Why Hip Hop Won’t Shake Bill O’Reilly
GENERAL By TSSCrew on August 29, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Words by Boney Starks
For a long while, hip-hop has been the scapegoat for many of America’s problems. The so-called hip-hop “community” (whether or not it’s actually a community is debatable) has been blamed for the LA Riots, women being called out of their names, and gun violence in the United States. One of the more recent detractors of hip-hop music is FOX News Anchor Bill O’Reilly, whose show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” has created more than its share of controversial issues and arguments since its inception in 1996. Major artists such as Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and more recently, Nas, have all raised Mr. O’Reilly’s ire in the past few years.
While I don’t agree with O’Reilly’s style of taking a shot in the dark and generalizing the overall art of rap music, I do realize that most rappers are not eloquent enough to defend themselves in a manner in which O’Reilly probably sees fit. And therein lies the problem:
Until artists and other representatives of the “hip-hop community” begin to defend themselves and their actions with level heads and with intelligent responses, they will continue to be chastised by people that deem their actions morally/socially irreverent.
Take Ludacris, for instance, the Atlanta-based hip hop icon whose 2002 Pepsi Cola campaign was pulled after O’Reilly called for a boycott of the brand.
“I’m calling for all responsible americans to fight back and punish pepsi for using a man who degrades women, who encourages substance abuse and does all the things that hurt particularly the poor and our society. Then he says, “I’m calling for all americans to say, hey, pepsi, i’m not drinking your stuff.”
Ludacris’ response was in “Number One Spot” off of his 2004 release, The Red Light District, in which he says in one bar:
“Respected highly, Hi Mr. O’Reilly
Hope all is well, kiss the plantiff and the wifey”
Now while most consumers of hip-hop saw this subtle jab at O’Reilly’s sexual harassment case by Ludacris as a feasable diss, to O’Reilly, it probably didn’t register. Why? Because O’Reilly isn’t a rapper, and he probably wouldn’t be checking for a Ludacris record anyway.
This brings me to my next issue: Snoop Dogg and his ongoing feud with the TV anchor. In a Dutch television show, Snoop had some choice words for O’Reilly, countered by O’Reilly’s witty response.(Video Clip)
O’Reilly’s Response:
You can also see what rapper Cam’Ron and former Roc-A-Fella CEO Damon Dash went through when O’Reilly mediated a discussion between them and a Philadelphia education official.
I think what rappers need to realize is that their street attitude and responses to O’Reilly’s claims only add fuel to the fire. They need to sit back and either take the heat, or learn how to defend themselves in a manner in which O’Reilly and other critics of hip-hop music can respect and understand – not to make a diss record and talk about how they can come back to their hoods and cause raucous. That’s not going to happen. O’Reilly will be sitting in his comfy studio in Los Angeles and continue to berate people and talk out of the side of his mouth, and will continue to make allegations and stir up controversy.
Nas is O’Reilly’s most recent target, but we have yet to hear what Nas has to say about O’Reilly’s disapproval of his performance at Virginia Tech on September 6. O’Reilly went so far as calling the booking of Nas, “insulting to the murder victims of Virginia Tech…” (Video Clip)
So, if any artists are reading this, please do your best to defend yourself with spoken words, not rapped lyrics. In the end, the words are ten times more powerful.
Stay Black
-The Black Hey Zeus
Related Posts – “Since When Is Nas Violent?”
Posted in GENERAL, VIDEO
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65 Comments
Excellent point Mr. Starks.
This guy gets on other people for disrespecting women in there lyrics, but he sexually harasses them.
*Tragedy*
thats whatsup, boney. good post. ive been thinkin the same shit, o’reilly just laughs when our artists come back aggressively like that because then he can be like, “See?”
^ True.
Lyrics are comprised of words, right?
In the case of a response, I don’t think the issue is so much the medium as it is the delivery.
The entire situation reminds me of the concept of the black man who constantly tries to prove he’s just as good as the white man. He develops a complex.
At the end of the day, Bill O’Reilly will never respect Hip Hop. He’ll never see the benefits of it. What’s the point of debating anything with him?
In my opinion, Damon Dash presented his viewpoint in a manner that was intelligent and direct, but that debate was some time ago. That hasn’t stopped Bill O’Reilly from directing his attention to rap from that interview on, has it? At the end of it all, in Bill’s eyes Cam’Ron is still a loud mouth nigga who talks too much, Nas is still violent, and Damon Dash is a street nigga who happened to get lucky. So where was the progression? What’s the benefit?
As it goes, if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it really make a sound?
Don’t tell rappers to respond with words. Tell them not to respond at all.
I agree w/you of sorts Moniker.
And while I’m a huge advocate of what I call the “Biggie appraoch” I still think rappers should respond. First, it’s their nature. Two, if you let the attacks go unanswered, it makes them appear feeble for not steppin up to the plate after doing song after song braggin about how no one can test them.
Sure, it’s a pissing contest & sometimes you can’t partake. But if more artists took a stand & defended themselves, & in a proper manner, Bill may fall back a few steps, b/c he knows he’ll get bit.
Truth be told, it’s a no win situation for our artists though.
i agree…and disagree. i think that alot of rappers can eloquently defend themselves and i’m also frustrated with the results of an ‘intervention’. But attempting to reason with Bill O’Reilly? He doesn’t listen to reason, and if he had the suspicion that someone would explain hip hop in a logical point counterpoint fashion that conflicts with his own ridiculous accusations he wouldn’t have them on his show. I would also say that anyone attempting to debate him would have a difficult time because arguing with nonsense in a 10 minute segment under hot lights is never going to solve anything. So id have to say that they shouldn’t respond at all to O’Reilly. Maybe release a statement but even that is doing too much justice. I also dont think hip hop should just have to defend itself, i mean if hip hop is a culture/community why should rappers be the only ones defending themselves. Rap music has intelligent fans in all walks of life that could debate circles around O’Reilly or anyone like him, getting information out while all the while preserving our favorite artists precious street cred.
KW-G_C… is that what I think it is?!?!?! .. at 25% now.. I’m either gonna fall off my chair or throw it out my window
OMG IT IS! Ya’ll better get that before it’s deaded… Squeek can you tell me what time tomorrow you’ll have the dirty? If it’s early I’ll hold off listening to this. If it’s late then I think I’m gonna order a 6foot sub and start celebrating NOW.
@ Gotty.
Yeah, I hear that. From a personal standpoint, I know what would compel someone to respond. I can’t say that I wouldn’t be tempted to do so myself.
At the same Bill O’Reilly is paid to be an asshole. He’s paid to be extremely conservative while delivering “witty” one-liners. They pay him the big bucks to be that. His show is more entertainment for the far right than it is news. His chief audience are primarily conservative white men and women who share his views. Debating him on his show on display for his audience (who are just like him) is definitely not a winning situation.
A discussion with him over the benefits of Hip Hop (something he clearly knows very little about) just seems unnecessary to me. Pointless.
Ether…kinda hard to say. Might be around 2pm (Arizona time) or as late as 5 or 6. Don’t worry about the link yall…it ain’t goin nowhere!
Gotty- we all agreed that any1 who doesnt keep up with his fantasy team should instantly be banned from TSS for LIFE.
oh shit, piff! good read too
Fuckin Rapidshare…i got 33 minutes before i can download this, and I know the link will be dead^^
thats a good look squeek
Must. Not. Click…
Have. To. Wait…
Sept 11th…
Thanks Squeek.. I’m pressing PLAY. T DOT you’re missing out.
Someone please up that not on RS real quick so I dont have to wait 94 minutes.
Oh shit! Gonna be a good night. Good looks Squeek…..at 64% right now. Finna go twist one and zone.
“yeah that tuxedo mighta been a lil guido / but with my ego, i can stand there in a speedo and still be a mu’fuckin hero”
:hat
-The Black Hey Zeus!
^^^ oh shit what u know about the :hat action? lol Kanye is that dude
This is the only place in my bookmarks with this shit…haha…TSS is major and this just proves it
Squeek Boogie aint no joke.
“Drunk and Hot Girls”…..real talk.
Good read B Starks. But dammit I needs that role call!!!
I hate you all
spend the money on that Premium Aron.
Gotta pay to play.
In the famous words of that Mexican dude in the movie Colors
“I got more time then money”
I spent it yesterday.
ohh shit that fuck is iiiiigggnorant……… “the ghit-toow”
between cam and that bigot i was cracking up……. racism is helariously rediculous
imo a SOLID album from Mr. West.
Album is SOLID as stated above.
Squeak!! Good Look!!.. d/l now!!…
ya made my night and day… forget Sept 11th.. I’m ordering international via Amazon or cduniverse in order to cop earlier if possible…
here’s a zshare link
http://www.zshare.net/download/3382810ef4cf99/
by the by…got it off another site
Co-sign the solid sentiments.
Crazy that the ‘net can get an album to me quicker than the label.
TSS is F’in Major!
Kanye did not disappoint.
But a whole lot of other rappers did this summer.
There are two tracks missing though. I don’t really care to hear the skit, but the other joint. Track #11 according to iTunes, Good Night with Mos Def.
I’m not complaining though. Mad props to SB.
heard “THIS” on the radio today (partially) and I figured it would be on TSS tonight.
And I wasn’t wrong.
thanks squeek
I think Bill O’Reilly can be debated and on his own show. The problem is what artist out there has the debate skills – and let’s not kid ourselves debating is alot different in the Bill’s world than it is in the normal world. I don’t think Nas should attempt it, he may come off as the intelligent gangster but I can see Bill making him into a spectacle. My feeling is that ALL rap artist should be able to defend the lyrics and content they use. Camron for as much as he acted the buffoon that Bill needed to make the show, did have some excellent points and had he stuck to them throughout would have at least garnered more success.
Bill’s best trick and one that until you can answer it right he will go back to time and again… He always ask the moral/ethical question i.e. “if an 11 yr old is listening to your music and does blah blah, do you feel responsible?” And the correct answer is to do what isn’t natural for rap and hip-hop artist.. back down and some sympathy. To blame the parents gives Bill the onus to protect them and they are his bread n butter. But by saying yes I would feel bad, but more so because that child is learning the lessons of life as I did the hard way, and if isn’t and is only imitating what i have been through it means they aren’t finding the real meaning in the music. That would make Bill backpedal and try to find a new scheme. (BTW is any rapper uses that please let them know I have a paypal account.. SEE ME WIT MINES)
Bill can be beat but not with the street thug methods that win arguments.
BTW i’m with T-Dot I will wait until I can legally purchase those 2 albums.
It is here!!!
Kanye West – Graduation 2007
It don’t have the skits and I think it may be a different version from the Itunes version and it may have the bonus track senario going on with what store you buy it from but I don’t know what this one is and it is edited also an unedited is coming…
http://www.zshare.net/download/3377532449929b/
Graduation Album
Ye’s production is so different and I can’t get enough of it. I could tell right away that this disc won’t leave my car for a while.
Feelin better than some head on a sunday afternoon……
Better than a chick who say yes too soon……
We major?
Come on homey
WE MAJOR
tss is major!
but homecoming makes me sad. it was better back in the day.
BEST NEW OF THE WEEK:
KRS-ONE SIGNED WITH DUCKDOWN RECORDS. Can’t wait on some buckshot/sean price collabs! Shit!
I think Nas and Bill O’reilly should hold a personal conversation on live air, being mediated on a station where O’reilly has no jurisdiction.
Or…Just not give him any attention, because ultimately giving him attention would only give him more power. So we should just not even give his shit any play.
Scratch that, common or Andre 3000 are better well suited for the job. but overall..
option two seems better to me.
From Oxmo to Kanye! One feet !
http://rapidshare.com/files/6196999/Oxmo_Puccino_-_Op_ra_Puccino__1998_.rar
TSS you did it again, u a fukin genius
ps fuk bell o rielly
Kohndo aka K.O.H – Stick to Ground (somophore album) on Ascetic Music
(label with Insight, Mr Live) and
recorded in Detroit.
http://rapidshare.com/files/47834002/Kohndo_-_Stick_To_Ground__fr__-_2006_Andi_Jam.rar.html
Project with Slum village, Insight, Dwele, Song …
to listen as a matter of urgency,
you like jay dee, kanye … you like The
K.O.H.
Artist……………: Kanye West
Album…………….: Graduation [edited]
1. (00:03:16) Kanye West – Good Morning
2. (00:02:46) Kanye West – Champion
3. (00:05:13) Kanye West – Stronger (ft. Daft Punk)
4. (00:04:03) Kanye West – I Wonder
5. (00:03:27) Kanye West – Good Life (ft. T-Pain)
6. (00:04:26) Kanye West – Can’t Tell Me Nothing
7. (00:03:25) Kanye West – Barry Bonds (ft. Lil Wayne)
8. (00:05:13) Kanye West – Drunk And Hot Girls (ft. Mos Def)
9. (00:03:57) Kanye West – Flash Lights (ft. Dwele)
10. (00:03:47) Kanye West – Everything I Am (ft. DJ Premier)
11. (00:03:33) Kanye West – The Glory
12. (00:03:22) Kanye West – Homecoming (feat. Chris Martin)
13. (00:04:47) Kanye West – Big Brother
14. (00:04:00) Kanye West – Bittersweet (Feat. John Mayor)
15. (00:04:08) Kanye West – Can’t Tell Me Nothing RMX (ft. Young Jeezy)
Playing Time………: 00:59:22
Total Size………..: 80.86 MB
http://hhq569u0mbr54ssgbojwd.usercash.com
back up links:
http://hhbb6vo0ad05q5r9q9yv.usercash.com
http://hhwhrz680c4wnelyt3ikk.usercash.com
http://hh6stshwa7bnblvx1mmm.usercash.com
http://hhbngt7cy18auliv8avb.usercash.com
“Play on playa” (chorus)
08-access_immortal-strugglers_paradise_(feat._insight)
- Nas feat Snoop Dogg, in Hiphop is dead album.
Inspiration or not, copy or not ?
or it’s like 5ocent InDaClub
“Go Go Go Go Go it’s she birtday”
^ Damn… them joints got canceled that fast! LOL
man, thanks for this post. was thinking of this when you guys had the other post involving nas and o’reilly.
i just hope people listen.
I don’t think O’Reilly really debates anyone. Not without a stacked deck, at least.
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, Papa Bear got a nice ethering from Jay Smooth, in the wake of his ridiculous Nas rant.
just read the post & damn right. There is just no use using ebonics with these people as it just won’t register in there minds & it will just make the emcee look like even more of a neanderthal than they already do. I think that the problem lies with the emcees mindset5. I think the feel that if they use a vocabulary upgrade (any decent emcee must have a very good one anyway) that they will lose face or credability with there peers/fans/homies etc. If it’s true then it really is worse for young urbanites people than i thought. It’s simple. Either take on Billy boy at his own game or don’t show up at the party.
p e a c e
Man, going on dudes show is like walking into the Lions Den. Folks need to be prepared when being interviewed by this ass. Remember its all a ratings game.
Good post. One of the most intelligent interpretations of Bill O’Reilly’s hate towards Gangsta Rap I’ve read on the hip hop blogs.
here’s that GRADUATION CD [explicit version]
get it quick!
http://hh2gy2y8iacsj67oulx5n.usercash.com
http://hhhpirlwvvnqmswdzg20.usercash.com
http://ii3j9c2q6zxiwpm15xau.usercash.com
http://hhncxybrnlkj6ncrqn.usercash.com
fuck it…while im at it i might as well bless though who dig shitty music too:
50 cent – CURTIS (clean version)
http://hh9en31aiwjt97pr57w.usercash.com
youre welcome…get it quick!!
Industry Insider,
KThundo
Bill Reilly is the 21st cnetury equivalent of a civil servant who feels obligated to “keep the blacks in their place”. By addressing him he’s given relevance when he should be ignored. the deeper issue is with his Boss, News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch. He’s made a career out of his disdain for Jews and Blacks and has vilified both with his shit rag The New York Post. Bill O’reilly isn’t to be condemned but at the same time one shouldn’t entertain anything he says a s gospel. That’s where educating and cultivating the masses helps.
Someone please up that not on RS real quick so I dont have to wait 94 minutes.
========
I hate.
the.
94 minutes.
Bitches.