Mainstream Media Acceptance of Jay-Z Shows Just How Flexible Principles Are
Oprah’s new Oprah Winfrey Network debuted last week and of the shows on the network called “Master Class” began with an appearance by Jay-Z. Oprah has previously interviewed Jay-z for her “O” magazine so this isn’t the first time she’s promoted the rapper-cum-mogul in some form.
Oprah being the same woman that that cited misogyny in hip hop has one of the main reasons she doesn’t like to feature rappers on her show. But, as we all know, Jay-Z has continued to make woman-hating music since becoming rich enough to make whatever kind of music he wants. Further, he’s said lots of hateful things about women even after marrying one of Oprah’s favorite things — Beyonce.
I think Jay-Z is a prime example of not only the hypocrisy of our beloved Oprah, but of the hypocrisy of people in general. Jay-Z has risen to become much more than a cult hero. He’s associated with names like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet–however underserved (I like Jay-z, but let’s be real, there’s some marketing affirmative action going on here). We, as a community and as a nation, lament the existence of drug dealers and the glorification of such behavior in music. We criticize musicians, actors, and men in every day life for being misogynistic. But as soon as they convince us that that they’re bigger than the sum of their actions we afford them the same praise and recognition we’d afford someone who has dedicated their lives to ending drug use and sexism.
It’s a curious thing.
And this isn’t about redemption–Jay-z has never and would never apologize for his misogynistic references. He will never stop emphasizing how his wealth and power make him better than the those who purchase his music. And he’ll never express more than passing regret for whatever (most likely exaggerated) involvement he had in dealing drugs. He doesn’t have to, he’s revered nonetheless.
Even if he did, it wouldn’t matter. I think of this whenever there is great emphasis on the comings and goings and raps of up and coming artists. New favorite targets of the hip hop bourgeoisie are Rick Ross and Gucci Mane. And certainly their music makes light of many heavy things. But in the scheme of things, what rapper has profited–and continues to profit– more from the exploitation of women and the lower class than Jay-Z? And he still remains in the spotlight so it’s not as though he’s forgotten–more likely forgiven.
I suppose it’s okay to ask if “that’s yo’ bitch” as long as the verses are intricate enough for phDs and hipsters to intellectualize. It’s okay to brag about selling drugs 20 years ago and to act as if you’re still thugging as long as you put on a nice tuxedo when you accompany your superstar wife to the Golden Globes. But me, I like to pick on the biggest target in the room and the person who holds the most responsibility for what ails us. And Jay-Z has a bulls-eye on his forehead. You can see it if you’re not blinded by the bullshit.
I’m more comfortable with people who say that rap music is just that music. And that artists should be able to express themselves however they please whether they choose to glorify the heinous or create a new identify completely. I often come out on this side of the argument myself–I’ve been known to cut down anyone who has an issue with my Waka Flocka obsession.
What makes me uncomfortable is when you crucify others for actions that you give others a pass for. That’s when I know your principles are more flexible than what would allow me to take you seriously.
You too, Oprah.
Posted in Branding, Media Strategy @ 7:30am 
Music, Oprah
Ahh, yes. Someone else who sees Oprah for what she really is…and I’ll just leave it at that before she orders the interwebs to shut my ass down LOL
“I suppose it’s okay to ask if “that’s yo’ bitch” as long as the verses are intricate enough for phDs and hipsters to intellectualize.”
And with that exclamation marks went crazy in my head. It’s amazing who/what gets a pass and who/what doesn’t.
(And I love Gucci like you love Waka so we are >>>here<<< lol)
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And it surely does make raising children- both boys and girls- harder when principles like this one aren’t respected. It sure would help if there was obvious, prevalent distaste for misogeny throughout the society. I’ll go sing “Imagine” on the way to work….
“He will never stop emphasizing how his wealth and power make him better than the those who purchase his music.”
Over 10 years ago, I bought “The Life and Times of S. Carter Vol 2″, and I was annoyed and disgusted at his attitude towards the very fans who supplied the wealth he enjoyed over them. I sold the album to an incredulous fan (for half of what I paid) and vowed not to pay for anything else he produced. Oh, I still have most of his albums, but I bootlegged the hell out of everything he produced, and shared copies with whoever wanted them. I have since bought some of his material, but I agree with everything you’ve said about him here. Jay-Z is not interested in being anything other than what he is, and the hypocrisy doesn’t stop on this shore, either. The only good thing I can say about his business practices is that he stopped selling drugs when better opportunities were presented to him – and if he talked more about that, maybe we could have an honest conversation in this country about what life is like on the bottom and what it takes to raise those people up.
As long as Jay-Z is seen as a lucrative investment for mainstream media and corporate America, his past and present indiscretions will continue to be whitewashed. Right now, artists like Waka Flacka are “valuable” so they don’t warrant the same consideration from the mainstream. I don’t begrudge Jay for trying to “better” himself. We really can’t blame him for figuring out how the system works and using it to his advantage.
I really have to hand it to his PR and Management team. They have done an excellent job of selling him to middle America. I mean not only is he “harmless”, he’s BFFs with Chris Martin and Gwynnie Paltrow. He has to be okay. Right?
But we all know if he wasn’t connected to Beyonce, Oprah wouldn’t give him the time of day.
Dude, great comment!!