In case you were watching Fox News yesterday and were wondering just how frightened you should be by militant rapper Common, who apparently advocates shooting white people on sight or something, I present the video above. Yep, that’s Common. Possibly one of the least threatening rappers alive. Sure, the guy gets political sometimes and maybe says something that could be construed as violent when taken out of context by a “news” network known for that sort of thing, but maybe the entirety of his body of work should be considered. After all, Common’s the sort of rapper that a conservative news network might run a wildly positive video clip about on their website.
Then again, maybe using violent political imagery is only OK if you’re one of Sean Hannity’s white friends.
This article appears in May 5-11, 2011.
Are you blind Mr. Gibson ? Rapper Common has pledged support
for a convicted cop killer, suggested one could burn Bush and advocates
carrying a guy to shoot cops. To get political sometimes and to
spout hate and violence is different. Please. The man may sing what
he wishes, however, I wish he would not go to the people’s house
and be honored by our president. This would be disrespectful. Regards, R
R, If you’re referring to Common’s support for the ‘cop killer’ Troy Davis, you should also be condemning both Jimmy Carter and Bob Barr as well. Davis is almost certainly not guilty of the crime that he was convicted of, 7 out of the state’s 9 witnesses have recanted their testimonies citing police and prosecutor cohesion, and strong evidence has emerged pointing to another perpetrator. The entire case is a textbook example on how to not conduct a fair and honest investigation. The fact that the federal courts have refused to intervene is a disgusting glimpse into the unfairness and bureaucracy that pollutes the American justice system.
As for Common’s political views and statements, he is entitled to them. Personally I don’t find them anymore threatening or insulting then Ted Nugent. At the end of the day, many musicians use their art as a way of expressing frustration and anger at the world. I personally think that this is a good and healthy way to get out one’s anger without resorting to actions.
rgarn, thanks, however the killer to whom I am referring is Ms Shakur ( Assata Shakur, aka JoAnne Byron Chesimard). An escapee from New Jersey she has found shelter in Cuba. In 1973 she was involved in the killing of Trooper Werner Foerster on the New Jersey Turnpike. Again, I support the First Amendment and probably subscribe to your concept of releasing anger yet I cannot condone the gentleman being honored at the
White House.
R,
Burn a bush.. is a double entendre referring to the “Burning Bush” in the bible being a revelation of who we should follow and Burn (like burn off or leave) Bush who was leading us into war and not peace based on weapons of mass destruction that were not found.
In the hip-hop world the idea that COMMON is a gangsta rapper is providing a huge source of humor and makes the fox news guys seem incredibly racist and enforces the idea that it doesnt matter how clean cut you are nor as against gang activity you are. If you are young and Black and have ideas that are different then yours then you will be considered a Thug.
One last thing. COMMON does not support killing cops in any way. He wrote a song about Assata Shakur and Mumia-Abu Jamar who many people believe were innocent and framed by the Police force at the time based on the evidence that was presented. Some cops are bad (Most arent) and many involved at the time believe that these two individuals were framed because they were involved with organizations that wanted to empower the black community.
I can see why Fox News is outraged. Common is as about as threatening as the Mickey Mouse Club…
Why? Because we like you!
NOT!
But, what do you expect from the little kid (foxnews) that get’s beat up all the time. He becomes a cop and still get’s beat up. So, when you’re not around he kicks your dog.