No one cafes about what you think of Krs or Bambataa or you went to summer camp. YOU ARE A NOBODY! Your not famous no one knows who you are! Just shut your ugly mouth and quit spreading your propoganda you fuckin zealot
There are many ways to discredit a man’s legacy but this writer seems to be a once sheltered child that now has a forum to vent his nerdy impressions and thoughts to the masses, well simply put get rid of the anger and hostility you have, it’s only making you more bitter and depressed than you already are.
Shut the F up. None of these accusations have been proven, so you can’t compare it to Sandusky because it was proven when PSU fans were in denial about it. Dude writing this article isn’t even old enough to have been around or remember when Afrika Bambaata or KRS ONE were the top names in hip hop. He ain’t your bro, he is a God to you. Learn how to respect the older Godz. Fing ridiculous having kids writing articles on topics they have no frame of reference for
Why attack KRS-One when this whole matter has nothing at all to do with him. His opinion is his opinion he is not the molester nor is he a part of the issue. You took his words way too personally and are attacking him based on an issue he has no involvement in. If you are so disappointed in KRS, why don’t you make more editorials about all the people who continued to actually support Bill Cosby after his r@pe allegations. KRS is not supporting ABambatta he just doesn’t want to get involved in all the drama especially with no real physical proof to convince people.
The whole point of this editorial is a comparison between KRS, who is deflecting culpability for an alleged child molester, the same way people protected Paterno when Sandusky’s issues became public. Typically, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. By all appearances, Bambatta is a serial child molester. KRS-One’s statement is misguided; if you’re going to speak on this subject as a public figure, you should consider potential victims first. This is just another stupid statement by KRS-One, who is known for saying stupid things. If anything, he get’s another stupidity pass, when frankly, he comes across as insensitive to child molestation, which is pretty sick. And yes, everyone protecting KRS-One on this issue exemplify the extent to which some people dismiss basic consciousness which is the point of this editorial.
AMEN BRO! This is the editorial Hip-Hop and Hoteps alike need to read!
Hey Arron Mackrel ever heard of “innocent till proven guilty” why dont you take your biased judgemental ass elsewhere! No one cares about what you think of Krs or Bambataa or you went to summer camp. YOU ARE A NOBODY! Your not famous no one knows who you are! Just shut your ugly mouth and quit spreading your propoganda you fuckin zealot
Thanks for deleting my first post! Ignorance is bliss
The writer of this deserved to get molested lol what a douche
Its innocent till proven guilty asshole media fucks!!
Krs made the song (and video) 13 and good. Go to YouTube. Enough said.
Side note: it’s about having sex with a 13 year old and it still being good.
hello
I’m quick to take the piss out of some of the editorials that is written on HopHopDX, but this one here, is one of the best I’ve read in years. I concur with everything Aaron McKrell has said. It saddens me that very little people/rappers have spoken out on these allegations. When R. Kelly pissed in the face of an underage girl; I stopped listening, supporting, and buying his music altogether. I could give a fuck how dope a Jay Z or Nas is on the mic… if either one of them dudes, were to have respected people slanderize their name, in this type of instance- it would be FUCK them too! If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything!
In the essence of journalistic integrity, the third paragraph should be changed.
From:
Fortunately, I walked away unharmed. That was in 2003, five years after it was reported to Penn State officials that Sandusky had showered with a young boy, one year after it was reported to Penn State head coach Joe Paterno that Sandusky molested that boy and nearly three decades after court documents revealed Paterno was told by another boy that Sandusky molested him.
To:
Fortunately, I walked away unharmed. That was in 2003, five years after a county district attorney declined to press charges against Sandusky for showering with a boy, and one year after Joe Paterno reported to Penn State officials that an assistant coach had witnessed a since-retired Sandusky showering with a different boy in Penn State facilities. (The three decades old thing is a real stretch; the court document makes a brief reference to an unsubstantiated claim that was made after Paterno’s death and wasn’t pursued by Sandusky’s prosecutors)
The 4th paragraph is also irresponsible, but is derivative of the media coverage on the Sandusky scandal.
Fact: in 1998, it was reported to Penn State officials that Sandusky showered with a boy.
Fact: In 2002, it was reported to Joe Paterno that Sandusky molested the boy in 1998.
Fact: a court order made reference to a child reporting to Paterno about Sandusky molesting him.
All of these are facts and are consistent with journalistic integrity.
The fourth paragraph is not at all irresponsible. Your very vague claim suggests that you are a PSU supporter who can’t come to grips with the fact that the university, and specifically Joe Paterno, did something unthinkable. That being said, I have tangled with the likes of you before and know that arguing is a lost cause. I have more than stated my case and backed up my editorial with credibility. I believe I’m finished here.
The fact “is” there is no evidence of any child telling Joe Patero anything in 1976 or at any other time. That allegation is from an Insurance Company trying not to pay a claim. This claim wasn’t vetted and Penn State, the PA Prosecuters, and a lawyer for Sandusky’s victims all agree the claim is not credible. I’m a Penn State grad and am sick of unsubstantiated allegations being reported as facts. Stop citing what others, who have an apparent bloodlust for deadman, are reporting without evidence-none whatsoever. Cardinal Bernard Law and the Catholic Church facilitated the perpetual molestation of boys NOT Joe Paterno. STOP IT! No one is supporting a child rapist simply b/c they are asking for proof of such acts. One never has to commit a crime but that doesn’t stop one of being accused.
The fact “is” there is no evidence of any child telling Joe Patero anything in 1976 or at any other time. That allegation is from an Insurance Company trying not to pay a claim. This cla im wasn’t vetted and Penn State, the PA Prosecuters, and a lawyer for Sandusky’s victims all agree the claim is not credible. I’m a Penn State grad and am sick of unsubstantiated allegations being reported as facts. Stop citing what others, who have an apparent bloodlust for deadman, are reporting without evidence-none whatsoever. Cardinal Bernard Law and the Catholic Church facilitated the perpetual molestation of boys NOT Joe Paterno. STOP IT! No one is supporting a child rapist simply b/c they are asking for proof of such acts. One never has to commit a crime but that doesn’t stop one of being accused.
The fact “is” there is no evidence of any child telling Joe Patero anything in 1976 or at any other time. That allegation is from an Insurance Company trying not to pay a claim. This cla im wasn’t vetted and Penn State, the PA Prosecuters, and a lawyer for Sandusky’s victims all agree the claim is not credible. I’m a Penn State grad and am sick of unsubstantiated allegations being reported as facts. Stop citing what others, who have an apparent bloodlust for deadman, are reporting without evidence-none whatsoever. Cardinal Bernard Law and the Catholic Church facilitated the perpetual molestation of boys NOT Joe Paterno. STOP IT! No one is supporting a child rapist simply b/c they are asking for proof of such acts. One never has to commit a crime but that doesn’t stop one of being accused.
The fact “is” there is no evidence of any child telling Joe Patero anything in 1976 or at any other time. That allegation is from an Insurance Company trying not to pay a claim. This cla im wasn’t vetted and Penn State, the PA Prosecuters, and a lawyer for Sandusky’s victims all agree the claim is not credible. I’m a Penn State grad and am sick of unsubstantiated allegations being reported as facts. Stop citing what others, who have an apparent bloodlust for deadman, are reporting without evidence-none whatsoever. Cardinal Bernard Law and the Catholic Church facilitated the perpetual molestation of boys NOT Joe Paterno. STOP IT! No one is supporting a child rapist simply b/c they are asking for proof of such acts. One never has to commit a crime but that doesn’t stop one of being accused.
Aaron, my question is what’s the man supposed to say??? First off all we have, as of right now, are allegations. Allegations don’t equal truth. Is he supposed to speak out against him and go on a tirade about how terrible the situation is on allegations? That’s irresponsible. That’s operating on the guilty until proven innocent concept. I listened to the podcast and heard what he said. His point was that we all know people who have done things outside of the law. But that doesnt take away from who they are to you and whatever accomplishments they have. If you’re close to them you don’t judge them if you care about them. Of course no one condones molesting children. But has he been brought up on charges? Is there any evidence? Has he been found guilty? Has he admitted what he did? Until these questions are answered i think we need to fall back.
Garbage article….who ever let Aaron McKrell write this should be fired.
I agree with Aaron 100%. You fukin clowns on here need to wake the fuck up. Ignorant ass chumps.
@Aaron nowhere did he say he was OK with him molesting kids or that he didnt care. You are still twisting his words and we need proof! That’s why you had to write it as a question because KRS-One never said that and you are twisting his words. This is what you wrote “So, because you associate with some less than reputable people, that makes it OK with you if Bambaataa went and molested kids?” You probably still dont see what you did there bc of your rage.
I phrased it as a question as in, “you think this is OK, really?” It’s all there, as Juan stated above. There’s no need to twist it. I don’t think I need to defend myself any further.
American society, this is where u go wrong- shifting blame all the time. U never give a second thought on what u read out in da media. Truth is, hiphop is above everything. Hiphop soldier iam, i don’t give a fuck. Hiphop comes first. Those Harvard mentalities don’t work out here in da streets. I made ma mark at 12, Jesus too. U don’t first get grey-haired to report shit that happened to u at 12, fuck dat. I suggest u shut da fuck up esp dat Dem fuckin’ politician.
You didn’t even read the freeh report on sandusky.you are still molded by media understanding. Read the report on paterno,the man did everything power.this isnt hollywood, if you wanted him to shoot sandusky or bury him the jail himself Iurge you to look up the word emeritus and ask yourself what that word means in to jerry sandusky, and furthermore you to put in paternos/krsones shoes.you are way too petty for merging Bambaataa with sandusky for readers,pathetic actually considering how ill advised you were on this article
“Read the report on paterno,the man did everything power” – Pleeeeeeeasse. He told his boss. That’s it. Everything in his power???? JoePa WAS Penn State. He had all the power in that school. He did his “obligation” to tell his boss. He didn’t follow up with any of it. He didn’t get Sandusky banned from being on campus. He didn’t get the police involved.
JoePa was an enabler by way of doing the least he could do in his position of power.
And it recently came out that JoePa had incidents reported to him as early as the late 70’s. But he did everything in his power….. GTFOH
“Read the report on paterno,the man did everything power” – Pleeeeeeeasse. He told his boss. That’s it. Everything in his power???? JoePa WAS Penn State. He had all the power in that school. He did his “obligation” to tell his boss. He didn’t follow up with any of it. He didn’t get Sandusky banned from being on campus. He didn’t get the police involved.
JoePa was an enabler by way of doing the least he could do in his position of power.
And it recently came out that JoePa had incidents reported to him as early as the late 70’s. But he did everything in his power….. GTFOH
KRS was wrong for his response and Africa is wrong if he did what he is being accused of…. KRS could’ve been like “Yo, that’s my man and all, but if these allegations ring true… I can’t associate with that guy anymore” point blank. But no, he wanted to stick up for his man who he may have had questionable relations with.. But he wants to blame the media for sensationalizing his comments…. HE MADE THE COMMENTS, no one was sensationalizing anything.\
Nice article Aaron.
“For me if you keep it Hip Hop, nothing can be taken away from Afrika Bambaataa…But if you want to dig into dude’s personal life and accusations that’s being made and so on…Personally — me personally – I don’t give a fuck. Look, if somebody was harmed or whatever, y’all gotta deal with that shit. Deal with it. That don’t stop Hip Hop. That don’t stop what you did for Hip Hop. It don’t take away none of it. History is history. But deal with that. That’s personal.”
There is no need to twist his words. I’m quoting what he said word by word…
Aaron this is a nasty response and you are way over-reacting to his statement. KRS said it doesnt take away what he did for Hip Hop so he don’t give a fuck, but if he did that than ya’ll gotta DEAL WITH IT! Meaning, try him in court or whatever ya’ll gotta do. You wrote 7 paragraphs for 2 sentences from KRS-One. You are twisting his words.
It’s much more than two sentences (see above). You’re also ignoring the part about how he attempted to justify why he personally wouldn’t care if Bambaataa did what he is being accused of. I am not twisting any words. Go back and listen to the interview. It’s all there.
The way KRS-One responded to the question during the interview, he was commenting on how historically Afrika Bambaataa will never be taken out because his influence is so tremendous. I think everyone is a little shook from this whole ordeal. KRS-One is a hip-hop figure that we can look to for answers, but he’s still human so don’t expect him to uncomplicate a complex issue.
Youtube is deleting this vid about Zulu Tribes in Africa practicing homo-sexuality. They are saying Bambaataa learned here and created the nation on their principles. TELL STAR! Spread video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_-12eLxmTU ….
Star is the only one in hip hop that has really been speaking on the bambatta case everyone else got their head in the sand i never liked KRS-1 much anyway but he is even more of a dickhead for this dumb shit