Chuck D, always one to speak out on matters concerning Hip Hop, has recently released a letter to Davey D and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur of AllHipHop.com. In the letter, the Public Enemy leader described the state of the culture and more.
“As far as RAP and HIP-HOP, it’s like USA Olympic basketball, the world has parity now and have surpassed the USA in ALL of the basic fundamentals of HIP-HOP – TURNTABLISM, BREAKING, GRAFFITI, and now EMCEEING with succinct mission, meaning and skill. Skill-wise rappers spitting three languages, have created super rappers to move the crowd with intensity and passion. The ‘arrogant’ American comes in blackface, but if there was a HIP-HOP or Rap Olympics, I really don’t think the United States would get Gold, Silver or Brass or even ass for that sake.”
Not only criticizing the art form, he also critiqued Hip Hop news outlets, noting that it needs to improve in the way it documents the culture.
“HIP-HOP NEWS spreads like any other mainstream NEWS in America. The garbage that’s unfit to print has now floated on websites and blogs like sh*t. For example a rapper working in the community gets obscured while if that same rapper robbed a gas station he’d get top coverage and be label a ‘rapper’ while getting his upcoming or current music somewhat put on blast, regardless of its quality which of course is subjective like any other art. RAP sites and blogs are mimicking the New York POST.”
AD LOADING...
In adding to this, he expressed the need to contribute to the community, citing the significant impact this music has today.
“Since the music has so much power, and image has become everything to the point that it can dictate the direction of a person in their life, it is my mission now to really become a ‘freedom fighter’ and stop this radiation. With Jay-Z and others who, for years would faint their worth, the statement of ‘with great power comes great responsibility,’ is more true. Words are powerful and they can both start wars and bring peace. This cannot be taken lightly. Its important for the words to be body with the community. If not one dime of $250 million doesn’t benefit the people who contribute to it then why does that warrant coverage above the will and effort of many in the music who have done great things. Never have so many been pimped by so few. “
Without stopping there, Chuck also aimed his pen at Viacom and others, saying things need to change for the better, in his eyes, and that he intends to do something about it.
“To dictate to a community and not even live or be with the people is offensive. VIACOMs reach into Africa to turn HIP-HOP in to Amerfrica, which is as exploitative as those slave-makers who carried us across on boats. The decisions made in a boardroom in New York City while these cats scurry to their high rises, and suburban mansions from cultural profiteering must stop. And I’m going to do something about it. Never have so many been pimped by so few.”
AD LOADING...
Furthermore, he explained his reasoning for writing this letter, discussing the culture and how he chooses to live in order to steer away from materialism.
“I drive a ’94 Montero, a ’97 Acura, and have no expensive jewelry. There is nothing on this planet materially that is better than myself. This is what I instill in many doing Hip-Hop that nothing is greater than what is given. These games of people doing anything to get things has seeped into my way so therefore witness some radical virtual things coming from me in protecting the art-form of Hip-Hop. Never have so many been pimped by so few. So, I’m going after the few. I’m tired of it.”
