People still do not realize that quotes from magazine interviews are almost always taken out of context? Yo, what year is this? Remember Buck65 hating hip-hop? Alicia Keys recently issued a statement to clear things up. Glad to see people stepping up to her defense though. Link (via Nah Right lite)
“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.”
Well Alicia’s comments were likely taken out of context but I think no matter how you look at it she said some wild stuff. Tupac wasn’t a leader. He was just a rapper. A great rapper but just a rapper. I hate it when people try to make him more. If he were still Alive he’d still be dropping albums, he wouldn’t be leading a revolution
sorry I’m late. But I feel I need to address something. Tupac was a leader. He had an impressive lyrical ability to give black people hope and comfort in knowing that they were not alone in their situation (impoverishment, racism, family problems, teen pregnancy, gang violence, rape…) – his music helped bring black people together by identifying issues in the black community. His lyrics were revolutionary, but he was human and was very sincere because he acknowledged his faults in his songs. Alot of tupac’s songs are still relevant in today’s world and that’s why people keep trying to make money off of his legend – and no rapper can even compare to his legacy. So ya…he was a little more than ‘just a rapper’. Sadly, he is probably better off dead because he may not have been able to live up to pressure that was put on him to succeed in the music industry while stayin real to the street and being an inspirational leader to young black people.
I’m sorry to play the race card here, but, if you were black or a poor minority growin up in the 1990′s, I’m sure his lyrics would have affected you just as much.
Alicia Keys is a person with soul, intelligence, kind; and she is just so attractive and sexy. She should have a rating of 10 stars plus
Alicia Keys wedding photo is FANTASTIC!!! Great couple, Breath taking view. I wish you all the best there is in this world.
Alicia Keys wedding in the island of Corsica was lovely. She and her hubby looked great. Goodluck with your marriage and the baby. I love you Alicia
Alicia Keys shines so brightly when she talks about music and sound and art. I love all her music. She is very artistic. Love you Alicia