Jay Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne are among the artists who’ve been criticized for not addressing the police killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black man in Ferguson, Missouri.
The rappers were named in an editorial piece written by Reggie Ugwu for BuzzFeed titled “Hip Hop’s Top Tier Goes Silent On Ferguson.” The article celebrates efforts made by other rappers, including Killer Mike and Talib Kweli.
“There has been no word to date from Jay Z, or Kanye West, or Nas, or Lil Wayne — each of who has reaped noteworthy art from righteous indignation in the past,” Ugwu writes.
Other rappers have been vocal regarding their thoughts surrounding the Michael Brown killing. Talib Kweli, J. Cole and Nelly have been among the celebrities visiting Ferguson and joining in protests.
Lupe Fiasco urged his fans to join the police department in the wake of the incident. Sage The Gemini said protests should have been handled differently. Killer Mike also criticized the militarized police presence in Ferguson.
J. Cole and T.I. have released songs inspired by the series of events that have taken place in Ferguson and around the country following the news of Michael Brown’s death.
For more on Ferguson, read this editorial and/or view the clip.
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