Bumpy Johnson’s Widow Releases Her Tell-All Book About Harlem’s Original American Gangster

BUMPY JOHNSON’S WIDOW RELEASES HER TELL-ALL BOOK ABOUT HARLEM’S ORIGINAL AMERICAN GANGSTER Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson by Mayme Hatcher Johnson & Karen E. Quinones Miller

Harlem, NY – Finally!  Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson (Oshun Publishing Paperback) is now available. The first complete biography of the most well-known African-American gangster of all time, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, this gripping life history is written by the person who knew Bumpy Johnson best, his 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Collaborating with Essence Magazine and Blackboard bestselling author, Karen E. Quinones Miller, Mrs. Johnson sets the record straight about the legendary Harlem gangster who was known as the only African-American gangster brave enough to stand up to the white mob, and who is depicted in the blockbuster movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum, and American Gangster. “Most of the information that people think they know about Bumpy is wrong,” says Mrs. Johnson. “That’s because he never used to give interviews, so the newspapers and magazine back in the thirties and forties just made up stuff. And later on it got repeated so often people just took it for the truth. I never got upset because I knew that people just didn’t know better.” Mrs. Johnson, however, says her feelings changed when she heard that Harlem dope dealer Frank Lucas — depicted by Denzel Washington in the movie American Gangster — said he was Bumpy’s personal confidant, and that Bumpy was his mentor. “There’s a difference between being wrong and lying, and what Frank Lucas did was lie. I understand it was probably to give himself some street credibility because he snitched and Bumpy never did, but Frank still shouldn’t have lied,” states Mrs. Johnson vehemently. “Frank even went and told those Hollywood people that Bumpy died in his arms. Frank wasn’t nowhere around when Bumpy died.” Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, details Bumpy Johnson’s life from his early days in Charleston S.C.; his move to Harlem as a teenager; his famous gang war with Jewish mobster, Dutch Schultz, in the thirties; his ascension to the top of the ladder of organized crime in Harlem; and finally his death from a heart attack in 1968 while eating fried chicken at Wells Restaurant in Harlem. Cleverly interwoven in the book are anecdotes of Bumpy’s relationships with various Harlem luminaries, including Billie Holiday, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Sugar Ray Robinson, Lena Horne, and others as well as the history of Harlem that few know. The Official Book Launch Party for Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson is being held at Zip Code Restaurant & Lounge at 2207 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd, in Harlem, on Saturday March 15th at 2 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as gangsters and gangster molls from the thirties and forties (there will be a best dressed contest judged by Mrs. Mayme Johnson). Admission is $15.00 in advance, and $20 at the door. All ticketed attendees will receive a free copy of Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson.  Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson is available in bookstores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other Internet book sites. Preview the book and visit Mrs. Mayme Johnson online at www.harlemgodfather.com .

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Mayme Hatcher Johnson was born near Durham, North Carolina in 1914. She moved to Harlem in 1938, and worked first as a cleaning woman, then as a hostess for Hagar’s Barbecue, a restaurant owned by singer Ethel Waters. She met the already famous Bumpy in 1948 and married him just six months later. Mrs. Johnson was wed to Bumpy a total of 20 years, and while Bumpy was incarcerated for ten of those years, the two enjoyed a very close relationship, and he shared with her many secrets of his past that he refused to discuss with other people. After Bumpy’s death in 1968, Mrs. Johnson remained in Harlem for 35 years before moving to Philadelphia. Mrs. Johnson’s favorite pastimes include reading newspapers and watching news programs in order to keep up with current events. She also admits to being a big fan of the show, Judge Judy. Mrs. Johnson still stays in close contact with her friends in Harlem, as well as her older brother (95), and her younger sister (90). She attributes her and her sibling’s longevity to good genes. To find more about Mrs. Johnson visit www.harlemgodfather.com Karen E. Quinones Miller is the author of the Essence best selling novels Satin Doll, I’m Telling, Using What You Got, Ida B., (nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction), Satin Nights, and Passin’. Formerly a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Miller — who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature — is often referred to as the “Aretha Franklin of the Publishing World,” and mentors many new and upcoming authors.  Born and raised in Harlem, Miller met legendary gangster Bumpy Johnson as a child, and has been close friends with Mrs. Johnson for more two decades. To find more about Miller visit: www.karenequinonesmiller.com .

Gnarls Barkley Completes Video for “Run”

Gnarls Barkley, the mysterious experimental pop duo consisting of artist/producer Danger Mouse and vocalist Cee-Lo, has wrapped the video for “Run”, the vigorous first single from the new album The Odd Couple.

The video is directed by the filmmaking team Happy, the partnership of Guy Shelmerdane and Richard Farmer. Since winning “Best New Director” honors at Cannes in 2002, Happy has directed a diverse collection of commercials, short films and music videos. Happy has been named among Creativity magazine’s Top 40 Directors for four straight years. The duo’s fun-filled concept is the perfect match for the rich, energetic surrealism of “Run,” casting Gnarls in an imaginary early ‘90s public access show called City Vibin’.

Contrary to rumor, MTV and VH1 censors did not reject the video because of liability issues related to strobe effects and seizures. “Initially, there were fears the video was going to fail the Harding Test,” says a spokesperson for the band. “But, for the moment, indications lead us to believe the video passed.”

The “Run” single has been rushed to iTunes early and will be released on           March 24th. The Odd Couple follows on April 8th.

In other video news, Gnarls will be reuniting with director Chris Milk for “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul,” their second video off The Odd Couple. Chris Milk helmed the Grammy-nominated video for “Gone Daddy Gone.”

Gnarls Barkley is known for its adventurous videos that accompanied the hit singles from the acclaimed St. Elsewhere LP, including the shifting Rorschach patterns of “Crazy,” the expansive parody of “Smiley Faces” (featuring Dennis Hopper as an obsessive rock historian), and the indescribable “Gone Daddy Gone.”

www.gnarlsbarkley.com

Spectacula – Next up out of Queens

Presents free mixtape hosted by DJ Noodles

There has never been a shortage of MC’s to step out of the New York borough that is home to the NY Mets, both the cities major airports and the thoroughfare to where the rich and famous like to rest their heads; the Hamptons. Straight out of Queens Village steps another MC ready to ensure that his name is mentioned in the same breath as LL Cool J, Kool G Rap and Mobb Deep. Spectacula is no newbie on the scene, his history goes way back to when he was a mere 12 years old when he secured a deal with independent label Fly Spy Entertainment. Having learned from past experiences and maintaining patience, a trait which very few actually understand today, Spectacula, born Steven Rinchere is ready to put into action the past ten years of study. Paid in Full sees the Queens native link up with the globally recognized mixtape phenomenon, DJ Noodles, who boasts a resume bursting at the seams with major Hip-Hop artists. “Fix Your Face and Pay Attention to this project, I’m always on the lookout for that next level of future industry players, and this tape right here is a great look at a young hungry artist on his grind. It was great working with him on this project, lookout for part 2!!!” enthused Noodles This mixtape also serves as a taster for his forthcoming album. For What it’s Worth, which will be released on ITunes in late April, is a testament to this lyrical technicians undying pledge of allegiance to Hip-Hop. “The basic goal I have for this mixtape is getting people to pay attention to my lyrics. with the release date of For what it’s worth coming up I think it’s important for people to know that I’m not coming halfway. Just like with the album I put my all into this mixtape and I just want people to appreciate what I’m doing,” explained Spectacula Please click on the link for a free download of the tape. http://www.sendspace.com/file/e5iorw Tracklisting 1)  Paid in Full Intro 2)  MOB Stick to the Script 3)  Big Spender 4)  What it’s about – SKIT 5)  Wait til I get this $ 6)  Coulda Sworn Snippet 7)  Bring the Soldiers Home 8)  Dead Men Don’t get Rich 9)  For the Worst 10) Live and Maintain – SKIT 11) Money 2 Make 12) Not Gangsta, Just Real 13) Bring it Back 14) Some People Hate 15) You Already Know 16) Too Many Chiefs Not Enough Indians 17) Click Clack 18) More Money 2 Get 19) Early This Morning 20) Outro To read more about  Spectacula and his journey in Hip-Hop, check out his blog on www.nobodysmiling.com or stop by his myspace page www.myspace.com/spectacula1

Bun B Announces New Album Date & Zune Partnership

Hip Hop Legend Bun B and one half of the award winning duo UGK readies for the debut of his highly anticipated sophomore solo album, II Trill, which will be released on April 29th courtesy of Rap-A-Lot/Asylum.

Upon the heals of success with UGK’s 2007 seventh album release of the 26-song, two-CD set, UGK (Underground Kingz) which claimed the #1 spot in the country and presented the duo with two Grammy nominations for the soulful smash hit “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” featuring Outkast, Bun will finally introduce the follow-up to his critically acclaimed and Gold Certified debut solo effort, Trill which was released in 2005 and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart.

II Trill will include guest features by artists that include the late great Pimp C, Lupe Fiasco, Lil Wayne, 8 Ball and MJG, David Banner, Rick Ross, Z-Ro, Mya, Mike Jones, Junior Reid, Webbie, Chamillionaire , Expensive Taste (Paul Wall, Skinhead Rob, & Travis Barker) and Slim Thug. The Houston rapper also collaborated with hitmakers Mr. Lee, Scott Storch, Jazze Pha, Bigg Tyme, Black Out Movement, Khalil, Clinton Sparks, Enigma and Chops to name a few.

Currently on a national promotional tour to promote II Trill and its first single, a JR Rotem produced track titled “That’s Gangsta” featuring Sean Kingston, Bun has partnered with Microsoft Zune on a series of promotional events and programs focused on making a more direct connection with his fans through a strong presence on the road, at retail, and on Zune digital platforms. While on the road, he will be making appearances at several Boys & Girls Clubs.  Bun is also a part of Zune Social, an online music community where he is able to share his experience on the road and interact with music lovers.

Fans can connect with Bun directly by visiting www.zune.net/bunb and http://social.zune.net/member/BunBIITrill.

Bun B tour dates are as follows (subject to change):

DATE                                     CITY                                      VENUE

Feb. 29th                 Fayetteville, NC                    The Palace

Mar. 1st                                   Richmond, VA                      High Lights

Mar. 2nd                                  Washington DC                   Platinum Night Club

Mar.3rd   – 4th                          New York, NY                       Press/Promo

Mar. 5th                                   Cleveland, OH                      Boys & Girls Club and Metropolis

Mar. 6th                                   Indianapolis, IN                    Lilly Unit Boys & Girls Club and Cloud 9

Mar. 7th                                   Detroit, MI                            Zoo Bar

Mar. 8th                                   Cincinnati, OH                      Club Annie’s

Mar. 9th                                   Round Lake, IL                     Sharkey’s

Mar. 10th                 Chicago, IL                            Press/Promo

                                                Miami, FL                              Mansion

Mar. 12th – 13th                       Austin, TX                            South by Southwest

Mar. 14th                 San Antonio, TX                  East Side Boys & Girls Club

Mar. 15th                 Houston, TX                         Club Levels

Mar. 20th                 Oklahoma City, OK              Venue TBA

Mar. 21st                 Kansas City, MO                 Venue TBA

Mar. 22nd                                St. Louis, MO                       Venue TBA

Mar. 26th-27th                        Los Angeles, CA                 Press/Promo

March 28th                             Los Angeles, CA                 House of Blues

Mar. 29th                 San Francisco, CA               Mezzanine

Apr. 4th                                   Seattle, WA                          Nuemose

ABOUT BUN B

As one half of the duo, UGK, Bun B along with his long time friend, Pimp C put the south on the map in 1988 with their first album release The Southern Way. Two decades later, the Port Arthur, TX natives and award winning pair have maintained a presence in the music world with seven major label released albums, mixtapes, indie releases and cameos on numerous prominent artists’ tracks. In 2000, they made a high-profile appearance on Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin.” In 2005, Bun released his first solo album Trill. The gold-certified CD debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart and peaked at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart. Bun is currently gearing up for his sophomore solo album, II Trill which will be released April 29, 2008. For more information on Bun B, visit www.zune.net/bunb

 or www.myspace.com/bunbofugk.

THE BISHOP IS CROSSING.. (02/26/06) AKA WHY NEW YORK RAP/HIP HOP IS SUFFERING

J Didda

Okay l haven’t “crossed” in a minute. At least on the written level.

Everyone talks about how New York isn’t poppin right now. The South and Midwest are dominating the airwaves and television with lackluster cookie cutter music i.e.: “Do Me” by Rocko (How is homie doing him when he look like Jeezy and raps like some sort of Lil Wayne/Young Jeezy Hybrid) I know, I know nothing is original..

But is it that the south is making better music then New York right now? Well they are making better “club and party records” I will give them that But I’m going to be real right now about New York artists on the underground level .

For those of you who don’t know, besides being a rapper and radio/TV personality, I have a consulting firm (NMB/Get It Poppin’ Consulting) which specializes in radio promotions and media branding. So what we do is this; if an artist has a hot record and wants to start a movement, they holla at us, we register you with ASCAP, if you not already, set up your BDS & Media Base (Cause labels want numbers that your record is getting spins) and hit up 1000’s of radio shows , mix shows, PD’s (program directors) & deejays through out this great nation of ours and the world.

Get to the point you say..

I have been doing this for about a year and some change now . I have had about 14 clients, 5 of which are signed to major labels. So that means about 9 unsigned acts one we help land a distribution deal with Universal. Two clients had meetings with major labels. But the two with meetings are not from New York. The one that got a deal is from NY, but is a veteran and the only one out of the nine that isn’t from NY . So that means the majority of people who are willing to invest in their careers are from out of state.

Another example, my email gets flooded daily by radio promotion companies sending new hot singles from unsigned artist that got that “crack”, it’s always the same young sugar pants, or gangster cookie man or some other non descript southern nigga, with songs like Opps My Rubber Band Broke, or Bouncy Bounce Bounce . But obviously, they are willing to pay to flood the stations and force us to give it a spin because, hey, I play the damn record to be left alone, real talk.

I know, I know rent is high as hell here in NYC and it’s hard out here but it can’t be that much better down south. Yes, it’s cheaper to live but the average salary doesn’t match ours. Rappers, Singers, whatever you are,  y’all need to be willing to invest in your careers and stop running in circles.

This NY Movement is so stagnant because you got the same bunch of people running around doing the same things over and over again in this market who, unfortunately, are only interested in the established artists from New York. Jay-Z, Nas, that’s it. Maybe we let an Uncle Murda rock because hey, he funny or a Papoose will pique our interests for a moment with a hot verse or two, but really, his songs don’t move you.

But there is so much good music here in NY, a lot of artists got good music. But for the most part, they won’t spend or can’t spend to get that national attention hell, even that New York attention.

Then when you got an artist that’s willing to pay and invest in a service the “Homieism or cronyisms” kick in. like this cat has money but he sounds like my man’s man I cant let them rock . Or they get offended cause you ask how much to be in the audio section what’s up allhiphop!! (Like there isn’t a price everyone got a price)

I got that yo show me some love and all that . Let me rock on the show . ya’ll don’t know my expenses this aint the united negro collage fund (I got a student loan to pay off) I gotta pay to be on radio so hey I gotta charge and if I don’t charge you to be on the show consider it a privilege and not a right .

It cost to be the Boss people and you know what Bosses do? They Charge workers

A lot of ya’ll niggas and niggettes are just workers

Stop being cheap or stop complaining about New York Hip Hop it’s dead because no one is feeding it ..

Ray J’s “Sexy Can I” Leaps Into Billboard Top 20 & iTunes Top 10

Top Independent label recording artist and Knockout Entertainment CEO Ray J is enjoying another stellar week at radio as “Sexy Can I,” the lead single from his forthcoming CD, All I Feel vaults into the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot R&B and Hip Hop Singles Chart (#26-#19) and powers up 25 places (#77-52) on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.In its wake, “Sexy” continues to outperform singles by veterans Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott and Jay Z, and has just been added to video rotation at MTV Hits and VH-1 Soul. “Sexy” airplay increased last week by over 4 million in audience and now has over 31 million in audience over all the stations playing it. At Itunes the song is the #7 Hip Hop Single and #32 amongst the Top 100 Singles.

The controversial video, directed by R. Malcom Jones, is #28 over all the Yahoo web network and in a few short weeks has garnered nearly 400,000 views on YouTube. At Myspace.com Ray J is the #14 over all artist. He is on a massive national radio promotion and press tour. In the coming days he will be visiting and performing in several key US markets including New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and Los Angeles, to name a few.

His new CD, All I Feel is due this spring, via a partnership between KOCH Records, Shaquille O’ Neal and Money Mark’s DEJA34 and Ray J’s Knockout Entertainment. In addition to Young Berg who performs on “Sexy” with Ray J, the CD also features Snoop Dogg, The Game, and Lil Wayne. Grammy winning producer Rodney Jerkins who Ray J collaborated with on his monster hit “One Wish” is also prominently featured as a producer on the disc along with Ray J’s longtime producer Detail.

RAP SESSIONS HITS THE ROAD AGAIN

Rap Sessions: Community Dialogues on Hip-Hop announces a national tour focused on hip-hop, youth civic participation and the 2008 Presidential Campaign.

Rap Sessions presents its third annual national discussion tour, which unites a diverse panel of leading hip-hop activists, artists and youth politics experts to engage youth and community leaders in candid, compelling conversations about ways hip-hop generation voters can organize to have an impact on this year’s election. Targeting the hip-hop generation and their younger millennial siblings, these dynamic and provocative discussions are designed to inform young voters on the candidates, the issues, and prepare them to participate fully in the upcoming election. 

“The 2008 Presidential Election is the most important election of this generation’s lifetime,” notes Bakari Kitwana, the Executive Director of Rap Sessions and the author of The Hip-Hop Generation. “The goal of these gatherings is to educate youth on their civic rights and responsibilities, and, equally important, to help young voters understand ways to place their issues on the national agenda.” 

Reflecting on the record young voter turnout in caucuses and primaries in Iowa, New Hampshire and across the United States, as well as groundbreaking turn-outs in 2004, Kitwana added: “The hip-hop voting bloc will be a defining factor in 2008. We want to be sure that our young people are informed on exactly what’s at stake for the hip-hop generation and not be lulled to sleep by the hype of gender, race or simply voting for voting’s sake.” 

Beginning in March, Rap Sessions’ interactive community dialogues will convene in ten cities across the United States. Panelists include: Jeff Johnson (BET’s Cousin Jeff Chronicles, director of Truth is Power and author of Let’s Get Free: Strategies for Organizing the Hip-Hop Voting Bloc); hip-hop political organizer Angela Woodson (co-chair of the 2004 National Hip-Hop Political Convention and director of Faith-based Initiatives for the Ohio Governor’s Office); hip-hop artist M-1 (one half off the innovative hip-hop duo dead prez), public policy analyst Dr. Maya Rockeymoore (author of A Political Action Handbook for the Hip-Hop Generation and the former chief of staff for Congressman Charlie Rangel), Billy Wimsatt (co-founder of the League of Young Voters and author of How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office), and hip-hop activist Rosa Clemente (The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Black August and The Hip-Hop Caucus).

Bakari Kitwana, the moderator of these discussions, is co-founder of the first ever National Hip-Hop Political Convention and the former editor of The Source. His book The Hip-Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture has been adopted as a coursebook at over 100 colleges and universities across the country. A consultant for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kitwana has been acknowledged as an expert on youth culture and hip-hop politics by CNN, Fox News, CNBC, BET and other leading news outlets. His writings have appeared in the Village Voice, The New York Times, The Nation, Savoy and the Boston Globe. Currently Artist-in-Residence at the Center for the Study of Race Politics and Culture at the University of Chicago, he teaches a course in the political science department entitled, “The Politics of The Hip-Hop Generation.” Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop: Wankstas, Wiggers, Wannabes and the New Reality of Race in America is his most recent book.

For more information about Rap Sessions, log onto: www.rapsessions.org

March 

11th; Boston, MA

12th; Fairfield, CT 

25th; Bethlehem, PA 

April

3rd ; San Francisco, CA

5th; Chicago, IL

8th; San Luis Obispo, CA

9th; Los Angeles, CA 

18th; Milwaukee, WI

19th; Madison, WI

29th; Marquette, MI

Elephant Man Set to Release ‘Let’s Get Physical,’ New CD from Bad Boy/VP Records Joint Venture, On April 8

Dancehall King, Elephant Man, will release his latest studio CD, “Let’s Get Physical,” on April 8, 2008. A long time in the making, the star-studded project is the first release from a new venture which joins Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy Records with the largest independent Jamaican music label, VP Records. “Let’s Get Physical” features the hit lead single “Five O,” on which Wyclef appears. The remix for “Five-O” is blazing a trail with rising digital sales and has caught attention at radio with an all-star line up from Swizz Beats, Assassin, Yung Joc and Diddy. “Jump,” the hard-hitting, high energy second single, also features Swizz Beats. Barbados-born Rihanna appears on the steamy dance track “Throw Your Hands Up” and Elephant Man-fan Chris Brown lends his vocals to the bouncy “Feel the Steam.” Also check out “Body Talk” featuring Dominican R&B singer Kat Deluna and female rapper Jha Jha, and the hot remix for “The Way We Roll” with Busta and Shaggy. The set is executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chris Chin, Harve Pierre and Willie Daniels.
“A true entertainer is versatile and makes music for the world,” says Jamaica-native Elephant Man, dubbed The Energy God by fans because of his high energy stage performances. Elephant Man first stormed on the stage back in 1998 under the wings of Bounty Killa and the Scare Dem Crew. The self- proclaimed Dancehall King is solely responsible for reuniting dancehall music with its fun free-spirited roots.

His debut album, Good 2 Go (VP Records), became a worldwide smash in 2004 with the release of chart topping party tunes like “Signal di Plane” and “Pon di River, Pon di Bank,” the single which snagged him a Source Award for “Dancehall/Reggae Artist of the Year” and the MTV2 nomination at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards.

Since then, Elephant Man has recorded collaborations with Lil’ Jon on the “Get Low Remix,” R. Kelly on “Reggae Bump Bump,” Pitbull and Daddy Yankee on the “Rah-Rah Remix,” and Janet Jackson on “All Nite (Don’t Stop).”

Elephant Man is excited about his major label joint venture (Bad Boy/VP Records) as he looks forward to making dancehall history with Sean “Diddy” Combs and the entire Bad Boy family. “I’ve been a fan of Bad Boy for the longest time and now I’m Bad Boy for life!” Ele laughs. “We gonna take dancehall to another level.”

On “Let’s Get Physical,” Elephant Man fuses party tunes with lyrics that speak of the social ills and violence plaguing the people of Jamaica. His notorious dance anthems cascade throughout the record. “With the Bad Boy production and promotion teams, together with the Energy God … It’s gonna be madness,” says Elephant Man.

“If you saw me today you are never gonna forget me … my hair, my clothes, my style … I’m crazy man, I’m the Energy God … Father of the Dancehall … “

                              - Elephant Man  

Feds Offer Rapper T.I. A 15 Year Prison Term Plea Agreement

According to our confidential sources, Atlanta based rapper T.I., who’s real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr was offered a 15 year plea agreement by prosecuting attorney David E. Nahmias.

The Mandatory min prison term for possession of a silencer is 10 years. The extra 5 years added to the prison term is due to T.I.’s extensive criminal history.

View the video on www.yashin.tv for the exclusive story.

Nas: Why “NIGGER?”

Written by Sharra Dade

February 2008
http://www.yoraps.com/editorials1.php?subaction=showfull&id=1203678438&archive=&start_from=&ucat=36

Nigger, according to Dictionary.com is probably the most offensive word in the English language. Without a doubt, it is associated with black people. Also without question, it has a derogatory or negative connotation. It has been used since the Revolutionary War. With one meaning referencing “an ignorant person,” the word has been used, misused, and overused. However, throughout time the word “Nigger” and it’s meaning has evolved and has stirred up much controversy.

When Rap music emerged and heavily began influencing pop culture, the word “nigger” became prevalent and it changed from “nigger” to “nigga” and the meaning of this newly coined term was being embraced as term of brotherly endearment. It’s meaning changed from something completely intolerable to brother and homeboy. Rap groups like N.W.A. put it at the forefront with their acronym standing for “Niggas With Attitude”. It has become prominent and is as common as any other word in Hip-Hop music today, as are others that many consider offensive. Nevertheless, as big as its influence was on pop culture and White America, it was and still is only openly accepted by black communities. It was like there was an unwritten rule that stated that if you weren’t black, you better not dared to use the word.

Just last year, it was the cause of so much controversy, there was a petition against the word and some were trying to ban the word from music and the English language altogether. Thus, the question’s I pose to you are in reference to Nas’ latest musical effort. Considered one of the lyrical greats and highly respected in music for his contribution to Hip-Hop culture, why would Nas name his upcoming ninth LP “Nigger?” Highly intelligent and lyrically gifted, one would have to assume that it is more than just to create a publicity stint.

With the definition of “Nigger” meaning an ignorant person, is Nas merely saying that those that prejudge him and his album prior to hearing it, are ignorant people? Is the content and music of the album exposing truth’s that were never stated or taught? Did he find truths about himself that he had once never known? Is “Nigger” an acronym for what is a deeper meaning behind his album? I have not yet heard the album, so who am I to judge? I believe though, it is safe to assume that as an artistic and creative entity, Nas has an explanation for his highly controversial album title.

Please let me know your thoughts on Nas’ new album. Do you think that what he did should be tolerated or is there no excuse for his naming the album “Nigger?” Do you believe that he is exploiting the word or he is merely addressing issues that should have been addressed years and years ago that we as people are now trying to sweep under the rug? What do you think this album is about and his thought process behind creating it?