Vinyl Notes

As predicted, Nas’ Untitled hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 this week. On that very day - today - he joined protesters from Move On and Color of Change, in dissent regarding Fox’s portrayal of African Americans. Nas and Fox News have been at odds since Fox aired a story painting the rapper as a violence glorifying thug. While Nas does have some gritty songs, he has always tried to include positive messages in most of his music. The Fox News spot was pretty slanted; check it out.

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Well, sure add that Nas is not the worst after you’ve made it seem like he’s the spawn of Satan. Nas is a pretty savvy businessman, so there is no doubt he would choose songs appropriate for the occasion. He has plenty of songs about brotherhood, unity and love.

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Nas released his 10th studio album last week, after much controversy and anticipation. At first the LP was entitled “N**ger,” however Nas opted for a title self-titled untitled release after much criticism from the NAACP.

“Everybody is trying to stop the title…. Record stores are gonna have a problem in this day and time selling a record with that title. Who knows what’s gonna turn out and be on that title? Who knows what that title will be?” [source]

Nas did not shy from the controversy altogether,choosing an image of his bare back with whip lacerations in the shape of an “N”. He also airing several unappologetic videos including “Sly Fox” in which he lamblasts Fox Corp. for it’s biased reporting and encouraging the people to restore and rebuild the media.

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I can’t imagine what it must have felt like for Gym Class Heros frontman Travis McCoy, to be standing on stage and have an audience member hurl racial slurs at you. What I can say is that I certainly sympathize with his plight.

Gym Class Heroes lead singer Travis McCoy was arrested last night in St. Louis on one charge of third-degree assault. The punk-hop group had just finished the first song of their Warped Tour set, “Peace Sign,” when a black audience member near the front row called the New York-based singer a “fucking ignorant nigger.”

McCoy calmly asked the man, “What did you just call me?” As security was removing him from the crowd, the frontman reached down and broke his microphone over the man’s head. McCoy immediately apologized for his reaction and said it wasn’t representative of him as a person. “I’m sorry. But when someone calls you something that ignorant and that offensive, you have to bash their head in with a microphone,” said McCoy. The audience cheered as the man in question was carried away by security. Local police are not releasing the victim’s name at this time.

McCoy was subsequently arrested and released on bail for assaulting the heckler. Tisk, tisk McCoy, but I’m glad you immediately realized the error of your ways. Next time, think before you act.

Hat tip: Rolling Stone

Has anyone else seen the “Be Kanye” infomercial? It’s absolutely ridiculous and part of the reason that no matter how much people seem to hate on Kanye West, I won’t be converted to the club. He may rant like a crazy person on his blog, but he still does clever stuff like this. So what do I care about his personality? It’s not like I know him personally…

“Ladies and gentlemen, hold it right there!” Unleash the super star in you with “Be Kanye.” LOL, check it out:

So some of you may have already heard about the latest beef in hip hop. Ice T recently took a shot at Soulja Boy while making a mixed tape, accusing the the youngster of single-handedly killing hip hop. Be that as it may, Soulja Boy responded with his own video; check it out:

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