By: Taren Vaughan
When it comes to socially conscious rappers in the game, Hip-Hop artist Talib Kweli is one of them. And like most rappers who claim themselves to be about promoting social awareness and don’t tend to drown their music with meaningless lyrics, Talib Kweli doesn’t hold back when he feels strongly about something that a fellow rapper spits in a song. And Rick Ross’ controversial song lyrics on U.O.E.N.O (You ain’t even know it) is one track that he has some strong words for. In the song, Rick Ross made a clear reference to date rape that did not sit well with those who heard it. Seeing how much of an uproar it caused, Rick Ross spoke on the song’s lyrics, claiming there to be a misunderstanding about his stance on rape. The controversy has even led a radio station to snatching all Rick Ross’ music from rotation and protests. In a live discussion that he did with HuffPostLive, Talib Kweli addressed the Rick Ross lyric controversy and says that Rick Ross is a “misguided” individual and that Rick Ross’ needs to come with a better “apology” than the one he gave on in his recent interview:
“I don’t care if Rick Ross is 40 years old — he’s a misguided 40-year-old person…Rick Ross condoned rape in that song…And he should apologize, and his apology that he offered was unacceptable.”
And when asked if he would share his thoughts with Rick Ross, Talib says he absolutely would as it is coming all out of love:
“I have no problem saying that to Rick Ross. I have no problem saying that to Rick Ross because I’m approaching him with love. Like listen, ‘You are apart of this culture. You have a beautiful contribution. You, Lil’ Wayne, Drake, whoever people wanna diss, y’all all can contribute beautifully to this culture.’ And it’s like if I didn’t love them, I wouldn’t care…I have to say it. The reason why I had to say Rick Ross was wrong in that situation, why I feel like he was wrong, and I said it on my Twitter, and I say it again now, it’s because I claim to represent Hip-Hop culture. I can’t claim to represent Hip-Hop culture and then shrug away from the issues. But at the same time, if I’m calling him a monster, if I’m coming at him automatically like, ‘You have nothing to offer this’, then I’m just as bad. And we can’t approach it like that. And I think that all of us should. I don’t think it’s just on me as an artist. All of us should approach it like that. I really do feel like that.”
What do you think of Talib Kweli’s message?
I agree.
I appreciate what he’s saying, but Rick Ross doesn’t care. This is the same guy who lied about who he was to sell records. He has no morals.
You make some good points…but it’s always good when people can tell other people about themselves in a way that isn’t hateful or negative. We as a society need more of that.
THANK YOU.
Just a mess. The whole situation is just crazy to me. The worst part is that non apology he gave everyone. Rick Ross needs to get it together or go sit down somewhere.
Well nowadays rappers just don’t care. They say anything because they don’t think it matters. I’m glad people are speaking up about this. I really am.
He won’t care until those album sales get low! That’s how they all are!
Cosign.
Tired of Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and all the other irresponsible rappers. They are too old to be so careless with their lyrics.
I have so much respect for Talib. He keeps speaking the truth and you just have to respect that.
Jst like wat jessie j says in price tag lol its all abt money lol so rick ross jst want money