Michigan based radio station, WUVS-LP 103.7 The Beat, has decided to pull music by rappers Lil Wayne and Rick Ross from their rotation due to controversial lyrics.
The Beat’s statement reads:
Many would say both rappers have taken their lyrical content too far and offended too many. The family and estate of Emmett Till have released a statement of disapproval over Lil Wayne’s disregard and disrespectful lyrics. Though his record label issued a statement of apology, the rapper has yet to do so. In the case of Rick Ross, a petition has been started over his blatant disregard for women and the issue of date rape. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that over 300,000 women are raped or sexually assaulted per year in the United States alone. That is a disturbing number and should not be taken lightly. His lyrics not only condone the behavior, but he boasts about it in the song. While some feel it’s only entertainment, many feel it sends and encourages the wrong message. Several individuals and organizations have taken a stand and so are we. Effective immediately Muskegon’s WUVSlp 103.7 the Beat has pulled ALL Lil Wayne and Rick Ross music from rotation. We pride ourselves on playing music that is non-degrading and non-violent. While we believe in freedom of speech, creative writing and individualism, we refuse to be part of the problem by spreading messages that could harm or end someone’s life.
The radio station is talking about Lil Wayne’s remix to Future’s “Karate Chop” in which he rhymes: “‘Bout to put rims on my skateboard wheels / Beat that p*ssy up like Emmett Till“.
Emmett Till was a 14-year-old boy murdered in the most horrible way one can imagine in the 1950s by two white men who claimed that Emmett had been flirting with a white woman. Emmett Till’s family was shocked about Lil Wayne’s references and demanded an apology. Epic Records apologized and removed the reference from the track. Lil Wayne, however, apparently never spoke to Till’s family.
In the other case, Rick Ross raps, “Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it / I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it” in Rocko’s “You Don’t Even Know It.” The blunt talk about drugging and raping a girl caused The Beat’s decision to no longer serve as a airplay gainer.
This leads to the overall question if rappers are allowed to belittle such topics in their songs. Since many kids look up to successful rappers (if that is something good can be discussed as well…) this is indeed dangerous as young people learn that such happenings are totally ok and approved by their idols. Weezy and Rick Ross should know their responsibility and don’t promote violence and rape in such a severity.
Then again, there are many rap songs which talk about killing others and other horrific szenarios. The question is: When is the line crossed? Where does “freedom of speech” end?
