What would you say to Nas?
Nas outside Fox News
Every day it becomes clearer that Nas is separating himself from other major-selling rappers by putting words into action.
Yesterday Rolling Stone reported on the hip-hop legend’s latest effort:
About four hours after the announcement that his controversial, politically charged ninth album was number one in the country, Nas was on a small podium in front of Fox News headquarters in New York City protesting what he sees as racist attacks against Black Americans and presidential candidate Barack Obama.
In a brief prepared statement, the multi-platinum rapper pointed out examples of what he and ColorOfChange see as a long racist smear campaign against the Obama family: The onscreen graphic that referred to Michelle Obama as the Senator’s “baby mama”; Bill O’Reilly casually using the phrase “lynching party” to refer to attacks on the Senator’s wife; referencing to the couple’s infamous fist thump as a “terrorist fist jab.”
Said Nas, “Fox poisons this country every time they air racist propaganda and try to call it news. This should outrage every American that Fox uses hateful language to talk about the person that may be the first black president.”
Nas’s tirade against Fox News is receiving major media attention, and countless people are hitting numerous websites with their opinions. All of this builds on the sensitive material of his new album, Untitled.
If you had the chance to speak to Nas right now, what would you say? Would you tell him his actions are making people stand up and take notice, or that his efforts are in vain?
I’d thank Nas for standing up and proving that he has a brain. It’s great to see him actually turning heads with more material than just “guns, hos, drugs, and money.” When I first heard about his album’s title, I was surprised, but the more I found out about it, the only surprise was that I knew I absolutely had to have it. Of course, talking to other people who said, among other things, that they were outraged he had tried to name his album what he had only told me that he was on the right path. After all, if Lil’ Wayne casually uses “****,” why can’t Nas title his album that? And, of course, it’s about time someone spoke out against the “fair and balanced” racism pigs that are Fox News. If I had a chance to say something to Nas, I’d tell him to keep doing what he’s doing, and that along with Obama, people like him will help change this world for the better.
he’s bringing hip hop.. i love nas..
amen to that ^^^
nas speaks the truth. this country has come a long way since segregation but we are not quite there yet. i would thank nas for always keeping it real. there is actually meaning behind his words and that alone is refreshing.
I praise NAS for wat hes doing.Just like the times have changed so has racism true we as blacks dont get called ****S!! But they do it in other ways so casually that you wouldnt be able to tell at times!!! They reach the line but dont cross it!!! Media protrays us one way and then if you do the real work and research you find out the truth. Black America does get taken advantage of and we dont get mad at we DEAL with it!! WE as minorities need to lash out and and stop DEALING with it!!! Get your mind and body strong prepare and stop being taken as a sucka!!! Yeah its good to be a gangsta but you go to jail and you making the white man money so how does that help the black community??? Then study this politics we got a got to get our voices heard in spite of wat happened in Florida cuz this time around it affects us all both parties takes us a blacks for granted but at the same time put who you think is better to run the country!!! $4 gas housing crisis my children shouldnt have grow up in this my son wants to go to VA Tech I want to tell him he can go but in reality he may not if this country keeps getting more expensive!!! And knowledge should be free not $9,000 a semester plus books!!! Stop getting taken advantage of 4real man wake up like NAS has!!! You can be cool and smart at the same time…..Start telling the Youth there is hope and dont give up!!!! Time to be less greedy more giving and more attentive bout things that matter not your car,jewelry,house or job please start reaching out thats what made this country great once because we worked hard and were the best at now everyone else has taken our philosphy and ran with time to get back to the basics!!!
not only is nas one of the greats but he walks the walk and talks the talk. he is steppin up cuz he really cares about the people. he really doesn’t have to put his words into action. nobody is forcin him to do this but he knows its time for a change. a much needed one and he is doin his part to make it happen
I LOVE WHAT HE IS DOING AND I LOVE HIS ALBUM HE IS KEEPING IT ALL THE WAY 100. I MEAN HE DOESNT HAVE ANYTHING TO PROVE MUSICALLY ANY MORE HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES. IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE AND PEOPLE NEE TO WAKE UP. I LOVE NAS BECUASE YOU CAN BE HOOD BUT INTELLIGENT AT THE SAME TIME. THANKS NAS FOR KEEPING IT 100
He is such a great man. Nobody has the balls to do what he is so he have to do it himself!! It doesn’t surprise me, he is completely right!! I hope what he is doing isn’t in vain but young teens don’t care about what he’s doing or about how Fox new is depicting a fellow African-American man and his wife. It’s harmful for us all and it is disrespectful to us all, but atleast we have someone to speak up about it. I bet Fox will roast him next. SOB’S!!!
thanks to nas for giving me such inspirations. best mc poet.
id ask..What Were You And Your Woman Wearing The Other Day??
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Like others are saying, Nas is truly showing he has a brain and is alerting the public on major matters, to be honest, I can’t agree with most of them, but I appriciate Nas vision to grab the peoples attention at important issues.
yoo I’d say big ups to him and sorry noone else is following suit. We really need to get behind support and make our presence felt instead of being on the sidelines going “go nas” from the screen. Obama has taken a lot of shiet from others. I feel for that man. There’s been a lot of instances on the new where it was racism towards us. There’s ways to be racist without saying the N word. People will try it because they think “blacks” are too stupid to pick it up. Example earlier in the election when people were speaking on CNN did anyone else notice that obama’s wife was the only one that was haveing mic problems throughtout pretty much her whole speach and it was all good when maria schriver got on. Well it wasn’t an accident.
Yeah luxury your right. Racism has changed it’s face a lot. I’ve caught people being racist. When I catch I make it evident, I don’t get angry about it because they try to use it as an excuse. But i’ve literally worked them over and watch them back pedal to try and save their lives. I’ve disowned people as friends that i’ve known for years because I don’t want to be that one card they pull when someone says they’re racist.
But we haft to change our tactics when dealing with this type of thing. I got hassled by some doorman of a bar and grill joint. Who magically closed the place when he saw me coming and he just let some other people walk right on through. Didn’t ask me anything he just said “THIS PLACE IS CLOSED FOR A PRVATE PARTY!! ” I could’ve got crazy and ish but I played along and said “really… that’s crazy is the private party for judy cause that’s who I got invited by” and he was like damn and was pissed lol. At the same time this white guy walked out to ask him something and was paying attention to the situation. So the doorman looks at me up and down if i’m within code. Which I’m beyond code cause I knew this would happen. The white dude is lookin at me crazy like “wtf!” then the door man says “hey tuck your shirt in” white dude is lookin at me again like “wtf my shirts not tucked in”. So whatever I tuck my shirt in and did a little dance and asked him repeatedly if this was good just to annoy him. So I got in untucked my shirt notice half the people in there weren’t here for her party, then proceeded to the patio area (which is by the entrance) where everyone I knew was at. I start huggin my homegirls and bumpin away haters. I start talking to my homegirls friends which are by the bar. So I get my cranberry and vodka and tip the bartender. The white dude that was outside came over and asked what the hell all that was outside and why the doorman was hassling me. So we got chattin and I said “I know why but it doesn’t matter I got in.” The bartender heard this and he got mad, and the girls where mad too. Hell they where more mad than I was. so I figure hell I’m in might as well talk **** about him since he’s looking over here anyways. The doorman tries to get as close as he can without climbing the brick layer. And then he’s lookin at my shirt untucked and points at it. I point to numerous collarless, untucked, jean and sneaker wearing people that are lighter than me walking around. I go back to ordering another drink and hugged another homegirl that I just saw. Then I grin at him and turn my back and keep talking to the people.
My point is play the game, set them up and beat them at it. They find different ways of racism, we find different ways of beating it.
bout time a rapper stood for what’s right.
it kinda sucks how this world has regressed
martin luther king didnt fight against racism for no reason.
what is so wrong about black people?
not a damn thing. suck it up!
we are here to stay. lol
I’d say good job and you should be proud and so should your ancestors. Nas has come a long way and I’m proud of him.
Damn Rick! What you thought you were in an essay contest, LOL! Naw but you made some good points! I totally agree with Nas when he says that it is our time! These older persons need to pass the torch or give us a chance! We have voices and we know what the hell is going on truly versus them while they sit in an office all day and thinking that they know being disconnect! All of these generations need to get connected and stop being disconnected and ALL of this bullsh*t racism need to be cut out! They just don’t like themselves and need someone and something to blame it on! LEAVE HIP HOP ALONE! I LOVE MY CULTURE AND HIP HOP AND I’M WELL OFF! MY KIDS I MENTOR AND TUTOR AND IN MY NEIGHBOR GET GOOD GRADES AND ALL AND THEY LISTEN TO MUSIC! THEIR INVOLVED IN THE CULTURE! IF ANYTHING BLAME THESE DAMN PARENTS! GET ON TV AND SAY THESE DAMN PARENTS AND HISTORY IS THE BLAME FOR ALL OF THIS! THOSE DAMN SLAVE MASTERS MADE BLACKS HAVE SLAVE MENTALITIES AND CONTINUE TO THIS DAY TO OPPRESS PEOPLE! I NEEDS TO STOP!!!
I’ll just say Nas to CONTINUE !!! Obama’s candidature wakes up America and european countries too. That’s important personnalities like him denounce racism and it’s time that american government changes face.
A big up from the West Indies !!
When are you guys (blacks) stop living in a past. White people this white people that it is funny to me. If a white mas says something about blacks it is racist but when blacks talk about whites in negative way it is not. I am not racist but it is really getting annoying to here same thing every day. And btw Nas’s album sucks and even if he named it N word it would offend only you (blacks)) not.
Mike I have a lot of White friends and the Hollister kind at that but as a Black man, White men need to realize that we have to fight for everything, get setback for being Black, stereotyped for being a Black male. It is true! Its called modern day! It is a shame that I have degrees and certificates and I go to do business with a company and walk into their office at 28 yo with a suit on and they look at me like what the f! Judge me like I’m from the hood (have nothing against anyone from the hood, still have family there). I started my own business by myself and when these White men see my name they think that I am White but when they find out that I am Black they are upset. Plus, I am smart! Just like when slavery was in the “Master” didn’t want the slaves (Blacks) to learn how to read because it would have changed their mindset and they will gain intellect! Therefore, you need to do your homework and should have paid attention in school. Not only that but I can remember when I was in middle school and we saw Roots in class, one of my White friends apologized to me and I laughed. So you just have to take into consideration ALL of the bull we have to deal with especially the police. I even got pulled over in my nice vehicle because I am young and Black and the White male cop salary doesn’t allow him to afford one like mine and the White officers automatically think that I or we are drug dealers. Lastly, the police are trained to spot out young Black males from the ages of 18-25 because they say that we are dangerous. Sh*t we go to school, we work, we ALL don’t rob or steal. And what I said about the police is true because we were even told that when I was taking Criminal Justice classes before I decided to switch to Business.
NOW THAT WAS YOUR AND EVERYONE ELSE’S LESSON FOR TODAY!!! KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AND THE LACK OF IT CAN KILL YOU!!!
Fox News sucks at everything. They are a cancer in our society. BTW, Rick nice story.
Whats good I agree with Rick I am from New Orleans and white folks think the world is theres but we the black community always will survive. I dont give a **** what a white person says. 98% of them wish they was black but when they get a charge from the police they dont want to be black. **** Fox news and all the other news stations throwing **** at our black community. They call you **** behind your back but will not say **** to you to your face. All blacks need to wake up because when Obama wins I got a feeling it will be a race war. and if thats the case I stay locked and loaded. Shout out to Nas ,Rick I see you boy,NY Babii and all my black and latino brothers and sisters. 504 New Orleans Hollygrove 4 life.
now new orleans i dont believe that is just a one way street…look at the clothes black companies are coming out with, tight pants tight shirts, fake tattoos, skulls and chains…id say thats a white person look. But when they are around a bunch of thugs they wanna go change clothes. it is wrong for throwing out any community not just black, whites are not the only ones to talk sh*t about another race behind there back and wont say sh*t to there face…most blacks will talk mad sh*t about white ppl behind their backs but when they are not around all there boys its as if they were brothers with the white guy. Its kind of ignorant to sound cool and say your locked and loaded because that really dosent matter. its not 1920 and a white guy is going to blow up your home for being black..grow up. im mexican so this is what all you whites and blacks are making your culture seem to be ignorant and nieve. thats were everyone else comes in. its our jobs to put ppl who make us look bad in check because how they act is how it makes the race seem. BEANERS RULE!! OBAMA FOR PREZ!!
To the guy above me, I agree with every thing your saying. I don’t understand you people and your colors. Its inevitable that there will be raciest people, and you can’t change that. The fact that people draw attention to it in a negative way (naming his album ****) doesn’t help.
If people would put colors aside and only see the person for themselves, then they wouldn’t worry about who is, or is not racist. They wouldn’t have to call out a whole group of people that they don’t personally know, and make the same judgements that they (themselves) are accusing that group of making.
Is there a Mexican History Month? Beeners rule!
“Is there a Mexican History Month?”….EXACTLY blacks arnt the only race to be discriminated…especially when the get a whole month out of the year to reminice in their culture. mexicans arnt crying about it neither are whites..so its time to start taking it like a man and grow up…some things never change
Ummm, I think we are straying away from the positiveness that comes from Nas standing up for an injustice that is being done to all minorities. I do not believe a racial slur can ever be made positive, but as far as using it to draw attention to his album, make you say “Damn, what is this about?” Then business wise he did fine, as made obvious by being number one in the country. If you are concerned about there not being a Mexican History month (which by the way, there is every October) then you are encouraged to do more to lead efforts in letting the world know that the Latino culture has influenced societies all over the world and that includes America, by celebrating more than just one month but year round. Black History month was initially one week and it was brought about by Dr. Carter G. Woodson proclaiming it and others catching on and later saying, to hell with one week, this shall be recognized all month! It would be nothing if no one recognized their own histories…in short, if you want Mexican History nationally recognized you have to do your part in that effort. You can start by no longer saying “Beeners rule!” or “Beaners rule” because you are subscribing to a stereotype, or is there some type of positive message to be found in this reference? I fail to see it. As for not crying about your problems, there is a difference in crying about them, and then there is getting things accomplished. I’m sure there are several champions for Latino rights here in America but there needs to be more, include yourselves in that. As for whites not crying, I’m not sure they should be crying seeing as that every American child knows basic American History that is in every text book taught in every school. If you want to take something like a man, then you should be leading a protest for the injustices dealt to all minorities. For every injustice you should take a stand, believe me those who recognize real won’t say your crying or whining, they will say ” This person has the b**ls to stand up for what they belive in.”
what do You mean…we beaners love beans in our chili…UUUMMMMMM…about our history month, its only a few days and that is because we dont like to be over dramatic on stuff that happened 80 years ago…thats why things dont change(racism)…hhheeyyyyy jennifer =] lol BEANERS RULE(so does our chili!!)
Want To Know Somthin’ Funny? My Girlfriends Cuzin’ Worked As Manager For Proof From D-12. So He Went On Tour Got To See Many Things. Something I Wouldent expect To Hear IS How He Went On Tour With Kanye West And A Few Other People…Now Remeber Kanye Always Talks About Racism And How White People hate Blacks, Now What Was Puzzling Was How He (My Baby’s Cuzin’) Said A Young White Boy Around The Age Of 10 Came Up To KAnye And Asked Him For Him Autograph, Kanye Then Looked Passed And Told Him No As If He Wasent Even There.Her Cousin The said You Could Tell By How KAnye Said It, It Was Because He Was White. What Is That Showing You? Racism Is Commited By The Highest Preachers. Whites Suposidly Hate Backs, Blacks In Visa Versa. What The Hell Is The Matter With People. Everyone Has The Same Thing From Day One. 2 Eyes, 1 Mouth, 2 Arms and Legs, 1 Nose…I Mean come On…Pathetic..People Say Its So Wrong But If They Open Their Eyes They Would Realize They are Guilty.(Kanye Come On Man, I Love Your Music But What Are You Helpin?)
Thats what bugs me. Blacks still live in the past. Not only white people are racist blacks are too, latinos are too so there is no blaming only one side.
Thanks kwaping and new orleans. Boogy your tripping and not to mention your being hypocritical. Through out my life I realize this shiet:
1. Racism of anykind is bs. Every race, gender etc will screw the other or it’s own kind this has been proven over and over. Not only that I believe it exists because a person doesn’t have the balls to confront that person so they hate their race.
2. Talking ish on a race to make them look stupid makes your race look ultimatley stupid.
3. Most people will perceive you how they perceive you. I can spit philosophy and quadratic equations for days and people will still look for one thing that will give them an excuse to call me stupid ni99er. People will actually enterperate things more offensively from one race than another. It sounds retarded but it’s true.
4. I differ from others because I am mix and when I get asked which one I go by I state all of them. Because I am Black, I am panamanian and I am chinese. Why do I haft to pick and what’s comical is people that know my whole name (first and last are hispanic) or know I’m mixed will make black jokes to try and mess with. I’ll give them that are you friggin stupid look. I could talk ish about their race but i’m better than that and I have a prob with that person not his race.
5. People talk about something they know that they have no idea. Quite simply I’ve heard people say the same thing as you michael. But you’ll never get it. I had an asian friend get pulled over and get harassed for having a bald head and baggy jeans then let go. Well grow hair and wear khakis and he’ll bever get harassed. I’ve been pulled over wearing a button up shirt and khakis. Talked **** and had a gun put to my head with the red dot showing (I laughed). Searched me my car etc. Talked more **** of how he could’ve shot me and got away with it. Then when he found my reserve military ID and school **** he tried to back talk his way out of it. The thing was he was more pissed about his thing than I was pissed about mine. But he said the same thing you did.
I constantly run into racism in different forms. Sure there’s no lenching etc but it’s still out there. What get’s me is people don’t like it on them but they talk it about the others I’ve heard some ignorant ish like how their race is smart and blacks are dumb then 2 sentences later they say hip hop is dumbing them down.
6. Saying everyone is racist is a friggin cop out. Have you met everyone on the planet? If every race could get their heads out their a$$ and actually take the time to understand each other then they’ll see how much they’re alike. Also stand up for other races then shiet would be good.
But seriously michael that ish still goes on infront of our faces how do you not see it?
damn another essay
you pretty much said what I said just more sophisticated lol
haha how do you figure? I really don’t see it. sall good i’m going to disneyland.
Racism Is Stupid, Your Not Going To Make It End By Crying No Matter How Hard You Try…All This Shi* Is Stupid Everyone Needs To Get Over Theirselves And Move On. Untill You Forgive And Forget, There Will Always Be Racism in The World..Obama Says Change…Take It From Him.
I’d say it’s great what he’s trying to accomplsih but to be great … and be an Activist.. he can not use these opportunities as a plug for his album.. it slooks and sounds bad. simple as that
an Acitvist is an activist
a rapper is an entertainer…
he would say “**** YA’ll ****s
he would say “FCUK YA’ll NIKKAHs
I would say make better music, enough people already hate Fox News
id tell nas to keep fighting
alot of yall make me sick, im from the country i deal with this on a daily basis because there is a major divide down here. you got black and white then you got Gang and Klan to act like its nothing and leave it unconfronted makes life alot harder for me and others i know. im white and hated for “mixing” in with other races and my black friends are hated for supposedly “turning” me black