Rappers summit

An unpopular truth

[Reprinted from Issues & Views August 6, 2001]

For a fad that will soon be remembered as nothing more than a passing craze, the creators and promoters of "hip-hop" music sure do take themselves and their influence seriously. Russell Simmons, one of the "impresarios" who benefited from last year's two billion dollars spent on hip-hop music and paraphernalia, claims, "Hip-hop is more powerful than any American cultural movement we've ever had."

At a three-day meeting in June, billed as a "Summit," rap tycoons vowed to fight any and all efforts to censor their music. More than 200 rappers, industry executives and black politicians attended. Discussions focused on cleaning up the music's image (not lyrics) and tempering feuds between groups, that have sometimes resulted in murder.

Louis Farrakhan, who attended the meetings, told the rappers, "You've now got to accept the responsibility you've never accepted. You are the leaders of the youth of the world." (Isn't that a daunting thought?)

And, of course, black politicians and the various civil rights notables, as usual, are not leading but, instead, are following in the tracks of these vulgar music makers, in order to cash in on their notoriety. With the NAACP out front, the race crusaders are among the staunchest defenders of this "cultural movement."

Although C. Delores Tucker, the black woman who brought attention to the unmentionable lyrics of much of this music, was wrong in her approach and call for censorship, her valiant efforts to enlighten parents and other responsible adults were, at least, admirable. She was admired not at all by black leaders, however, whose organizations now benefit from the generous contributions willingly offered by astute, savvy "rappers."

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