Kendrick Lamar has taken to TMZ Live to respond to some comments which were made about his performance at the BET Awards a few days ago, lyrics in his song ‘Alright’ and Hip-Hop in general. If you’re unaware, here’s what Fox News’ Geraldo Rivera had to say:
This is why I say that Hip Hop has done more damage to young African Americans than racism in recent years. This is exactly the wrong message.
Kendrick’s performance at the awards (which you can watch here) featured the American flag in the background with the rapper standing on a vandalised police car. He performed ‘Alright‘ in which he says “we hate po-po, wanna kill us dead in the street for sure, n*gga”. Rivera went on to say that the lyrics were “counter-productive” and give “gives exactly the wrong message”.
Here’s what Kendrick had to say:
This is our music. This is us expressing ourselves. Rather (than) going out here and doing the murders myself, I want to express myself in a positive light the same way other artists are doing. Not going out in the streets, go in the booth and talking about the situation and hoping these kids can find some type of influence on it in a positive manner. Coming from these streets and coming from these neighborhoods, we’re taking our talents and putting ’em inside the studio. You can’t dilute the message.
Handled well.
UPDATE: Here’s the video.
via HipHopDX
Discussion about this post