Weekend Tidbits: BET Town Hall Meeting On Hip-Hop…..

Posted on July 7, 2007 1:24 AM

While many people thought that the BET Music Awards were all about parties, T.I. and Chaka’s debacle and the proverbial ceremonious applause.

The awards week also played as social conscious as many of today’s leading rap entertainers joined together to address what’s really going on in Hip-Hop.

The discussion/argument will air as a special sometime in the new near future. But, I have a preview thanks to well known activist Keith Boykin.

Here is a preview filed by Keith:

The show, hosted by Toure and Jeff Johnson, features Nelly, T.I., Master P, Chuck D, Rev. Al Sharpton, Michael Eric Dyson, NPR's Farai Chideya, former Essence magazine editor Diane Weathers, Stanley Crouch, former "video vixen" Corrine Steffans, and myself, among many others talking about hip hop in a lively discussion that is sure to make waves when it airs.

Not to give anything away, but Nellly was clearly the most controversial and outspoken of the performers, repeatedly defending hip hop and his own music, including his controversial video "Tip Drill," which as some observers said, has come to identify his career.
I'm glad BET is doing this show. Everybody else has been talking about hip hop this year. It's about time that we in the black community talk about it on our own black network.

I am sure this will make for interesting special.

Talk to you lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Posted by The Mouth Of The South

Comments

Silence says...
FIRST! again

I know the hate is about to begin, so I just thought I'd get my comment in!
July 7, 2007 6:09 AM

jacquez says...
www.myspace.com/southcrak

go listen
July 7, 2007 8:15 AM

kwill33 says...
I MIGHT GET BLASTED FOR THIS COMMENT BUT THAT WAS A "CLASSIC".LOL
July 7, 2007 8:23 AM

tony jones says...
www.myspace.com/Techniec
July 7, 2007 8:25 AM

Sh@wty says...
I didn't read the topic of discussion because personally I think you're borderline homo, but I did notice the "Tip Drill" video, so I guess clicking on this wack ass Gayant blog wasn't a total waste. Thanks for nothing.

PS- Prepare for Future, Eddy G. and EReal to Ja Rule your ass once again.
July 7, 2007 8:52 AM

ArtRookie says...
As Man in love with a very proud Black woman I can see why the ladies would have gone nuts at this video.
As a Fan of hiphop and rap that video wasn't a good look for Nelly. Beyond seeing attractive black women shaking a$$ it did nothing but reinforce stereotypes that aren't healthy for us. But I can't help but feel that the lead in this particular issue of how women are portryed in videos; has to come from the sista's. And by that I mean the Video Models in particular. If you not gonna shack your butt for the camera it's gonna be a pretty boring bootie vid. Not once during that video did the girls look like they were forced to "ho out for the camera" they did it willingly. If they are happy being portrayed like that then what do you expect when people start referring to our women the way they do. But on the other side, I'm just old enough to remember the old rock lifestyle something modern rap has mimicked a great deal in terms of excess. they had blond stripper chicks all over their videos but I don't remember all white women being called ho' or slut's, just because of ones who did want to be portrayed that way. and therefore like that a distinction has to be made.
this is an interesting time for hiphop and Rap. As the future of the art is now under close scrutiny and the way it is shaped going forward will determine how we as a people are seen.
And don't get me wrong I'm HipHop like many of you it's my life soundtrack but if you want people to respect you, you have to be worthy of their respect.
July 7, 2007 9:16 AM

*Future* says...
This nigga Frontin like he got exclusive shit.

I read this like 4 days ago

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/col/crouch/index.html

Step yo game up Dinwiddie you nappy beard havin, Big and Tall bargain shoppin, Dirty Boot wearing, Bug Eyed, Corny ass, I Cut & Paste all my posts, I don't even know how to get to Bankhead, Lying ass Colon Cowboy
July 7, 2007 9:56 AM

nyc_minded says...
HAHAHA dog watchin this herb get punked out by his own bloggers makes my day, i cant even lie..big ups future, kill this dude
July 7, 2007 10:17 AM

SOHH Gyant says...
Yes, thanks for keeping my traffic up. You help me out more then you know.

Have a good weekend!
July 7, 2007 10:18 AM

PZ says...
SOHH Gyant…that’s messed up how you got my IP address from work banned from your lil blog, when I come on and speak the realest thangs on this whole site.

Save a lil bit of integrity and unlock my IP…I ain’t gonna smash on you. That’s my word.

CHRIST BLESS!
PZ
July 7, 2007 10:44 AM

*Future* says...
You really happy that the only reason ppl read now is to read my colorful commentary on how and why you suck
July 7, 2007 11:34 AM

Trae says...
LOL, @ NELLYS FACE IN THE BEGINNING, WELCOME TO ATLANTA NELLY, BY THE WAY I STUCK THE DARK SKINNED CHICK IN THE HOT TUB, HER NAME IS RHONDA AND SHE USED TO DANCE @ 24K ON CHESHIRE BRIDGE BEHIND 404 MOTORS, RIGHT NEXT TO MY FAV WAFFLE HOUSE
July 7, 2007 12:42 PM

da Taste of Chicago says...
SOHH CHICAGO

there's nothing wrong with a lil azz shakin.... but every video?

rappers USED to be proud to be black and intelligent, and in turn made their listeners proud, black and intelligent. Rappers believe or not were some of the first ones to teach us some words we wouldn't normally use. There were a handful of videos with women happily shakin their assets, but not every single video.

NOW we are proud to be ignant, proud to be coonin all in the name of "havin fun." We strugglin worse than ever, but you wouldn't know it by the all the 'ballin' thats goin on in the videos. Whoever came up wit make it rain was dumb ass hell too. (bmf?) They makin it rain on these hoes in every video.

How can we make that transition to get hip hop back to edutainment? ? How come rappers can't used their platform to right the wrongs of society, or at least bring attention to them? Prolly not gonna happen, but thats my two cents.

Niggas always gotta show they teeth...
Now I'm be brief
Be true to the game.

http://www.prisonplanet.com
July 7, 2007 1:02 PM

T From ATL says...
Remember The 2 Live Crew? Sex in Rap, or any other music is nothing new. "Tip Drill" is more funny than exploitative. People act like Nelly drugged those girls to be in it, but I promise you they had a line of chicks down the block to audition.

I'm more concerned with the worship of mindless violence in hip-hop than anything. That shit is getting out of hand. Read this month's XXL with Rush on the cover. He may be out of touch, but he said some real talk about how certain elements in government are ACTIVELY trying to shut down hip-hop on a corporate level. And all these fools bringing that street mentality in to the biz are helping them to do it.

Rush has access to lawmakers. Please hear him and don't think it can't happen.
July 7, 2007 2:30 PM

nyc_minded says...
lol @ keeping ur traffic up...what a homo...ya done, son
July 7, 2007 2:30 PM

HOODSTAR says...
..first let me say that NELLY's 'TIP DRILL' song/video does not speak for ALL OF HIP HOP.

..TIP DRILL iz a song for that kind of market. its a 'STRIP CLUB' song. ask any stripper. they love it. (its a hot record)

..who are the lead females in the video? well known STRIPPERS in Atlanta!
all of them women in that video knew what kind of song they was shooting a video for and knew what was expected when the cameras came on. period. they got paid.

ITS BUSINESS, NEVER PERSONAL.

..HIP HOP is only becoming the target of controversy because its feeding alot of BLACK people and the government iz having a hard time grasping or should i say 'controlling' its revenue. (jus my opinion)

..but on the same side. 'Major' record companies are only cutting the 'big checks' and pushing the music of artist that they know are headed for 'self destruction' ...

'Everybody else has been talking about hip hop this year. It's about time that we in the black community talk about it on our own black network.'
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

..i hate to b the one to say this but BET iz becoming far from our 'OWN BLACK NETWORK'

..they are suspects in the 'poisoning of hip hop'

cause it iz far from 'dead'.

..ITS IN THE MIDWEST!
..o yea. 'TEXAS' IZ IN THE MIDWEST.

idiots.
July 7, 2007 2:51 PM

eboyd32 says...
what i don't understand is that there is a huge amount of easily marketable artists on the underground that make intelligent music that sounds great but the big corporations would rather support artists that are ignorant. maybe they know that these artists they are promoting are too stupid to realize they are getting ripped off. they are just maximizing their money.
July 7, 2007 3:53 PM

Herbz says...
Yo we're currently in the process of casting for out new video "White Tip Drill". We'll be having open calls for white models with scrumptious booties and big tata's. Strictly professional and great rewards. Holla at your nearest WNM07 member for info.

-Matt Herbz
"Often imitated, NEVER duplicated!"
July 7, 2007 5:28 PM

WhatAboutOurDaughters says...
BET is NOT OUR network. BET executives hate their viewers as exhibited by them bringing the show " Hot Ghetto Mess" to the airways regardless of the impact of such an ignorant portrayal of African Americans might have on all of us.

To the extent that they are having a town hall meeting it is a token gesture. How does 2 hours every six months or so of socially responsible television make up for the other foolishness they crank out year round.

I ain't claiming BET. BET sold its soul long ago.

It is not OUR network, it belongs to Viacom. Lock, stock and barrel
July 7, 2007 8:02 PM

tony says...
he didnt put a guns to their heads and make them get in the video so whats the problem? they disrepecting themselves for being in the video
July 7, 2007 8:08 PM

K!NG øf N€W ¥0RK says...
LAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 7, 2007 10:11 PM

Crapshoot says...
Here we go again...it's amazing how every month or two they have these so-called, "intelligent discussions" about hip-hop, but the people who are truly responsible for showing videos such as TIP DRILL are never held accountable. Where's Sumner Murray Redstone (Viacom C.E.O.), Debra Lee, and Stephen Hill? They need to be on this panel more than anyone. They are directly responsible for that debacle known as "BET UNCUT". The truth is; this discussion or argument is nothing more than a mere ratings grabber, that's it. Does anyone truly believe that after this "Town Hall" Viacom or any other company for that matter will curve their programming, because the "civil rights" folks deem it offensive?! I highly doubt it. I don't expect much from BET anymore, I mean they lost credibility a long time ago, however I do expect someone on their staff to be intelligent enough to explain to Rev. Al Sharpton and all his little minions, that in order to censor something, you would have to ultimately assume that everyone's morality level is the same, and everyone finds the same things offensive. We all know that's not the case. What one man finds offensive, another man finds funny, (i.e. Chappelle’s Show) its human nature. Now, I’m one of the few people who don’t believe that this is a “black” issue, because some of the most offensive lyrics in the history of music were written by a Caucasian. I think the “civil rights” folks are directing their pent up anger and frustration towards the black youth, because we aren’t “clean” as they would like us to be. They only care about our images, when THAT IMAGE IS BEING SHOWN TO WHITE PEOPLE! They don’t care about the hood and the nasty images that Caucasians don’t get to see. They are embarrassed by us, but they’re our PARENTS! Don’t get me wrong, I do feel that hip-hop has a problem, just not the same problem Al Sharpton has with it. I think hip-hop’s problem is that, the record company’s are allowing people with little to no talent and intelligence to get record deals. A and R’s need to be fired, because it’s obvious that they are not doing their jobs correctly. They are supposed to seek out talent, but all we’ve been getting are a crop of new “ring tone” rappers. They are also supposed to bring someone to the label that’s going to generate money, but record sales for these artists are in the tank! MTV and BET’s programming departments need to be fired, because they are responsible for supporting this garbage. It’s disturbing when two of the nicest m.c.’s on the planet, Jay-Z and Kanye West, were turned down for record deals! How is that possible?! Jay said it best; “industry’s shady and needs to be taken over.”
Just ask yourself…how many Jay-Z’s and Kanye West’s slipped through the cracks, in order to give Hurricane Chris a spot? And there lies the problem…

Listen to “Flight Plan”, www.myspace.com/heddsky
July 8, 2007 12:09 AM

O.B.G. says...
@da taste of Chicago

I co-sign everything you said cuz. Hip-hop needs to come back to edutainment. I think niggaz is having too much fun and partying too much, when in reality we as black people face crisis level issues around the world. The hip-hop community needs to get serious like it used to be. Fuck all this smiling and dancing like a bunch ignorant buffoons. Hip-hop used to make me so proud to be black and now all this "walk it out"/"ah bay bay" shit is just embarrasing. I get sick of hearing people defending this trash music by saying that these rappers want to have fun. Fuck having fun, get serious and say something relevant for your community. If you're gonna do gangsta rap, do it like NWA, Scarface, or Pac used to do it. Those dudes used to try to send a message with their hardcore music. Niggaz like 50 cent, Jeezy, and even T.I. glorify that thug lifestyle like its cool. Old school niggaz didn't glorify it, they just explained it. Hip-hop needs to get rid of wack niggaz like Yung Joc and Hurricane Chris and bring in some serious niggaz. Hip-hop is a sleeping giant, LETS WAKE THE FUCK UP. I refuse to sit around and let hip-hop die.
July 8, 2007 12:04 PM

HU_Educated says...
There were some good points hit in this blog and, more importantly, it was good to see true dialog take place on this topic.

Personally, I feel that the "Tip Drill" video had a place in entertainment - it was Nelly's choice to make that video and, to give BET credit, they played the video as part of their "BET Uncut" program which aired at 3:00 am (don't ask how I knew this...and while I'm reminiscing, does anyone remember the "Time for Freakin'" video on there???)

Seriously, my main gripe is that there is not enough balance found in hip hop and so-called "urban entertainment" as a whole. There are 100 song/videos that reference us in some negative connotation, but you may find one song that has a true message that doesn't involve f**kin' hoes, shining ice (or whatever the hell they say), selling dope, or just being a gangster.

We're placed in a box and while we are the faces of this segment of this industry, we are merely the puppets performing AND the audience taking it in at the same time.

Look at rap and what sells; look at "urban film" formulas (black male comedians in drag or white teacher/well-off negro comes back to the hood to save the poor and helpless little children); look at our fashion sense (white Ts 6/$20 at Foot Locker).

We, individually and collectively, need to first and foremost need to stop b*tching while doing ABSOLUTELY nothing, and then take a more active role in changing this.
July 8, 2007 1:48 PM

zeddie says...
BET "Our Network"? Yeah right!!! When Bob Johnson sold, he sold out!! Like HOODSTAR said its far from "ours". And like what about our daughters said, that show HDM is a blatant diss to us all!! Damn, we losin yall.
July 8, 2007 4:47 PM

postCrunk says...
Shit...I spy NO good lookin hoes in this video..

http://postcrunk.com
free music and shiz..
July 9, 2007 11:41 AM

betsy says...
you all need to watch this new music video by sean kingston. it's soooo incredible. here's the youtube link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XX0vpWUyn0U

you're welcome ;)
January 24, 2008 4:37 PM

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