Alicia Keys Fires Back at Blender Magazine's Conspiracy Mishap
Singersroom News
Posted on 04/15/08
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Alicia Keys has released the following statement regarding her recent interview with Blender Magazine:
"I feel it is necessary to clarify the comments that were made during my recent Blender magazine interview since they have been misrepresented.
Anyone who knows me and my character, knows that I am not a conspiracy theorist or, by implication, a racist. My comments about 'gangsta rap' were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music. The point that I was trying to make was that the term was over-sloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the 'gangsta rap' lyrics articulate the problems of the artists' experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues.
Additionally, regarding the AK-47 reference, AK-47 is a nickname given to me by some of my friends in jest, as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, "killing 'em dead" on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation.
The recent implications about me are too radical and too dramatic a departure from whom I have continually demonstrated myself to be. I work so hard and give so much of myself to bring about positive change to this world, and I only wish those efforts received as much press and attention as the misinterpretations of the Blender article."
Many people make statements assuming others are on their same level mentally. I understand Alicia's statement...while others may not understand it. Gangsta Rapers did not create their title...to them they were just rapping. The government=politicians, as well as some of our local leaders stood up against rap and called it Gangsta Rap. Alicia owes no one an apology.
I don't care how much the rap is about life experience (for those rapping their songs), but to many listeners it's glorifying their life injustices. Many people listen to the crap and because the rappers have done/are doing the same things the listeners are doing then the listeners feel their actions are now justified. We need some accountability. Listen to all that is being said not just the part that upsets you.
Tyriq
4/20/2008 2:24:54 PM
M, what kind of 'line' you want drawn? It'd be sensorship, which is something whitey is already been doing to us for centuries. You want to bring it back stronger?
Trust! Once they start deciding 'how far' one genre can go, it'll start to transfer into all areas of life. Is that what you want? The gov't meant, meaning rich white folks, telling you what you can and can't say?
M
4/15/2008 8:52:04 PM
So she finally clears her head. I think she was completely wrong to say that the government created rap and hip-hop. That kind of music simply arose on itself from a group of people trying to express themselves. What is ironic is that Alicia often incorporates hip-hop into her music. Although I think hip-hop and rap should not be banned, a line should be made on how far these type of music artists can go.
gay afro ame
4/15/2008 7:40:50 PM
no need to say sorry gangsta rap is one of the reason that blacks hate each other we are last in every thing and we think that killing each other pimping our sisters and being uneducated is coool I hate gangsta rap it sucks we need to ban it
