Ellington

This is an interesting read, and I have to admit that from what I have seen on her shows, the artists interviewed have a point. Oprah, though I see her as an inspiration and role model, does seem to have a certain perception of hiphop artists.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193642,00.html

Previous Comments

ID

105836

Comment

Another point on this is when 3-6 Mafia won an academy award for their song. Oprah had several of the big winners on her show during the taping, but failed to have the hiphop artist on. Their win was only discussed in the last minutes of the show. While she sat there with Gail, her comment about their song was this: "They were right. It was certainly an original (song)." Again, I have a great deal of respect for the woman. She has reached heights that I can only strive for. But there does need to be the same fairness offered to all. We can't look at hiphop as a side show. Not anymore.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-04-28T22:00:23-06:00

ID

105837

Comment

I'm tired of these "beefs" that the media strikes up and artists trap themselves into. I agree that Oprah is geared to women--white women being a part of the group but not entirely. I'd think that it would be in the best interests of the hip hop community (or artists' guild) to create a suitable environment for discussions on oprah's show. The average woman who sits on her azz during the day (even if just for the oprah show) may not listen to a lot of the music that oprah may have issue with. Then just thinking about all of the life-changing shows or supportive features, she may not have room for talks of "let me give ya good dyck til you feel right." lol, that was for kicks. Seriously, she probably fears what she does not know. Something like a question to her own morals in a sense. Unfortunately, when we create that distance/separation, then that keeps folk from being able to communicate. Yeah, these young artists are grown so you can't tell them how to act or force your opinion on them; however you can always open up and share. We view these tv shows and soon as there are differing opinions it seems like a blame showdown. We need to continue to build. All of these ideas that we suggest and some people work toward can be supported and built upon exponentially if we strip ourselves of self and actually see how to help another (and not run from being used, also).

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-05-01T08:41:37-06:00

ID

105838

Comment

Lilsoulja, I tend to agree that we sometimes fear what we don't know. Like I said, I have the utmost respect for Oprah and her accomplishments, however, there does seem to be a disconnect with her when it comes to the hiphop culture. She is an intelligent woman who has made millions of dollars catering to those that make up her "base." I guess from the shows she has been known for, that base does not embrace hiphop. To be honest with you, it wasn't so much how she quickly passed over 3-6 Mafia's win at the Oscar, it was the way she did it. Almost as if it was a winner simply for the shock value. Regardless what the reason was why it was done the way it was, to me the point to remember is that she consciously did it. Other talk show hosts have done much to embrace the hiphop culture, including Ellen who beat Oprah for the daytime Emmy this year. Maybe events such as that will also succeed in getting her attention.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-01T10:47:47-06:00

ID

105839

Comment

Those events should urge her to recognize, also. It would be very progressive for her to recognize the hiphop culture, as it does have an impact on her "base" in some form or another. You know, what you say here deserves repeating: "To be honest with you, it wasn't so much how she quickly passed over 3-6 Mafia's win at the Oscar, it was the way she did it. Almost as if it was a winner simply for the shock value." I believe that our moral perceptions (combined with creating stereotypes) will either strengthen or weaken our attitudes for certain areas. On one hand, mainstream hip hop can be seen as a tool that promotes the foolishness that talkshows such as oprah's try to heal. If that opinion is garnered of hiphop, then one quickly labels anything coming out of hiphop as negative, unfit for the "base." On the other hand, hip hop can amplify whatever idea and/or cause that is out there. But not many people see this or perhaps this is shadowed because of what they DO see. There's always room for improvement. Hip hop is not the cure for all evils, but in this case it can actually do good for Oprah. Not saying to embrace it like other shows, i.e. bring in somebody to perform their top single. I'd suggest the show writers actually work something up that would be positive for the show and its viewers AND to highlight what artists have to say that would be positive for the viewers. Hold up, you're a writer!

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-05-01T11:36:01-06:00

ID

105840

Comment

I don't blame Oprah if hip-hop isn't her flavor; at her age she may not be feeling the genre, despite the fact that many young women in her audience may be hiphop fans. If thats the case, its kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don't kind of trap, because if she did make her show accessible for hip hop without fully appreciating the genre, she will come off as fake and get the same criticism. So maybe it's best that she keep a distance from it. Besides, she's close to retiring in a few years, so she probably feels she doesn't have to prove anything to a group she's not interested in.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-05-01T12:07:10-06:00

ID

105841

Comment

I watch the Oprah show when I can and she is truly an inspirational person. However, I must agree that she should embrace the hip hop culture and all that it offers. (music, language, style/fashion, ect) [I seen the show that Ludacris was on and I somewhat agree that it seems she brushed him off a bit. ( It seems to me 50 cent just wants to create beef with any and everybody, I could be wrong though)] As a African American women trying to succeed, she knows first hand the struggles that African American face. (when she first started acting and so on) So it would seem that she would embrace the hip hop culture a bit more. By this I mean be a tad bit more open minded because what you see on the outside may not be all there is to it. Her fan base is majority white older women, but she does have other fans too. Many African Americans watch her show as well as younger females, she looked up to by so many, not just older white women. And I think it would be in her best interest to tackle the hip hop culture, not just rap, and the issues it faces. As lilsoulja wrote: "...in this case it can actually do good for Oprah" and for many of her fans as well. It may not be her 'genre' or 'flavor' but that does not mean you totally ignore it. I've watched the Oprah show many times and have seen her do shows on subjects she is not all too familiar with. The same should apply to the hip hop culture. Don't just ignore it because it won't go away. It does not even have to be today's hip hop. If she wanted someone more her age, she could interview Rev. Run or LL cool J, some prominent hip hop figures who have been around for a while. She shouldn't just act like it doesn't exist. ...and in reference to when she 'ackowledged' 3 6 Mafia, I didn't see it... but I can believe......it seems to me sometimes she gets an 'arrogant like ora' about certain things when she speaks. I still have much love and respect for Oprah, she has done so many good things but I think she would regain my total respect by remaining unbiased and open minded on this issue.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-01T13:21:39-06:00

ID

105842

Comment

I hate to say this as a white guy, but: Does EVERY single black celebrity have to like, and connect well with, hip-hop? Sometimes I listen to a criticism of a black celebrity and the many things one has to do to be "really" black--no, you can't be listen to country music; no, you can't be a Republican; no, you can't drive a hybrid--and then I think of the fact that whites can do anything they damn well please, and it just doesn't seem at all fair to me. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-05-01T14:22:01-06:00

ID

105843

Comment

ejeff, I understand those concerns of possibly coming off fake. I respect oprah to seemedly stand up for what she believes. I don't think that she could achieve the success that she has from being fake. I would hate to urge her to "keep it real" without holding true to her core values. jan06, I feel all that you're saying here too, if not gaining a better understanding of what I was trying to say (personal expression issues, lol). I was watching one video from a compilation put together from before oprah's inception to present day. I admit I tear'd a little. I saw the lil 'arrogant like aura' that you speak of, which is human, but very suspect from a talk-show host (or journalist). If hiphop were limited to the ills, I wouldn't be feeling it much at all anymore. I was talking to a lady (soon to be my next-door neighbor) yesterday and she was talking about how many times she had to call the police because some of the other neighbors' guests had been playing their music up loud. I instantly think about the disconnect in time with [a lot of] people today playing music that is bumped well down the street as opposed to people barely being able to catch a station on their am radio in their cars. Forgive me for the extreme analogy. She hit me with this though, before I could say much: "If they gonna be over there stopping to get their drugs, at least they can turn their music down." I had no further comment. I know that most people will keep their own minds/opinions about subjects. It just seems that people can learn to understand the minds of others for the benefit of all.

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-05-01T14:23:17-06:00

ID

105844

Comment

lilsoulja thanks for the spelling lesson! Ora = aura ...What was I thinking? Who knows, but anyway..... I clearly understand your soon to be neighbors point, it comes down to a certain level of respect. Tom Head, I personally don't think that every black celeb has to like and connect with the hip hop culture, per se but I think in Oprahs case she as well as her audience could probably learn a lesson or two about the hip hop culture and the stigmas attached to it. It just seems to me, that for someone who clearly speaks her mind on every issue she can think of, I never have heard or seen one of her shows that discuss the affect or issues that hip hop faces or just the culture in itself. [Then again , I haven't watched every single show in it's history, so I could be wrong) T wrote:"...things one has to do to be "really" black--no, you can't be listen to country music; no, you can't be a Republican; no, you can't drive a hybrid--and then I think of the fact that whites can do anything they damn well please, and it just doesn't seem at all fair to me." I agree with you on this. It isn't fair and it is a wrong way of thinking. I personally believe there is no such thing as 'acting black' or 'acting white' these type of statements are just generalized stereotypes that society can't seem to get rid of.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-01T14:44:57-06:00

ID

105845

Comment

Tom, no it is not fair to blacks--celebrities or plain folk--to be held to like or connect with hip hop or to be categorized into a lifestyle trend. I think that sort of thinking will continue to separate us as long as we live--within the black community and within the u.s. community [and world], that is. I believe that whites were/are criticized by their choices, also. It's sorta subliminal, but not nearly conspiracy-level. It's just out there for everyone to see--in all cases. But as with the balance of life, a lot of whites have taken their identity and independence back from those who would have them branded with the scarlet letter per se. I think that in the black community there is a sense that the amount of people who truly care about you is decreasing. Who cares? Those who can identify with you. Who can identify? Those who live like you. Therefore talks of house, car, music, political affiliation, etc. come into individual thought on how to categorize a person. People, young and old, neglect to realize that people can't truly be categorized. Soon as a mother moves out of the projects into a nicer spot, she has opinions shooting at her from all sides. The new neighborhood is sickened by the addition of a Section 8 resident ("Their goes the neighborhood"). Go back to visit and "oh, ya'll done moved on up, huh?" All kinds of b.s. that really has no bearings on living life. We all have different experiences in life. With the growth of equal opportunities for all, we forget that that brings about these experiences. In a sense, we are acting like the crabs in a bucket that we have been categorized to. Sometimes it stems from past hurts or disappointments, also. People who've moved up and out and have not reached back seriously could have turned Republican, or, God forbid, started listening to country music [this of course for comedy; I've actually heard some really interesting and nice sounding music of the country variety]. This could all feed into wanting to criticize the celebrities and others for their choices. In the end, we have to live with our own choices.

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-05-01T15:01:07-06:00

ID

105846

Comment

Now to your question....[had to cut/paste...too many characters] I feel that every black celebrity should at least connect with hiphop. I feel the same for latinos and others also. It touches life at some point or another. There is so much that older black celebrities have had to go through with fame that can be passed on to younger individuals in hip-hop. There could be so many messages passed on, also. I'm no longer wanting to prove my 'blackness' in life, although I am what I am and I be who I be. I know that you were commenting on something you felt strongly about and hopefully you didn't take our comments as a motion for oprah to prove that she's "really black." It's more a matter of acknowledging such a huge subject area, that happens to involve a number of blacks.

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-05-01T15:01:38-06:00

ID

105847

Comment

"I think that in the black community there is a sense that the amount of people who truly care about you is decreasing. Who cares? Those who can identify with you." <--lilsoulja a very powerful statement

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-01T15:04:01-06:00

ID

105848

Comment

I'm not sure why hip hop needs validation from Oprah. Seems to me that hip hop gets plenty of press, plenty of attention, and plenty of cash, without her. As an old white lady, who's main exposure to Oprah is through her magazine, I really don't see why any hip hop artist would want to spend time with her.

Author

kate

Date

2006-05-01T15:05:38-06:00

ID

105849

Comment

Why should every black celebrity 'connect' with hip hop, whatever that means. Does that mean every white celebrity has to connect with country music? I get that hip hop is a defining part of life for *many* people, but to say that it defines life for *everyone* is a bit of a stretch, at least for me.

Author

kate

Date

2006-05-01T15:08:27-06:00

ID

105850

Comment

In my opinion, the hip hop culture does not need validation from Oprah but simply wants some type of fair based acknowledgment. Sure she caters to older white women, but these women that she 'caters' are not the only people who watch her. ..." really don't see why any hip hop artist would want to spend time with her." I do. Oprah is a well respected woman in the business, period. Whether it be by hop hoppers, country singers, cancer patients, baseball players, or everyday ordinary people, she is a loveable caring person. People see that and want to be associated with that in a way. I'm in no way implying that she needs to do the rest of her shows on hip hop culture, but simply when hip hop is in the lime light, give the same amount of energy, respect, and unbiased opinions as she would for the Dixie Chicks or for Yolanda Adams. Why not share the love all the way around.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-01T15:25:33-06:00

ID

105851

Comment

I think for many the reason that Oprah's support matters is because she has been blessed with her own version of the Midas Touch. There is little that she supports that doesn't turn to gold. It may seem odd for me to be on this side of the argument, but I feel that it's not a matter of her supporting blacks, but supporting all forms of the arts. Her theme for the past few years has been finding the best you. For some that is found in the hiphop culture. To not acknowledge it is to ignore what it a way of life for so many.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-01T17:50:36-06:00

ID

105852

Comment

50 Cent says: "I think that the violence that happened to Proof and the violence that's happening across America right now has nothing to do with hip-hop. It has something to do with the people — the state of them — and the music doesn't alter that." I have to say that this is one of the most sobering statements that I have seen from this hiphop entrepreneur, and one that I don't fully agree with with. I'm not blind enough to believe that hiphop is the only cause for violence, but young people who are impressionable and look to some of these celebrities as examples are prone to try and live the life they see. Am I saying that hip-hop artist have to take some responsibility for the stigmas attached to them? Yes I am, but I think that it is a responsibility that we all must carry.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-01T23:25:54-06:00

ID

105853

Comment

"...it's not a matter of her supporting blacks, but supporting all forms of the arts." Bullseye. You couldn't have phrased that better. I thought I was the only one who found something wrong with that statement. I hate when I hear celebs talk like what they do is 'only' entertainment' that is true to a certain extent. Like you wrote some young people are extremely impressionable and it is a parent's job to straighten out the reality vs fantasy when it comes to the entertainment industry. But what is not considered are all the young people out there who don't have an adult in their corner to help them distinguish between the two. I agree, hip hop is not the only cause of violence, but they do need realize that the influence that they have over young people is real and does exist. We all may not want to look at ourselves as role models but the reality is that there is always a young child looking up to you whether you know it or not and whether you are doing right or wrong, and it's up to you take that responsibility seriously or leave it.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-02T08:37:53-06:00

ID

105854

Comment

it would seem that more in the hiphop community are taking exception to Oprah's approach to hiphop. In the July issue of FHM that hits newsstands on June 6th, Ice Cube says that he has pitched three projects to her and has yet to be contacted by the media mogul. Read his statements here: http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-05-26-ice-cube-oprah_x.htm?csp=27

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-31T07:27:01-06:00

ID

105855

Comment

On MSNBC yesterday (Tuesday, May 30th), this subject was addressed again. As the USA Today article mentions Oprah Winfrey defended herself in a surprise appearance on New York City-based radio station Power 105.1. At that time she talked about some of the hiphop artists that in her ipod. What the MSNBC piece mentioned (and they played the clip from the radio program) was that Oprah changed her voice to sound more "down" while discussing the topic. One of the commentators brought out that it is funny she (Oprah) would call into this radio station and not make such statements on her own show or magazine where her target audience would be exposed to them.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-31T07:31:14-06:00

ID

105856

Comment

oprah also gave her first interview to Black Entertainment Television (BET) during the month of May 2006. It aired on Sunday, May 28th on the program called Meet the Faith, hosted by former CNN political analyst Carlos Watson. In the interview Winfrey shared what she feels like has been her key to success: a belief in a being higher than herself. again, I can say enough about the shrewd business sense that this woman possesses. she, like Donald Trump and Martha Stewart, know how to do what it takes to both protect their brand and still appeal to others.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-31T07:35:11-06:00

ID

105857

Comment

I still have much love for Oprah, she's an amazing woman. I wanted to see that interview, but missed it...hopefully they'll air it again. I think that is pretty ironic that she did call into a radio station instead of getting her point across through her own media outlets, her magazine or her show, I think maybe she feels the need to prove something now. I also think that Cube does have a valid point, though I'm not taking sides, I enjoy both entertainers.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-31T13:15:24-06:00

ID

105858

Comment

jan2006, you are right about not taking sides but something that Ice Cube said bothers me: how can she have Cedric the Entertainer and other casts of his movie BARBERSHOP and not have him on? It doesn't make any sense---- unless there is a reason.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-05-31T13:24:48-06:00

ID

105859

Comment

Excellent discussion. I love the communication skills of the commetors. This will probably make some women mad; but might I suggest that the rappers contact Stedman Graham's instead. If Stedman can hang around Oprah for all these years with no real job and without marrying her, he likely knows something Cube, Fifty and the others need to know about her. They should hire Stedman and get him to make the pitches to Oprah. As shallow as Tedman seems to be, excepting only the fact that has the good sense not to do anything to get thrown out, he is probably open to making business contacts that would allow him to get out of Oprah's pockets. This way, he can finally say"baby, I made a dollar, too." Oprah may have a problem with the overuse of the b and w words but she can't tell me she doesn't like some of that borrowed and stolen music that the rappers are so good at putting words too.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-31T13:42:57-06:00

ID

105860

Comment

Sorry for the errors. My attempt at humor always trumps my ability to edit.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-05-31T13:45:17-06:00

ID

105861

Comment

"how can she have Cedric the Entertainer and other casts of his movie BARBERSHOP and not have him on? It doesn't make any sense---- unless there is a reason." < -- c a webb wrote My thoughts exactly, she does the whole entire casts shows with movies and tv shows, so that does seem odd not to include Cube in a show that includes all the cast members of the movie, except the lead character. there's definitely something behind that, and i do wonder what it is. My next comment may offend others who may not agree but IMO Oprah physically interacts with blacks differently than with whites, and I think this may be on a subconcious level with her. At first I thought maybe I was being too judgemental in my observations of her show, but the more I watch the show the more evident it is to me. I know there are those who'll disagree with that statement, but it just keeps pecking at my brain everytime I watch the show. It's not everysingle show either but there are certain times where subtle clues (her body language) show this, not to imply she's racist against her own race.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-31T14:15:22-06:00

ID

105862

Comment

I love the Stedman joke, hilarious!

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-05-31T14:16:47-06:00

ID

105863

Comment

here's another interesting article. i thought was somewhat relevant. www.blacknews.com/pr/boyce-watkins101.html

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-09T14:56:33-06:00

ID

105864

Comment

I don't understand sister Oprah either. But when I "seed" how much money she made last year "I knowed there is a God." Oprah, like sister Serena, doen't much care for the brothers. We don't have enough dough or anything else for their type. At least Oprah is faking the funk with Stedman. Serena doesn't fake it any more. She said recently, more or less, that we don't have enough of anything for her. We'll see about that when the tennis career is over and four or five things about her aren't still smiling firmly and prominently at us. Can you feel me fellow? That's right! Sho nuff! However, I don't care who they date, but I better not catch them or a sister like them downgrading, Quincy, Wesley, Barkley, Orenthal ,and other brorhers for dating whomever they choose. Ladies, if you're going to date O.J., please locate and hide his knife at some point before it's too late . Smile. Oprah doesn't have to kiss up to white america anymore so I don't know why she is acting so colored? Perhaps she dated Snoop Dog at some point and discoverd he was a dog for real. I could have told her that beforehand. Perhaps Stedman is a clandestine ganster rappers who has been doing her wrong. Who knows. Thanks for the post, Jan.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-09T15:42:54-06:00

ID

105865

Comment

"I don't understand sister Oprah either. But when I "seed" how much money she made last year "I knowed there is a God." " lol is all i can really say....you are too funny! the color purple never gets old!

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-09T15:54:57-06:00

ID

105866

Comment

Am I wrong that she had Kanye on the show? I know I've heard her say kind things about him. And joke about how she loves his car. If I had her platform, I would not use it for those who perpetuate a negative image of women. I don't think it's all hip hop, I think it's just a standard she has for her stage.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-06-09T16:11:17-06:00

ID

105867

Comment

I agree Emilyb except if she devoted a show to it, she could confront them about those images, let the world see that they can't defend many of those images they project, and possibly foster change. Who is in a better position than her to do this? Many of the rappers wants her affection, approval or help. She could aver she would help if they helped themself by confronting many of the various problems. She could do this without really going out of her way or changing her position, I think.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-09T16:21:02-06:00

ID

105868

Comment

I think Oprah is in a very uncomfortable position on this issue. She disapproves of misogynistic language and imagery in hip-hop--I think it's safe to make this assumption--but understandably does not want to join the bandwagon of rap-bashing black celebrities who give "you people" speeches that get quoted enthusiastically by racist whites. In her shoes, I'm not sure I'd do anything differently. She's damned if she does and damned if she doesn't. Simply refusing to invite performers she doesn't like to her show seems to me to be a good happy medium. The irony is that 50 Cent is for all intents and purposes a white entertainer--he has a predominantly white audience, for whom he puts on a nice little minstrel show about being a "motherf--king P-I-M-P" and how he was "shot nine times and now I walk with a limp." He does not seem to be interested in the real day to day lives of African Americans, in low-income neighborhoods or anywhere else. He is selling a product. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-09T16:28:43-06:00

ID

105869

Comment

(And Oprah, in sharp contrast to 50, visibly does care about the real lives of low-income African Americans. It amazes me that we live in a world where anyone could describe 50 as "more ghetto" than Oprah. More violent, yes. But culturally, the man's a rock star. Where was he when Katrina hit? Oh. I forgot.)

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-09T16:31:34-06:00

ID

105870

Comment

Good argument Tom, but Ms. Sophia could stand to re-examine her position on this. Maybe she could have on the show Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Kanye, and few other mature rappers and see how that would go.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-09T16:34:20-06:00

ID

105871

Comment

I don't like 50 Cents either. Where wuz he during Katrina? Probably cutting another piss po album. I don't like any of his songs. Oprah certainly rocks but I can't understand why she runs from the rappers. After all she chastized Jamie Foxx who often acts just as crazy as many rappers.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-09T16:38:06-06:00

ID

105872

Comment

That's a good point--and there are a lot of really good hip-hop performers who have a conscience, and who have done some amazing things in the world. I think it was seeing the name 50 Cent that set off my Pavlovian dislike for the guy's music. I had forgotten the business with Jamie Foxx. To be honest (sheepish confession here), I don't watch much daytime TV. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-06-09T16:42:06-06:00

ID

105873

Comment

Oprah cares a lot about poor african children, too. She has given millions in this regard. It's actually kind of fun to raise the ire of people who are often my allies. You gotta remember i'm often mixing humor, satire, jokes or whatever my brand of bull is called quite well with my posts.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-09T16:59:30-06:00

ID

105874

Comment

Frankly, these rappers have nothing on Oprah while they are out there spending thousands on chicks shaking and jumping on poles, Oprah is trying to change the negative image and ignorance some of these rapper create. They don't need the publicity because they police records speaks for them. They have a lot of nerve to even speak about Oprah. They don't repect women at all. Why would she put people that glamourize murder, gansta life, and such... please they really need to get a life. You work so hard to make it big, but your mentality is still small. I guess it's true what they say: You can take someone out of the ghetto, but you can take the ghetto mentality out of them. Cornrows and braids were things that made us stand out, but now we have white people imitating it as if it were a style. Furthermore, I don't blame Oprah for not having them on the show because it would not fit her image. They have BET for that!

Author

Opinion101

Date

2006-06-09T18:06:33-06:00

ID

105875

Comment

But is BET challenging or trying to improve the image, character, styles, and goals of the hip hoppers? Oprah has had lots of questionable characters that her core audience didn't like. I even saw her interview from prison a man who had raped and molested all of his daughters (4 or 5 of them). Likely the only reason he wasn't on the show in person was because of his prison stint. Can you be any lower than that fellow? I'm sure Oprah believes she has good reasons. I surely would like to hear them.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-09T18:20:29-06:00

ID

105876

Comment

I think we would all agree that Oprah Winfrey has power and a platform that gives life and death to things she chooses to speak about. I think this is where there might be some concern of those in the hiphop community. I think that Ice Cube said it best in the article that I cited earlier: she has had dead-beat dads, rapists, murderers and counterfeit authors on, why not them? That is the question I think that has to be addressed. Now, I understand that she is the Executive Producer of and even owner of HARPO so it is true that she can (and will) do what she pleases, but there is a new generation emerging. One that she either has to recognize and address or become irrelevant. I am a bit concerned about her call-in to the radio station and proclaiming her love for hiphop. No matter what she says there in that small arena, the old adage is still true: THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-09T18:30:02-06:00

ID

105877

Comment

Emily, you are right: Kanye West appeared on Oprah last year as part of her show OVERCOMING THE ODDS. He performed his song "Hey Mama" for the first time live.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-09T18:48:04-06:00

ID

105878

Comment

Did she have Will Smith on her show? "I think that Ice Cube said it best in the article that I cited earlier: she has had dead-beat dads, rapists, murderers and counterfeit authors on, why not them? That is the question I think that has to be addressed." What do rappers have to offer? Oprah puts these characters on her show to show people what characteristics to look for when dealing with rapists and murderers especially when it deals with young children. As much as I love and respect Ice Cube, I don't agree with his statement, but he is entitle to his opinion. I don't see why rappers would want to go on Oprah...do they even watch her show? Rappers are sending out the wrong message and Oprah does not want to be caught up in that. It all boils down to respecting women, and some of them don't respect women. They glamourize pimping and disrespect women and that's the bottom line. How would these rappers feel if their daughters were molested, or if their daughters turned out to be a video girl-treated like an object?

Author

Opinion101

Date

2006-06-09T19:51:08-06:00

ID

105879

Comment

I just thought about something: People use to dog Oprah for being fat and making fun of her (In Living Color), but everybody want to be on her show...go figure!

Author

Opinion101

Date

2006-06-09T19:58:45-06:00

ID

105880

Comment

"Mama, I'm gonna love you until you don't hurt no more." Love that song. Very special to me. And she did have Will Smith.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-06-09T20:06:43-06:00

ID

105881

Comment

"I don't see why rappers would want to go on Oprah" I do. "What do rappers have to offer?" Opinion101 wrote Insight into the rap and hip hop culture. I think Ray put it best when he wrote: "she could confront them about those images, let the world see that they can't defend many of those images they project, and possibly foster change. Who is in a better position than her to do this?" "Many of the rappers wants her affection, approval or help. She could aver she would help if they helped themself by confronting many of the various problems. She could do this without really going out of her way or changing her position, I think." And I do agree with Ice Cubes statement about Oprah inviting all the actors that acted in the movie Barbershop but not the main character. That would be something similar to someone inviting the whole cast of Beloved onto at talk show, except the main character whom Oprah played. It just doesnt' make sense. IMO it should be all or nothing. "It all boils down to respecting women, and some of them don't respect women. They glamourize pimping and disrespect women and that's the bottom line. How would these rappers feel if their daughters were molested, or if their daughters turned out to be a video girl-treated like an object?" These are all valid issues she could address with rappers to gain a new understanding and insight on both sides without compromising her stance on the subject.

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-10T12:42:17-06:00

ID

105882

Comment

I agree with you Jan2006: It is shady to invite the cast of Babershop and not the star. I would love to hear her address why she did that! But at the same time, I have all these other questions. How many of us have been watching Oprah since she has been on the air? Why did it take BET so long to interview Oprah? She has been on the air for 20 years, and she has been a positive role model and she has done a lot of positive things black communities so why did it take so long?

Author

Opinion101

Date

2006-06-10T13:30:09-06:00

ID

105883

Comment

Opinion101, I would like to address the Oprah/BET thing. She told Carlos Watson on MEET THE FAITH that she has been asked to come on before but she didn't because she didn't want to talk about herself. Of course, it should be noted that the way they got her to come on was to give her 30 minutes to talk about her legends ball--- which aired last month--- and then the second part of the interview was about her career.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-10T14:24:04-06:00

ID

105884

Comment

Well, I am 19 years old and a black female, and I do not know what is with everyone trying to get mad at Oprah for not supporting rappers. Do you read there lyrics? I do not care how hard a rapper might have lived. Bringing down the rest of your black community with your negative lyrics is not helping the situation. Music has always had a major impact on everyday life, and it is not going to change now. Rappers can say what they want, but their music does affect the way their listeners think. I go to school, I have friends, and I am not blind. These young adults try to live just like the rappers in the video. So what if white artist use negative lyrics, that does not justify black rappers stooping to that level. I support neither one. A lot of rappers are just brainwashed and money crazed. Also, their listeners are brainwashed. Rappers do not care about there listeners. They just want to get paid. You listen to, dance to, and support rappers with songs full of negativity, and expect to live positively? Listeners keep saying “it’s just a song”, and rappers continue to get worse. I watched the hypnotized minds of the 106 and Park audience on BET as they clapped for Ice Cubes new joint of the day “Go to Church” in which he says “If you a scared m.f. go to church”, but hey i guess “it’s just a song”. If Jesus came today and asked my generation what in the world are we listening to, I am sure the majority of us would innocently say it’s just song. Oprah is right for not supporting rappers on her show. She gives young black women like me hope.

Author

Princess

Date

2006-06-14T10:07:33-06:00

ID

105885

Comment

princess, thanks for your comments on this discussion. i will say for the record that i am not mad at oprah, but it is interesting that she has taken the stand she has with having some guests on and not others.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-14T10:15:35-06:00

ID

105886

Comment

i will say this: our discussion is heating up here almost two months after the first post. even the clarion ledger wrote on this last week: http://clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060604/COL0206/606040311/1023/FEAT05

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-06-14T10:16:44-06:00

ID

105887

Comment

Hi Princess. Good to hear your voice. I, for one, am not trying to get her to support rappers. I'm simply arguing she could entertain them on her show and voice whatever criticisms or thoughts she has concerning them such as the ones you just stated and the ones I stated earlier. I also realize she runs some risk by doing this. She's likely to get criticized just as Cosby is undergoing unless she's real careful. (I still disagree with the raging and uppity manner Cosby criticized poor blacks but I don't disagree with the message he imparted). This is likely the reason Oprah has passed on rap or rappers. I bet she sees a trap waiting for her. You're certainly right about the bad impact rap has had on many of our young and middle-aged people. But not evryone has been damaged this way. And some good has come from hip hop and rap music such as business ownership, a place to expend energies, great creativity, fun, riches, wealth, etc.. Good post. Keep reading, studing, questioning, and analyzing what you see going around around you. Most of all, shun or avoid those things you know are damaging and defeating.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-06-14T10:28:31-06:00

ID

105888

Comment

Why did it take BET so long to interview Oprah? She has been on the air for 20 years, and she has been a positive role model and she has done a lot of positive things black communities so why did it take so long? that is a good question, Opinion101, makes me wonder.........

Author

jan2006

Date

2006-06-21T09:48:37-06:00