Hip-hop Vs. Oprah: Ice Cube Joins 50 Cent and Ludacris
Saturday May 27, 2006
So you thought 50 Cent and Ludacris were the only rappers 'beefing' with talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey? Gangsta rap veteran Ice Cube has joined 50 and Luda in lashing out at Oprah for her anti-hip-hop sentiments. In the July issue of FHM magazine, Cube unveiled his angst: "For 'Barbershop,' she had Cedric the Entertainer and Eve on, but I wasn't invited," says the 36-year-old rapper, referring to his 2002 movie. "Maybe she's got a problem with hip-hop. She's had damn rapists, child molesters and lying authors on her show. And if I'm not a rags-to-riches story for her, who is?"
The verbal war against Oprah began after rapper/actor Ludacris complained that Oprah had been unfair to her during an appearance with his "Crash" co-stars on the talk-show. 50 Cent then joined the outcry saying that Oprah "caters to older white women." Oprah responded to 50's outlash during a surprise appearance on Power 105.1FM, revealing that she even has 50 Cent's "In da Club" on her iPod. "I listen to some hip-hop," she told DJ Ed Lover. "You know, I've been accused of not liking hip-hop and that's just not true." She also defended herself by naming Jay-Z and Kanye West as some of her favorite rappers.
The July issue of FHM hits stands on June 6, the same day Ice Cube's Laugh Now, Cry Later CD is expected in stores.
Photo: © Tracy Bennett
Comments
According to Business Week Oprah’s the most generous black in American history having given a QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS of her OWN MONEY to charity.
I think Luda and 50 cent are UNCLE TOMs. They’re too cowardly to attack the white power structure or Bill O’reilly so they attack the world’s ONLY black billionaire (see Forbes international rich list).
Luda and 50 cent entertain little white boys by calling other blacks the N word and demeaning black women, inspiring black on black violence.
Ice Cube wrote very offensive music about Koreans.
I agree Luck. Ludacris and 50 cent are indeed self-hating Uncle Toms who degrade other blacks for the amusement of little white boys.
Oprah by contrast is building schools in South Africa for girls, because everyone knows that more educated women have fewer children and are more invested in each child. Oprah has given ten times more to the black community that every rapper on Earth combined. These snot-nosed punks can’t even show her some respect.
I’ve said it before… I happen to like Oprah thank you very much!
Oprah is an icon. Bashing Oprah is like bashing Bill Gates or Jay-Z. If I were Oprah, I probably wouldn’t have rappers like 50 Cent and his 12 “posse” members up on stage screaming obscene lyrics that no one would be able to understand because you have 12 posse members that want to be on TV screaming out lyrics, waiving towels around and representing their hood…
As a devoted Oprah viewer, this would be my cue to change the channel. As would many other devoted Oprah watchers. Which means lowered ratings, which means lowered moo-lah. Which means Oprah ain’t havin’ that.
“If I were Oprah, I probably wouldn’t have rappers like 50 Cent and his 12 “posse” members up on stage screaming obscene lyrics that no one would be able to understand because you have 12 posse members that want to be on TV screaming out lyrics, waiving towels around and representing their hood…
As a devoted Oprah viewer, this would be my cue to change the channel. As would many other devoted Oprah watchers. Which means lowered ratings, which means lowered moo-lah. Which means Oprah ain’t havin’ that. ”
Hands down the realest comments ever!
It is all so crystal clear. Ice Cube and 50 Cent have chosen to glamorize and personify violence. It has made them wealthy and famous. Violence, fear and hatred are exactly what Oprah’s show is an antidote for. At least these rappers should have the intelligence to understand and the decency to respect that there are programs that just want to comfort people and give warmth. That is basically the essence of what Oprah does. Respect people’s need for peace and kindness.
Good on you Oprah! I will dispense with the political side of things and cut to the chase. Hip-Hop f***ing sucks (at least the mainstream crap that is force fed to us daily on TV, radio and magazines… oh, and clothing and language and attitude etc etc etc. It is fantastic to see that there is at least one person out there not bowing down and kissing the arse of hip-hop- because, the way it is today, hip-hop is the lowest form of music
Hi I’m 51 year old and I’m in to some rap,Hip-Hop Music, but I’m agree That the N-word should stop,if it not helping our young people, Don’t play it.if u not puting out good,there is no good coming out.I love Oprah,help ouryoung people they need people like rapper,hip-hop to help them,so don’t be a player hater,Help them to move on in to finshing school, become there dream.we need more people like u to help them they are crying out.
Who do 50 cent, Ludacris, and Ice Cube think they are? I am sooo tired of all of these arrogant, egotistical, self-centered rappers crying about being mistreated and misrepresented. Now they wanna try to hate on Oprah?? Oprah does ridiculous amounts of charity work for people all over the world. She helps victims of domestic violence here and abroad, she’s building schools for young girls in Africa who face daily horrors that would send these so-called “gangsta” rappers crying for their mama’s. She’s building homes for Katrina victims, donated millions of dollars for various college scholarships,has pointed out the racial inequities in our public school system. I can’t even remember the last time I heard a rapper speak out against important issues on a local or global scale. They can degrade women, glamorize a criminal lifestyle, and present all kinds of negativity, but then when you call them on it, they wanna play victim. It makes me sick whenever I see a rapper laced with diamonds, who is so self absorbed with his hoes, cars, and bling, has no idea that there is a little 7 year old girl who was kidnapped and forced to work in dangerous diamond minds in West Africa so wealthy white families like DeBeers can profit. Or the 5 month old baby whose arm or foot was cut off as an intimidation factor by rebel armies controlling those mines I think Oprah does have a problem with certain rappers because of what they represent. Ludacris goes all the way to Africa and yet what is he doing? “I’m pimping all over the world..” Next time you go to South Africa, why don’t you visit an AIDS ward, or travel to Uganda and do some humanitarian work, or do something else with your life and for your people, other than dissing Oprah and making Bentley, DeBeers, and Cristal even more wealthy. There is a bigger issue here, and these “artists” don’t get it, and they never will.
As a young Adult, I do believe that these young rappers are jealous of Oprah, because she was the only one who stepped up, represented women, and made a career without cursing, exploiding her body, and giving African Americans a bad name. I’m so proud of her work, and so are other people all over the Nation. Who cares about how much money she has, or what Celebs were on her show. I love that woman because she’s strong, and has a wonderful heart. God bless her.
its obvious that all the comments are by whites or Uncle Toms I happen to agree with 50Cents and Luda Im a black women and never did Oprah come to my neighborhood and give back to the black community Oprah gave money for an all girl school in Africa what about us here in the U.S. Im not African Smart_ _ _ Oprah money going to S. Africa do not count my black community
I am disgusted and disappointed in Luda, 50 cent, Ice Cube and other rappers who want to attack Oprah. Here are a few points: 1) She is worth way more money than them, 2)She has been in the business longer, 3) and lastly it’s her money and her empire, that she created she can do whatever she wants with her money.
I don’t agree with all of her philosophies, but I always celebrate that she is a strong black woman and a positive role model, which is more than I can say for these rappers.
Ice Cube, 50 Cent and Ludacris have absolutely no basis for attacking Oprah! They lack balls and intelligence. They have become extremely wealthy men by glorifying violence, misogyny and ignorance…..which are pertinent issues that are plaguing the black community. They’re too stupid [or dont’give a damn] that they’re perpetuating the problems that they claim that they’re confronting. Oprah doesn’t owe them sh*t! And they don’t need any further platform for their nonsense. They have strenghthened the divide between cultures by perpetuating black stereotypes. While Miss. Winfrey has raised our community’s profile in a POSITIVE way.
I’m 13 black male. Alright to all the people who commented about 50 Cent, Ludacris, and Ice Cube. Have you even bought an album to actually hear the positive things they say. No you havent. And the person who said thier uncle toms who is the uncle tom. Oprah dosent represent me. She never came to my house and said here’s $1,000,000. And if she’s givin back to the community why is the black race, in general,poor. Plus if you read on Oprah’s past she was a cocane addict and did worse things than that. So oviously no one did any resarch on her. You only see her on TV not in real life. People change when they get on camera. You havent sat down and had a conversation with her. So if you ask me Oprah’s the Uncle tom because she dosent do anything for me. Im not in africa, i dont have aids, and i really dont think im getting married anytime soon.
first of all ICE CUBE should know better !!! he was down with PUBLIC ENEMY !!!! HE once represented the real… now it`s about exposure for dollars… SHAME ON HIM !!!! and ludacris is just that !!! with a mike tyson vernacular !!! HOES IN DIFFERENT AREA CODES ??? what is right about anything he says … drivin drunk on tha highway get the f**k out of my way !!! and 50 cents is adding just that to it all…CHRIS get a CLUE !!!
she doesn`t have enough money to save all of black people around the world…and so what if she sinned …everybody did …including YOU , and if you want us to believe otherwise I got beach front property to sell you in ATLANTIS !!! More than enough people will testify on her behalf of what she is doing NOW than those 3 nigro`s who are seriously barking up the wrong tree!!! OPRAH shouldn`t have to do anything for you … DO FOR YOURSELF !!! I do not know what your problem is with africa …but if you hate them YOU HATE YOUR SELF >>> even if your WHITE >>> because ALL HUMANS come from AFRICA>>> MITOCHONDRIA EVE … GET A CLUE !!!! and if you can`t unite with women because you have a pimp em mentality and women are the gateway to all that is born on earth … then YOU might not deserve to be HERE !!!! GET A CLUE !!!
To Tha Real: To tell the truth i have a clue. First of all i’m not some thuged out street gangster my self give me a bit more respect than that. I said im 13 i cant pimp a girl yet and i dont plan to. And i’m talking about positive like the songs: Hate it or love it, Child of the night, and others of that type. I didnt say all there songs are good but in the ones that are positive they leave a good message that you can learn and grow on. Not Pimping. And i didnt say she has to save everyone either. She just blows herself out of porportion for saving about 100 out of 10,000,000 people and says that she’s such a good person. In 9/11 more people were saved by a group of firefighters than oprah saved in her life. So what should they get a talk show and gloat about how much of a success they are over everyone else. I’m trying to do for myself and help people along the way but if i help someone i get a pat on the back and i have no problem with that but if oprah does it she is labeled as a saint with bragging rights. I also never said i have a problem with africa so i agree with you on that all people come from africa. BUT how do we help people when were already struggling with ourselves. And they cant help us with our problems. So the day that Oprah solves all of america’s problems I’ll consider myself wrong but that day dosent seem too close.
Where was this united front when Bill O’Reilly specifically called out Ludacris? Oprah has never explicitly or specifically said anything derogatory about rap in general. But if anyone truly believes that the state of today’s so called “hip hop” community is positive and is moving us forward, then you are one of the lost ones. And what is this attitude that everybody has to bow-down to rappers? Oprah has had Kanye West and P-Diddy on her show. Why? Because they can talk intelligently about other topics like voting rights, education, and discrimination in the health care system. In fact, I would love to see 50 cent on Oprah. I hope Oprah calls their bluff, bring them all on the show, and let them all put their foot in their mouths. I would be more than happy to give these brothers their props if they deserved any.
What a bunch of babies (50 Cent, Ludacris, Ice Cube)”Boo hoo, Oprah doesn’t like me, Oprah won’t have me on her show…” Oprah will have money, power, and respect long after their 15 minutes of fame is up. Ice Cube, you still gonna be making rap albums at age 50??
I am shocked and applauded by the statements that I am reading made for and against Oprah and the rap artist Luda, 50 cent & Ice Cube. I think both positions have some merit and cannot be deemed as someone attacking Oprah just because she is rich. That is bullcrack. We as black people always expect more from each other and I understand Ice Cube asking the question why it is that he was never invited when most of his projects were featured on Oprah. Common courtesy is to ask and I think that would have been simple enough. As for Luda, I watched when he was speaking about crash and he did want to discuss his lyrics but Oprah told him plain and clear she does not agree with his offensive lyrics but think he did a wonderful job in the movie. I think Luda should take that and run with it because no one is going to agree with everything someone chooses to do. Thats life so deal with it. I am finish with my peace.
i think oprah is one of the people i adore and admire. Buti what i think wat she did to ludacris when he appreared on the show was messed up . he didnt do that much talkin until she and sandra bullock mentioned the word “hoes” she was aiming at luda. she act like when they mention “hoes” in their song it means all females which its not true, i think its very stupid. all ya do is seein the negative side of hip hop. they’re a lot of positive side of hip hop. instead of criticizing hip hop, educate yourself about it.
Ok so I’m not black so maybe my opinion doesn’t matter but if Oprah is going to say that she has “In the club” or other rap/hip hop songs on her iPod, first of all she is supporting the habit that she is opposed to. Second of all, I want to see the iPod and all the other songs she has on it. Third, if she is going to say that rap promotes violence or sexual deviancy or whatever, I want to see the evidence. People are getting raped and killed in Africa all the time, is there rap there? There was no Hard Rock in Germany for the Hallicost.
Oprah just likes having power. She had none when she was a kid so now she wants all that she can have. If that means tearing down what people with different opinions like, thats what it means. Most of the people that watch her show are followers. Ok thats a guess but I don’t care. Oprah never lets any one talk, she repeats everyone’s comments like she was the first one to say them and she’s not all that great of a host.
If Oprah wanted to do anything about something she would. I’d say she holds enough power over mindless housewives right now that she can advise them to spend time with kids, listen to their music, talk about important things. But no, lets have crazy man cruise come in and get a little over excited. Lets not do our research when bringing in this guy that totally made up this story. Dan Rather’s gets kicked out but lets forgive Oprah.
She’s mean and bitter and is jealous that these guys came up threw means which were a lot easier than hers. If people didn’t like rap they wouldn’t be so big. People like music because they feel they relate. People don’t like music because they want to be told what to do. Those people watch Oprah’s show.
I have been a fan of hip-hop since the early 80’s. I grew up with bang beats, poetic lyrics and the hip hop culture. I continue to listen to most of today’s hip-hop as well. I know that 50 cent, Ludacris and others are not marketing to me and I do not expect them to try. However, I am also a fan of Oprah. She is a living testament to working hard and being rewarded for that hard work. I think that she appeals to most middle aged women (all races: white & black) because she is positive, speaks her mind and makes no apologies. No it does not bother me that she does not play host to all rappers. This is not her market just like I - a 35 year old working woman with four children - am not the target audience for the hip-hop industry. I do not believe that you will find successful black woman R&B artist and actresses like Gladys Knight, Vanessa Williams or Angela Bassett complaining that they are not invited to discuss weighty hip-hop issues on 106 and Park on BET. One thing that I find interesting is that 50 cent and others make derogatory comments about Oprah - a self made billionaire and black woman. Is it because she made her billions with out compromising her self esteem, helping others if only by holding their hands while they wept or donating money to needy people of all races. I think that they believe that Oprah is an easy target because she will not respond to their comments. They should not confuse her silence with cowardice. She simply has far to much class and dignity for that.
Re: sweettee74’s comments. I am a black woman as well and I will admit that I do not watch the Oprah Winfrey show on a regular basis. However, you are obviously out of touch with reality if you believe Oprah has done nothing for local African American communities. Perhaps you should research what Oprah has and has not done for African Americans in the United States. You will find that your comment about her is untrue. Perhaps the real reason you bashed Oprah is because she hasn’t personally rung “your” bell and given “you” anything. She’s only one person, yet she has helped millions of African American people in America and abroad. Give credit where it’s due. Stop Oprah hatin sweettee74! The question you should be asking yourself is what are you doing for your African American community locally?
Thank you Oprah for not supporting the hip-hop industry and their moguls. As a high school teacher, I see the influence of this music on a daily basis. I also see the influence of other self degradating main stream areas,such as violent video games, that are changing the youth of today into puppets of ignorance. Oprah has the power to stand up and be heard. If I was in her shoes I would do the same thing. Luda, 50, and Ice Cube should volunteer to spend at least 1 year in the field of education before they cry about being dissed by Oprah and that goes for all the other “industry giants” making millions off teenagers in such a deplorable manner.
Oprah has forgotten where she came from and who she was and what she was percieved as…a black woman…
Back in her days a black FEMALE was lowest in the totem pole…
Hierarchy used to be White man—White woman–dog or horse– Black Man–Black Woman–.
Don’t kill the messenger.
Not creating the news.. just reporting it.
She has forgotten of all of the suffering and LIVES that people have laid out to EVEN give her the opportunity to be where she is now.
Sad.
Worst of all, she uses her money to sway people into thinking she’s a humanitarian.
Buy sh*t in Africa…give away cars….
Please…
Only reason she’s doing that is because she has to or feels she has to for appearences…not including tax benefits.
I don’t see any of that coming sincerely from her heart.
I might be right, I might be wrong…
But that’s my true take on her.
35/F/DC snow white puerto rican….
reason for the snow white adjective… but that’s later…
my fingers are tired….
;oP
Happy Holidays all.
M~
Grandeur like hers tends to occur to people that come from nothing.
P.S.
Tired of people blaming hip-hop or rap for people’s behavior.
There is a difference between hip hop and rap.
Hip hop tends to do it for the money, bling…hollow entertainment..
Rappers use theis tonge, lips, VOICE to tell their story or view of daily MF life.
Real s*it.
Of course now some walk the fine line between hip hop and rap for monetary reasons….some rappers can do it on their own without crossing over…
But..most of the s*it they say is a DAILY reality for them.
If the fact that people actually experience that life is even considered by anyone to be offensive or to influence anything negative in anyone is absurd.
Fkn nuts.
Don’t deal with rap if you can’t appreciate the reality in most of it.
Stay out of the kitchen if you can’t take the heat.
Don’t kill the messenger.
Rap doesn’t create the news…it reports it!!!
deal with it.
35/F/dc…Snow white puerto rican…
HH.
M~
M, 35/F/dc…Snow white puerto rican, or whatever you want to call yourself, I have four words for you and the majority of the people who have felt the need to bash Oprah on the hiphop/rap subject…ILL INFORMED, IGNORANT and RUDE. You definitely know very little about Oprah, her accomplishments, or the charity she has provided for people of all RACES within the United States and abroad.
I am an African American woman and I think it is pure ignorance and prejudice for you to think just because Oprah is African American she should only give to African Americans within the United States. Need and despair has no color. It’s funny how the complaints you Oprah bashers seem to have in common is that she gives charity to people in Africa.
It’s also funny how you state Oprah has forgot where she came from. I beg to differ…she has hardly forgotten that her roots are in Africa.
Ms. M, 35/F/dc…Snow white puerto rican, or whatever you want to call yourself, love conquers need and despair, and Oprah seems to have a lot of that.
It astonishes me to see the kind of vitriol directed at Oprah simply because she expressed her thoughts on the genre of hip hop. I had a lot of respect for Ice Cube when he was with Public Enemy. What happened? To see him team up with misogonists like 50 (fitty) cents and Ludracris is pathetic!! Oprah has done an enormous amount of good and I suspect that she will continue to do so. Let the critics step up to the plate and make their contribution to society. I don’t like to hear women referred to as ‘bitches and hoes’. I often wonder what these rappers’ wives, girlfriends, sisters, grandmothers etc. think about being ‘immortalized’this way. Fitty, Ludracris and Ice, chill and make some worthy contribution to society. You all cannot be Oprahs, but you can certainly help to make the world in which you live a better place. That’s what she is doing. To Cilvie I say there is hip-hop with positive messages but they seldom get the airplay they deserve. Whether we agree with Oprah or not we have to admit that she has made a difference. For your information, people in South Africa do listen to American rappers so before you say deepest dark Africa does not hear them, do some research.
For the record, I am a 59 year old woman whose musical taste ranges from classical music, reggae, rock and roll, soul music and yes, hip hop.
First of all, anyone 13 years old (Chris) should be somewhere doing their homework and chores, not dipping in grown folks business. I don’t tell you who to play with at recess and I don’t need you to enlighten me on Oprah. Now back to the adults.
I find it amazing the way the “yunguns” of today disrespect their elders, ie., Fiddy, Luda, BowWow etc. Fiddy is as misguided as they come. Didn’t I hear that he calls himself being a Republican. This drug dealing, gang banging, 1/2 illiterate, food stamp using fool gets a little money, moves out of the hood into Mike Tyson’s old house and becomes a Republican. So much for “keeping it real” and being down for his people. See, the rappers will sing about your despair (because it sells cd’s) but trust me, they don’t want any of yo poverty rubbing off on their Gucci, Prada, Rolex wearing reality. If they wanted to relate to you they would have kept living next to you. The only time they need you is when they need a new hook for their song. Now, what rhymes with Bitch? See, the company execs have this whole stereotype of what “Black” is and they need these sell outs/uncle toms to “keep it real” so the little white kids can feel all “gangsta”. Luda should know better because he has a daughter (the bitches/hoes lyrics) but I guess when his daughter gets old enough for some guy to call her out of her name he’ll just stand there with a bottle of Christal and sing “Hoes in Different Area Codes.” Ole A$$ Ice Cube just needs to shut up, he’s driving car pool for his kids so he knows the whole “I’m still hard” crap is just an act. Here is a black female (Oprah) that is doing POSITIVE things and being an example for our young black females and who’s giving her a hard time FIDDY, BOWWOW (who still hasn’t reached adult height) and LUDA. Who has done more harm to the black community than drug dealing, gang banging Fiddy? Oprah offers our young women an example of leadership, class and entrepreneuralship whereas FIDDY, LUDA etc., offers us VIDEO HOES. Let’s see would I rather my daughter grow up to be like Oprah or a video ho? Huh, tough choice!! Now FIDDY probably couldn’t read his own interview if you put a gun to his head, but he’s dissing Oprah. The embarrassments and sell outs to the black community are the drug dealers, gang bangers and artist that degrade our women, glorify violence and stereotype our people. I can relate to Oprah. I came from a generation where we heard “Say It Loud I’m Black And I’m Proud”. We stood for strength, unity, education and the human spirit, everything Oprah embodies and tries to pass on to the next generation.
50 Cent:
You need to get out of your own head and grow up. Your ego aside, thug life is but a fraction of the overall black experience. You have your audience, Oprah has hers. In the business world both rappers and talk show hosts have market value among people of all races.
But to address your beef in particular, for many of us there’s more to life than chasing bling and booty, and other interests and pursuits makes us no less black. If being more like 50 Cent, Ludacris, and Ice Cube is all we should ever aspire to be what a sorry world this would be!
I’d rather live in Oprah’s world any day alongside the many black artists, writers, students from around the world who will grow to shape our future, and many others who have benfitted from her support after tragedy both personal and national than in a world domineered by the influences of the likes of 50 Cent.
I like 50, luda & I am a big Cube fan
However I believe they call the show Opra for a reason,,,Its her show.
If she would like to have Rappers on he show or not its her choice.
All three of these individuals have been on several talk shows & do not need Opra to further their careers.
Its unfortunate that Rappers have gotten spoiled to the point where they are behaving like Hollywood actors.
STOP WHINING & SPEND YOUR MILLIONS PEACEFULLY
I’m a rap fan. I’m also a young black man. I’ve read every single comment on here. Some I agree with and a lot I disagree with. I think a lot of you are missing the point of where these rap artists are coming from. They actually do a lot of good for charity, but you guys don’t know that because they do it for the hood…where they were brought up. Also, when a rapper does donate to cahrity, nobody talks about it. They want to get on the show so they can also display the good they have done outside of what they do in the music world. You can’t downplay rap and say it’s crap because you don’t like them using the “n” word and hoes and things like that. You can’t downplay something you have no idea about, nor did you invest the time to research it before you made ignorant comments about it. Remember, these rappers are a product of their environment. They are not speaking to young white men whey they rap…why would they? Young white men cannot relate to what these rappers are talking about. It just so happens that the world these rappers live in are very intriguing to these young white men so they buy the music. The rappers are talking to other people they can relate to and have no control over who buys it. I think you’re getting mad at the wrong people. Hip hop is a great form of music because it tells a story. Don’t get me wrong…the hoes and bling and all that does get very old. But that’s all you here because that’s all the radio plays. You’re being very ignorant when you say that’s all hip hop is about. There are PLENTY artists out there who have more to say than just that. I.E. Common, Talib Kwali, Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest. There’s a lot more musice out there that is worse that white people make. All that crazy satanic heavy metal is probably worse than hip hip. Country doesn’t always talk about the greatest things either. I’ve heard some messed up country songs in my day. To all you people and parents who think hip hop is ruining your kids…i say how about trying harder as an adult and parent. Maybe control what your kids listen to and stop blaming your problems with kids on everyone else.
To GB:
I agree with some of your comments. There are some positive rappers out there such as Common, Mos Def, Tribe Called Quest etc., but how often do you hear their music on the radio? The ones that are making the money are the ones that sing about sex, violence and the degradation of women. They can call a woman anything, call eachother anything but as long as it has a good beat and a nice hook they don’t care because they know it will sell! You have idiots like Snoop Dog who glorifies weed smoking like it’s the second coming of Christ and can’t leave home without Bishop Don Juan on his left hip and he’s making more money than Mos Def. Does that make sense? So you might be saying “Snoop gives to charity” heck, that’s the least he could do. If he wasn’t giving it to charity it would just be going to the weed man anyway. Sometimes people do what is easiest. Giving money may be easier than monitoring your lyrics, loosing sells because you won’t rap about certain things in other words taking a stand. Some of these guys have plenty of money so giving it away is no problem it’s integrity that they lack. Integrity is something that can’t be brought and neither can class.
Has anybody forgot the age group she markets too? It’s more of an age group and behavorial traits of people that see wants to market to. I’ve seen conservative black, white and hispanic women. I’ve heard many adult black women saying they don’t like some hip-hop music because of it’s lyrical content. It’s really starting to sicken me to see some african-americans always making race the issue, to the point where there racism happens towards other groups from them. I’m a hispanic women who’s relatives don’t like reggeton music(spanish rap) because of it’s lyrical content and you would never hear me or anyone else calling them racist cause they don’t like the sexually demening lyrics. Also, the fact that 50 cents sold crack, causing more harm to his own community then Oprah has ever caused to the whole US community, takes all his credibility away. It shows that no matter who it hurts, him and other rappers only care about themselves. They don’t care who they disrespect or who they cause harm to in order to get, a record contract or fame or even new “rims” is pathetic and I for one would rather have more socially responible and progress people representing a culture like Oprah Winfrey then a drug dealer who makes money off someone else’s misfourtune.
(sigh)
I have read every comment on this forum. Both sides pose good points. HOWEVER… Wait, firstly, when the HELL was Ice Cube with Public Enemy???? Ice Cube was one of the founders of N.W.A. along with Eazy E, Daz, Mel Man, and Dr. Dre, get ya facts straight. However… Truth be told, Oprah DOES cater to MIDDLE AGED WHITE WOMEN. My mother only watches her show when she features Tyler Perry because she’e in love with his plays/movies,etc… Not saying that my mother holds the demographic interest of All older black females, but in the “hood” where we live, no ones relating to Oprah, Dr. Phil, or whomever she might have put on. Now… You people fail to realize that these ARTISTS, which is exactly what they are, are self made millionaires themselves. No one said, “Hey, let me give you a million dollars to rap”. Ludacris started out selling CD’s out the trunk of his car in ATL. To come from THAT to becoming a multi-platinum record seller/critically acclaimed actor/household name is astounding to say the least. People need to understand that us, as black males have it hard enough. THE SYSTEM IS NOT DESIGNED FOR US. Its sad to say, however, when Dave Chapelle said (when referring to a black kid) “if you wanna make money you’ve got to learn to…. play basketball or rap n*gga its hopeless son!” (LoL) He was RIGHT. Unless of course you want to work for someone else your entire life. And as a young black man that happens to be blessed with the talents of lyricism/storytelling in rhyme, I urge anyone that does Not want to become the NORM, go out and start your own business, work on your craft to the fullest and Find your Purpose, whatever it may be so that you can be your own Boss instead of slaving away at that 9-5 that you never really wanted. I’ll bet not ONE of the persons in this forum (that mean’s you) is living the life you’ve always dreamt about. You dreamt of having a mansion, acres apon acres of land, and NOT waking up at 6 in the morning to sit @ your cubicle. Truth be told, we don’t have many outlets to be what we really want to be. I know people with college degrees that are still living PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK. So I stand up for these artists, they came from the bottom of bottoms and have come so far. Give them that respect. I haven’t even touched on all the topics I wanted to on this issue but I think this is acceptable for now.
I have been following these comments for a couple of weeks. It appears that there is still a divide between the hip-hop faithful and the Oprah loyalists. Maybe I can add another perspective to the argument. You may recall, back in 1998, the beef industry sued Oprah because they believed that comments she made during an episode about mad-cows disease caused a sharp decline in beef consumption. (For the younguns, you were probably still in pre-school!) During a show aired in April of 1996, Oprah proclaimed that she had eaten her last hamburger. The day after the show aired, cattle prices started falling and they continued to drop for two weeks! Several cattlemen sued and Oprahs lawyers won.
Getting to my point: What do you think would happen if she had a panel of rappers on her show and through crafty editing (it is her show, you know) it appeared that she lambasted each rapper. “Shame on you, shame on you…” If an off handed remark about not eating a big mac can send the beef industry spiralling into bankrupcy, what do you think could happen to the careers of hip-hop new comers. 13 year olds listen to hip-hop, but their mothers are the ones giving them the money for it. Sure, little Johny can get his rap fix from the internet but you can’t by bling with online downloads. Maybe Oprah is doing the hip hop industry a favor by not ambushing them on national television to an audience of 23 million middle aged women. That 23 million doesn’t count her worldwide viewership either.
Parting shot - When UPN airs it’s first episode of the 50 Cent Show, he can NOT invite Oprah. Ain’t karma grand?
In response to Boss B: You sound like you are intelligent. I agree with you on a few points, i believe that self made people who are enjoying the fruits of their labor should be applauded and rewarded for their efforts, I am currently working towards my bachelors in communications and hope to one day open my own business teaching basic job skills to all those single parents who are struggling to put food on the table. However Boss, the point is that a lot of rappers are making their millions off of the misfortune of poverty stricken minorities who have not had a positive representative since Dr. King. or Malcolm X. More than 67% of all black boys in this country do not have a father or positive male role model in their lives, and their mothers are too busy working trying to keep food on the table and a roof over every ones heads to take the time necessary to help with homework,which is necessary for a chance at college. Also, if these over worked moms cant afford much they probably dont have their kids in extracurricular activities to keep them out of trouble. So what are the poverty stricken minority kids in america doing with their spare time? They are bopping to rap music that unfortunately glorifies disrespecting women,like rappin to their young and impressionable minds that women aint nothin but bitches, tricks and hos, and that in order to get respect, they need to be aggressive, angry pimps who need to sell crack or degrading cd’s in order to make it in america! Like i said Boss, you sound intelligent, but think about all the not so intelligent boys and girls in the hood and elsewhere that just want to get out of poverty and make it. They truly believe that respect, education, love of their female counterparts and a determination to do something besides getting a recording contract so that they can spout disrespectful rhymes, is basically the only and the best way to make it! I agree with 50 when he says “Get rich or die tryin,” but lets please show love for our youth and their uncertain futures by showing them to find their talent, skills and how they can contribute to the plight of their people and their communities. Blacks especially need more politicians, teachers, community leaders and degreed professionals, we have enough “niggas” pimps, and baby daddys! Oh, yeh, Oprah is tryin to do her part, why isnt 50 tryin to do his?
Anyone wit a brain knows that this lash on Oprah is cause 50 aint gettin Oprahs audience. It’s about the money. If Oprah supported his garbage, what would that say about her? This issue is a joke to her for sure. Truth is that the white folks pay to see Oprah. Not the black folks. This is true with piracy and all that. 50 knows this. That’s why he’s pissed. Don’t make me remind you all who is really at fault for all the black and white issues in this greedy country. What about the African slave trade from way back. You can blame Africa for sellin off their own people as slaves to the US. And why is it that the Irish, then the Jews, then the hispanics could make it in this country quicker than most blacks? The answer is simple. Opression. Look that up in the dictionary before you even think about speekin knowledge. Truth is, the weak die off and only the strong survive. It’s nature. The answers are all around you. You refuse to see em. Peace.
The last time I checked, Ludacris, Ice Cube, and 50 Cent were some of the richest entertainers in the world. How can anyone say the black community in general is poor? I’m black. I’m not poor. Don’t generalize. It’s wrong. I totally agree with Oprah. She does not want to give her stage over to people who are being hunted down by gunmen. I wouldn’t let 50 Cent anywhere near me. Not all rappers are violent, and not all rappers are black. Have you ever seen Eminem on her show? I don’t think this has one thing to do with color. Maybe she just fears that having hip hop artists perform on stage is a danger to her, and maybe she does not want to be held responsible for it. It’s her show, and she can do whatever she chooses with her airtime. Get off her back!!!
um…wow, 50,luda and ice cube….dissing oprah is sooo not kool. can’t beleive anyway aucually could, conisdering how much she contributed to the society,and just that she’s a flat-out brilliant,amazing person. Just cuz she didn’t feature u on her show doesn’t mean u should act like big babies and diss her in one of ur stupid raps.
and saying she caters to older white women, i wuz like wth? ur just saying that cuz ur vindictive. Shame on u.
u guyz really suck.
I been listening to rap since the days of Biggie vs. Tupac. Yet, I don’t think it has hurt me in any way… I’m noting toting a gun, I go to an Ivy League now. I agree that Oprah has done many wonderful things through her charities. Still, I do think she is a bit much. She does indeed contradict herself. Furthmore, she seems to feel free to put down anyone she deems unworthy (in other words people who don’t have the exact same ideas and ideals as her.) It’s almost like tag-teaming since she has an entire audience to back her up and intimidate the unlucky guest. Actually, it could be viewed as a subtle form of the crazy booing and cheering that went on when Jerry Springer had a show. That being said, I do think Oprah’s a charitable woman and an inspiring woman (given that she has risen from poverty, abuse, and other indignations.) However, I think she should try to show respect for others who’ve also made their way to the top.
Just my opinion
what a bunch of lames, who cares. It’s ALL real, so just live.
most of you oprah fans are just like any other.you can’t look past them,especially,when she’s bashing guys,rappers etc.on her show.if you take the time to “LISTEN” to what cube,50 and luda saying and ignore the cuss words,you’ll fully undErstand what they’re saying.you might have been in these situations when YOU “HEAR” and “FEEL” it in their lyrics.they respected oprah by not using profanity and didn’t get chance to express themselves.so,i’m with you rappers,and anybody who know how it is,to be treated in this way.if you a grown man/women,you’ll look at this in a more reasonable way.that’s realtalk and i’m out,BASH THAT!!!! p.s.if you don’t know,now you know!
hip hop isnt a low form of music. once one understands the concept that it is a music of expression of a certain voice, then we can proceed. in the light of 50 cent’s comments on oprah about hip hop, ice cube had every right to follow up and say well maybe 50 is right. Because he wasnt invited while others from HIS movie were….why? because he is also a hip hop artist???
ITs Like ME
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To GB:
I mean all the stuff you talk about is based on contradiction. Its like you are saying its ok to go out and destroy the black youth and then turn around and give them a dollar.
Mixed Messages is what I call them here are some examples and then you tell me are mixed messages beneficial to our communties?
1. Bet talks about Rap-it-up but after the comercial plays a song that promotes unprotected sex and all other kind of women degrading messages. (Not to mention the high cases of AIDS within black communities).
2. Cash money millionaries giving a couple of thousands to the victims of diamond slavery and then turn around and buy a jewelry peice that cause over 500,000 dollars or should I say the cost of a mansion around their neck or their wrist.
3. Better yet 50 cent donates a 1000 dollars to a black school for some texbooks and then tell the kids his albums drops the next day, and buy the way cop my G-unit sneakers/clothing.
To Boss B: Thats BS talking about that is all black men are good for playing basketball and etc. Well let me tell you a thing a two in numbered sentences and then I will ask you a question.
1. Why did you think slaves were beaten and killed if they picked up a book and read? Dummy this why! Because education and knowledge is power. It is a peice of work thats in your mind and can’t not be taken from you. On the other hand playing basketball, and rapping, and etc will soon wear down and be done early in a person life span; not to include injuries or better yet your album flopped you will be done earlier. You see I call it genocide where its the fact that your conditioned to think you are only breeded for sports and rapping.
2. Let me ask you this who do you think control the sports world or the music entertainment business? Hint: Hint: The people who are probally got business degress and so on and are highly educated.
3. Last but not least the way they have black men thinking is the only way out
is buy using your body and not your mind. Hey its funny Bun B How Slaves didn’t use they strong body and played sports to escape slavery or better yet sold song humming records to get their way out of slavery huh did they?
First, Oprah has a right to not have rappers on her show if she chooses. but don’t give me that holy crap she preaches and what I been reading. Everyone wants rappers to stop talking about their culture. When in reality if you want them to stop then fix their culture first. Funny how no one gets that rap didn’t create what they sing about they sing about what they know. If you shut them up to sing about white picket fences and flowers than guess what no one is going to talk about the drugs, the gangs and the guns and so on in their community. And it’s a shame people with the power of Oprah and Mr. Cosby wants to shut off the voices and I don’t see them talking about these issues at all and how to fix them. If you give rappers white picket fences and flowers guess what maybe that’s what they will rap about.
all a u shud stfu. 50 cent and luda makes a ot of sense, oprah has become a white person. and i agree with 50 cne when he said that oprah was an “oreo” cuz she’s black outside but she’s really white inside the middle. fuken bytch
all a u shud stfu. 50 cent and luda makes a ot of sense, oprah has become a white person. and i agree with 50 cne when he said that oprah was an “oreo” cuz she’s black outside but she’s really white inside the middle.
I like grapes tooooooo. i am cool .Im your home
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Having a thought is fine teaching that your thought is a fact when in essence you just don’t know anything else is wrong. preaching that women are all sluts and Hos because you choose to date sewer sludge is just plain wrong. Make better choices and rap about real life and real women instead of those prostitutes they keep trying to make wives.
I agree that many of todays rappers are not doing anything towards the advancement of their culture and that its not right to have 50g neclaces and donate 5g to a charity, but Oprah clearly contradicts herself by saying that she likes the song In Da Club because it mentions drugs, hoes, and basically everything shes supposedly against, how can u trust anything she says about hip hop after hearing that.
I do not understand what all the hoop-la is about, whats wrong with how the rappers spend their money, they are living the lifestyle of the rich and the famous, a perfect example robert leech show the lifestyle of the rich and famous and their materalistic life style, nobody made a big deal out of it, no was so overly concerned about how the rich and famous live influencing the young people, or anybody elses’ apirations to become rich, so what’t up with the hoop-la, people young and old want the best of things, no one has to be influenced to want a luxury car top of the line or diamnds and pearls, there’s a saying diamonds are a girls best friend, if you have the money the life style of the rappers is not an allusion, if you don’t have the money, maybe it will influence people to strive to educate themselves, or make their own rap songs, the biggest thing people should be concerned about is the lyrics the message, I don’t like rappers is an ignrant remark, it’s like saying I don’t like pop singers or jazz singer, why because they are people, thats all just people, but it’s what they sing about that is important, then again some of the rappers lyrics tell a sad story in their own way, the world of music is always evolving, so just let it be.
Wow! This young 13 year old brother, Chris, is really lost & confused. He has no idea of the reality of things. Of course Oprah represents you… she was dirt-poor from the South and she worked hard and rose to become the mogul she is today. Why would you not want this to rep you, young bro.??? I was a female hip hop promoter before you were born and since; the music changed from empowerment of Public Enemy & KRS-One to bling bling & foolishness. Would you accept someone at the store referring to your mother or sister as a bit** or Hoe??? You NEED to read about Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey instead of listening to the other ignorant brothers like Ludacris and 50 Cents. Why even compare Oprah with firemen of 9/11???? Is that all the history you know??? Hmmm… perhaps because you’re a mere 13, you TRULY know no better. Hopefully, since you’re 14 now, I think you should focus on Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, dead prez instead of clowns like Ludacris who has done NOTHING for the Black community other than attack a positive sister like Oprah. Please try to see that NO GOOD can come from Black men attacking Black women!!!!
Abstract should grow up!
Why is it that when Black people decide to become educated, speak properly, dress appropriately, they are considered by other Black folks to be “oreos”??? You are an IGNORANT FOOL because you OBVIOUSLY don’t have any self-respect. This is coming from a Black woman to an ignoramus like you.
Oprah Winfrey can do whatever she wants on her show. She’s earned it. What have you earned? Nothing! You make a strong point by abbreviating all these curses in your postings; you show that you are simple minded, uneducated and an “oreo”! I’m simply tired of so-called Negroes like you fronting to rep my Black community. You NEED to visit the mosque & get educated at the Nation of Islam. No minister there would allow you to attack your sister as you do.
You only show that YOU, INDEED, are the true OREO.
if you didn’t notice…they have lashed at whites, so get it right. Oprah is just racists against her own color. And if you can have someone who rapes your children on a show…aa few bad words wouldn’t hurt either, NOW WOULD IT?
If i worked from the botttom up to make it big like “O” I probably would be indifferent—but to not have Luda on the show for the movie “Crash” because he is a rapper IS wrong—if you are a hip hop head that can relate to Oprah, it let’s one down. I have to say that my opinion is biased because she had my Great-Uncle and Great-Aunt on the show…it was a special about a BIG family sticking together during a time of opperession. This is good and creates a warm feeling to anyone watching whose family went thru this form of mistreatment and struggle. I suppose to show a struggle for the common goodness reaches all of us…. But I could care less how much she gives to charity….
46664 is the Mandela organation for fighting global AIDS….But if you have a billion dollars why can’t you cure aids??? There are cures for it but they don’t want to release it…Do YOUR OWN RESEARCH DUMBASSES! REALLY— YOU WILL BE SURPRISED!!! It would destroy the grandchild of this trickle-down Reganomics structure we have blindly help to root more deeply into our economy. She doesn’t fix the problem (because it will form another) but she’ll help to maintain her good name. She needs to transcend it all — she has the power to be one of the world’s greatest leaders to take the next step…. ALL WORLD LEADERS KNOW—–It seems like she has lots of money—but America does not have money —why? ONCE AGAIN DO YOU RESEARCH!!! That’s why we get in wars people, and warm feelings are involved in sports, and music, to keep our minds off of the REALITY. People can’t understand why certain songs are what they are—-Truth is, they all struggle in perspective to what they can do—but do you live your life as a servant only when it’s convenient? “OK GOD, I’m GONNA REALLY CURE AIDS WHEN I RETIRE) What about here? When it’s all said and done she is human like everyone—And I think this “money issue” everyone is stuck on is a futile argument…Oprah has more than them—but they have more than you (stupid)…
There has to be a balance and if Oprah chooses not to have hip hop acts on her show (There ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT SPEAK ON MORE RELEVANT ISSUES THAN OBAMA’s CAMPAIGN).
She sets agendas for what people think on a much bigger scale—so if doesn’t wish to embrace our culture (or it’s metamorphosis) we don’t care what she has to say—I don’t want her to come off the air—but it seems like a double standard….Because Oprah made it doesn’t mean that everyone will—BUT WHO CARES—”TO MUCH IS GIVEN MUCH MORE IS REQUIRED”—Everyone writing about how much she gives, that’s cool, but who cares? What matters is the end result…I can make it look like I’m making a change, but how many people die daily that Oprah’s organizations are not helping—the point is to make allies to get them on your same common goal — not make enemies within your own community— JAy-Z has been one of the biggest drug-dealer turned mogul in the business…but these individual can reach people she can’t because the generations before mine watch her—Not my generation—-Why doesn’t she speak out against Bill Oreily? She cares about more prevalent issues (to her), and artist make us feel good just as her show does when not talikng about certain speaking on contemporary issues in our little habitats and how they affect us….Or else they are all just news reporters!!! I just see too many self-righteous hypocrites—join your community and help the kids…Thou without sin cast the first stone…Yall would rather live as one of Oprah’s poodles (whom she is leaving 30 million), than be a HUMAN with your own minds—
wah, wah, wah……All you people sound like crying children. Some one call wah one one so the wambulance can take you away. I dont even like hip hop myself but people. Get a life really. Oprah dont care about anyone except herself. Her show blows and not to mention, she is so fake. Cry me a river people. Oh yeah. G. Bush can kiss my A**. Bring on Mrs. Clinton.
I used to like Oprah, She’s gotten a bit too arrogant.
You clowns are the worst kind of racist. I could only read so many of these hideous comments but it is obviouse to me a 27 year old black male that THE ONLY BLACK PEOPLE THE OLDER GENERATION RESPECTS ARE THOSE WHO ACT AS WHITE AS POSSIBLE. Why is it that an old racist like Imus says something offensive about our race and the first thing you so older so=called (wise) people do is criticize blacks. You should be ashamed of yourselves (you have been completely brainwashed) and you are helping to ban freedom of speech. Oprah caters to an audience and if you black you are not the audience I’m talking about (you know that. I have no problem with what Oprah does on her tv show I have a problem with the subconscious attempt to ban freedom of speech as long as it concerns rap.
Look at what this is doing to us. Instead of doing your best to join forces with young black america and earning our respect by protecting our culture and freedom of speech you do everything in you power to destroy what we have built. If you were to help us and earn our respect then maybe you’d have some influence over the culture and decisions made whether it be via music or otherwise.
It’s crazy how Bush terrorizes both the U.S and Iraq and calls everyone who is not with him a terrorist.
Just like elder blacks praise Martin Luther King but turn around and do everything in their power to ban freedom of speech for young african americans.
Where are you heads at ?
If you want something to change in hip hop stop attacking us and start helping us.
Oprah may represent you but she disgust me
Why doesn’t she want to talk to us ?
Does she not want us to have our own opinions and minds.
Why is it that Quinton Tarrentino is praised for movies like hostile where people are chopping off heads ?
Why are other forms of entertainment free to do whatever it take to create action thrillers (horror) but when a rapper mentions a gun he is crucified by his own kind and the media ?
Have any of you ever listened to the cruel things that go on in politics ?
Are american politicians not 10 times worse then rappers ? (they kill people by the thousands and you clap for them every time you see them.
Do hookers (hoes)not exist ?
Why do video girls do everything they can to get in a rap video and complain about the sexual content in rap as soon as they become a success ?
Why is the porn industry not attacked as we are ? (because you can pick on the lil guy but you can’t beat the big dog)
Why are pimps hated throughout society but Hugh Hefner is praised and gets a tv show about him and all of his hoes ? (Where is Al Sharpton on that issue ?)
If you don’t like rap don’t listen it’s truly the worst thing you can do to us.
Also when your done hanging all the Afro American football/basketball players to protect your precious morals (or animals) in which god gave to man to slaughter and eat as they do by mass amounts in factories owned by whites what do you with the rest of us give us applications for Tyson or Pepperidge Farm so we can kill animals legally ?
Don’t let the media brainwash you Abstract 13) is smarter than a lot of you older folks that commented previously because he speaks for an untarnished mind and all you can do is say he is lost.
But no my friends you and all you daily Oprah watchers you are lost.
Why have the protest over the 2000 and 2004 elections come to a halt yet we know there is a criminal in office (in more ways than one) yet the war on rap has benn on since around 1990.
To all you pro blacks out there who spend your time trying to deny rappers there rights you should be glad to know you are being laughed at by the people in office.
Don’t have much time but I’ll leave a few thoughts. this blog already goes back about a year and no conclusion in sight. then again i didn’t read everything. No matter who you are you can learn something from someone else. And not learn to say f— ‘em but to understand them. Everyone has a valid point in the argument with oprah and everyone including oprah is being self-centered no matter who you speaking up for. No matter how real the lryics are there are parts that get into the minds of us all and perputate harmful images and thoughts. No matter how caring you maybe there are parts of hip hop that reflect a need for change that you’re fighting against. REAL CHANGE COMES WITH UNDERSTANDING!!
white people hating on hip hop!
OKAY FiRST OF ALL HiP HOP iS GOOD AND iS A FORM OF ART iF WANT TO BELiEVE iT OR NOT.YOU DONT GO AROUND TELLiNG ARTiST TO STOP PAiNTiNG NAKED PiCTURES BECAUSE iT OFFENDS YOU. HiP-HOP iS A PART OF AFRiCAN AMERiCAN HiSTORY AND A WAY OF LiFE.EVERY ONE THAT TALKS DOWN ON iT NEEDS TO HOP OFF AND LET THEM DO THEM BECAUSE YOU KNOW WHAT THEY GETTiNG MONEY JUST LiKE ANYONE ELSE AND YOU SHOULD BE GLAD THEY DOiNG iT LEGALLY. OPRAH HAS HER OPiNiON JUST LiKE ANYONE ELSE AND SHE iS iNTiTLED TO iT BECAUSE HER SHOW iS TARGETED TO OLDER PEOPLE, iDO FEEL THAT AS BLACK MEN THEY SHOULD SUPPORT HER FOR WHAT SHE HAS DONE OVER THE YEARS.i DO FEEL THAT GOiNG ON LiKE THiS iS QUiTE CHiLDiSH AND iT SHOULD NOT TAKE A 14 YEAR OLD TO SAY iT.
This blog goes back a whole year. Since that how exactly has the concerned issue affected all your lives. Just take a minute and think about it. It is your interest that fuels the money that all theses entertainers are getting. Its a tought world and if so rappers like 50 and Luda rap about bitches and hoes and make money so be it. In the end both parties rappers and Opera get much publicity which they need to get money. However u look at it it still plays to their advantage and they make money from it through sales and reviews so just let it be and get on with ur life. In the end, life goes on…
I will say 50 and Luda might not be material but you have to give Ice Cube his means to an end. Yes he is a rapper but he has helped create and push a lot of black actors such as Chris Tucker. Everyone wants to defend but what makes his accomplishments andy less. What rapper has made their own movies across the big screen like cube……so don’t just look at the man and what he use to do look at what he has accomplished as a black man in america!!!!!
for the record ludacris spoke out and continues to speak out against bill o reily
It is all so crystal clear. Ice Cube and 50 Cent have chosen to glamorize and personify violence. It has made them wealthy and famous. Violence, fear and hatred are exactly what Oprah’s show is an antidote for. At least these rappers should have the intelligence to understand and the decency to respect that there are programs that just want to comfort people and give warmth. That is basically the essence of what Oprah does. Respect people’s need for peace and kindness. yeahhh
First of all,for all of you people making these ignorant ass comments about, how you wouldnt have rappers on your stage if you were Oprah, obviously if you are black, you give a flying f—, about your race. Oprah is doing nothing but what white people want us to do,split up. I am not downgrading any kind of charity work Oprah has done, but we are not sticking together as a group.White leaders of America can say whatever they want and they get congradulated for it, whether it is discriminant comments or any other. I am a 16 year old upcoming HIP HOP artist and i have “far more” sense and intelligence then half of you people leaving comments on this page. How dare you say that RAP is not peace or kindness, you have your head so far up your ass you don’t even take a hot minute to listen to a single lyric these artists are saying. They may talk about engaging in violent acts but they have to choice to, because if America wasn’t so damn RACIST, we would not have so many african americans in jail and dealing with unemployment, due to half ass education methods in the black community. These charities that the artists engage in arent doing anything different then Oprah, GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.They fought through WHITE boundaries and made it out of the HOOD, giving you whites something to talk about, and if they weren’t so damn vital to society why are you talking about them on a page. If Justin Timberlake had a charity he’d be sitting right up on that show 4 pm eastern/central and he has worked with over 80% of these RAPPERS you talk about.Excuse my language.
Life is a trip, when a man like ICE CUBE is kicked down, by a so called intelligent woman who is downing him for his accomplishments. Like all of the movies that he wrote,directed and starred in,the show black and white that he brought to main stream to show how whites vs. blacks are treated. I am a big fan of Denzel and Halle and all the movies they have been in, but nobody has a probelm including Oprah with the movies that they recieved Oscars for. For example Training Day where Denzel used the(n)word throughout the entire movie now he’s involved in a movie with Oprah; THE GREAT DEBATER. Don’t forget the movie that Halle was dog blanked by a white and received an Oscar for her role. The bottom line is who are we including Oprah to judge. We all have some things in our pass that we have grown on or put behind us for a reason. Not to mention entertaining is just that. there are plenty of things that could be discussed besides the lyrics to a song.
i am an African - Nigerian to be precise and i have been Ice Cube’s biggest fan among everyone i’ve ever met since 1990. Yet here are my comments on the matter…
1. The show belongs to Oprah so she can choose who she wants on it.
2. She doesn’t hate hip hop…she likes Will Smith, Kanye West and Eve. And yes, Eve is a Hip Hop artiste too.
3. I don’t think Oprah’s guests are on just because they have rags to riches stories. Many times the stories have to have some deeper impact on human lives…it’s not just about poor people becoming rich. Check it, she has the Lisa Marie Pressleys on as well.
4. let’s take a look at 50 Cent’s comments about Oprah and see why she can easily feel justified. 50 said: ‘’Oprah’s audience is my audience’s parents,” “So, I could care less about Oprah or her show.”I’m actually better off having friction with her'’
see this link… http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/28/entertainment/main1561357.shtml
i think oprah is a lair….and people try to ignore that BECAUSE she has helped alot of people…but she was WRONG FOR WHAT SHE DID….she should of never of killed him, but she did and won in court so now we cant do anything……but soon enough everything will be okay…and we will all be okay….
I think that Oprah has the right to choose who she can have on her show that I really don’t mind, but i think it is time to educate people on the difference between hip hop and rap.
Hip Hop - Soulja Boy
Rap - 2Pac
Hip Hop - Soulja Boy Off In This H**
Watch me Crank It
Watch me Roll
Rap - Cops give a damn about a negro
pull the trigger kill a nigga he’s a hero
Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares
one less hungry mouth on the welfare
First ship ‘em dope & let ‘em deal the brothers
give ‘em guns step back watch ‘em kill each other
It’s time to fight back that’s what Huey said
2 shots in the dark now Huey’s dead.
There is a difference, i just think that too many people are just ignorant and lazy to look for the difference between the two.
and there is also a lot of hip hop that is influential in a good way such as The Fugees, Talib Kweli, and Kanye West.
also Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are also a very good rap group that talk about more than just gang violence and drugs etc.
just listen to their song “Change the world”
eventhough i can careless for 50 as an artist the man is right. He said that the parents are to blame for the nonsense that childern do. Eventhough in all societies ppl are driven by the art they are exposed to and hiphop is big part of the art ppl see and hear, everything starts in the home. He said that parents need to teach their children that his work is for entertainment not a license to do nonsense.
I respect what Oprah does.I listen to rap and can appreciate what they’ve accomplished. To me both sides represent great “American” triumphs, not just black ones.
Why do people always attack rappers for what they rap about and it’s “influence” on youngsters? It’s the parent’s job to instill in their children morals and the tools to help them make good decisions in life. You do that thru communication and setting the example everyday. If you do it successful, your child will learn how to think on their “own.” When a rapper uses the word bitches and guns, the child recognizes they’re bad words, and it doesn’t influence them to go out and call females bitches or want to shoot someone, it’s just music. Monitor what they watch, listen to, and buy. Rappers don’t raise your children do they? The parent is the most influential person in a child’s life. So stop looking to people in the media to be YOUR child’s role model. Everyone’s first motivation to be successful is to acquire and maintain a certain, comfortable lifestyle for themself and their loved ones first.Doing something good for the community may come secondary. When you bought a car, did you think that now you have reliable transportation to do the things you want to do, or did you say “Now I can volunteer to take the elderly to doctor appts and to the grocery store!” Oprah nor the rappers owe you anything! Oprah, Luda, 50, Ice cube should be able to enjoy their success and spend their money however they want to. If Oprah wants to send her money to help Africa, news flash, it’s her money, she earned it! If 50 cent wants to buy some bling and get some hotel rooms and have 50 “hoes” in it drinking Moet, guess what, it’s his money, he put in the work and should be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor. If Oprah doesn’t want rappers on her show, it’s her perogative, that’s her stage and she has control over it. If Luda, Ice Cube, and 50cent have a problem with that, don’t put her in your videos!Stop bashing Oprah, she’s shared her money and used her influence to help many strangers, what have you done for a stranger? Stop bashing rap! Freedom of speech! You don’t like what they rap about don’t listen! People here talk about how negative rap is, what positive thing have you said about it? Rappers has done something positive but some of you are so biased, you don’t care to find out what that is. So who is negative here? Stop worrying about what they do with their money and resources and manage your own. You wouldn’t want anyone trying to tell you how you should live and spend your money, why do you feel you have the right to tell others? Think about it.
Tyra Banks is taking over Big O’s audience so does it really matter? LOL!
Screw these modern minstrel show performers who degrade their own race and even downplay their own African features in lyrics and music videos. They are as sick as the people who think its just music. There #1 consumers are whites and Asians not Black people.