Perspective: Rapper Defends Racy Lyrics

Much has been said about the lyrics of the song, “What It’s Hitting For,” and the performance of that song last Tuesday evening at the School of Communications pageant. The performance was like many others, that’s why in Friday morning’s Hilltop I was shocked, like many, to find the lyrics of the song and its performance to be the core issue of the “Perspectives” column. Let me first start by saying that this rebuttal is not to try to win a new fan or win over a critic. My own mother has her own issues with the song. But the real issue at hand is one that was targeted in the article, one that I personally take very serious-the issue of HIV/AIDS.

First, as far as the pageant goes, which was “full of reverence for God,” was that reverence before the dancer wearing only a dress shirt? Or the gyrating of the one [contestant] dancing to Michael Jackson? Let’s not be under the assumption that we were attending church services.

Second, there is nowhere in the song where unprotected sex is implied. Even if I “didn’t even know the girl’s name,” I know how to wear a condom. HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that plagues not only the black community but the global community-especially the black community. It was irresponsible and unfair for any type of link between the song and epidemic to even be implied. At the end of the day, even I commend the writer for her courage to analytically examine her peers and the Howard society, in which we all participate, but the writer could have used the space given to her to truly raise awareness about the seriousness of HIV/AIDS and STD transmission on HBCU campuses in general.

HIV/AIDS is a very serious issue and should not be used lightly in attempting to form an argument as to why the writer did not like the song or performance.

With friends that have lost loved ones to AIDS, everyone in my crew (including myself) knows our status. If such a stance was taken by the writer from what was merely a performance and promotion for my upcoming album, “Gets It All Day” (Early 2007), for everyone else in attendance, then a real argument should have been made which attempted to connect the dots of the writer’s argument and educate the reader (while seeking some sort of solution). Instead readers received, what was basically, a writer complaining. If we are to question, as Howard students, our legacy, then realize that the roots to these problems are much, much deeper than Howard University supporting its own and showing love. I am an entertainer. We entertain. And if you don’t like the “entertainment,” then just do like my Mama does-simply press “stop.”

News Courtesy : The Hill Top Online

Tags: HIV