Snoop Dog and P Diddy.
It looks like the hip-hop community is finally growing up and taking some responsibility for its music. Russell Simmons, who is the head of Def Jam, the legendary rap label, wants three words banned from hip hop.
The words he wants to go are “bitch,” “ho,” and “nigger.” Unfortunately a lot of hip hop artists depend on these three words rather a lot. Earlier this year, New York City banned the use of the N-word, with much approval from the black community.
However, a number of rap artists have said that any ban would not be fair, because they have the right to freedom of expression. They also point out that these three words are used routinely in large parts of America. They argue that artist's use offensive lyrics and words only to reflect their real experiences on the street.
Perhaps the call to ban these words is a little late. The hip-hop industry has made a lot of money from them over the last two decades. What long term effect would a ban have and would it work in this country? British pop culture does seem to follow America, so we will probably be having this discussion fairly soon?
What do you think? Can you ban a word?
Links
Def Jam Recordings
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