Ignorant $#*!

This is the fourth verse of Jay-Z’s song “Ignorant $h*!” from the album American Gangster

“I missed the part when it stopped bein 'bout Imus
What do my lyrics got to do with this shit!
"Scarface" the movie did more than Scarface the rapper to me
Still that ain't to blame for all the shit that's happened to me
Are you sayin what I'm spittin
Is worse than these celebrataunts showin they kittin, you kiddin!
Let's stop the bullshittin
'Til we all without sin, let's quit the pulpittin
"Scarface" the movie did more than Scarface the rapper to me
So that ain't to blame for all the shit that's happened to me
Now stop the bullshittin
'Til we all without sin, let's quit the pulpittin”

Now I know this is an older song, but it is very relevant to an issue that is widely debated today: the effect of the media on our psyche. To bring this issue to light I want to break down this “enlightening” statement from the self proclaimed God-MC.

1.“I missed the part when it stopped bein 'bout Imus
What do my lyrics got to do with this shit!

For everyone that doesn’t remember, on April 4, 2007, during a discussion about the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, Imus characterized the Rutgers University women's basketball team players as "rough girls" commenting on their tattoos. His executive producer Bernard McGuirk responded by referring to them as "hardcore hos". The discussion continued with Imus, using commonly known rap vernacular, offhandedly describing the girls as "nappy-headed hos.” This caused an uproar as African Americans raged against a Caucasian who depicted these beautiful black women in such a negative way. Calling these women whores and criticizing their physical appearance is detestable…..right Jay-Z? Because we all know you have the utmost respect for women. You never speak about pimping women….. or treating them like whores…… using them for sex then leaving them…..no, wait. I guess your lyrics may have a little something to do with that stuff huh? We can’t expect anyone else to respect OUR women if we won’t do it ourselves.

2. "Scarface" the movie did more than Scarface the rapper to me

I used to believe this. It only makes sense that seeing something will have more of an effect on us then just hearing it in music. Well, I have now realized that that is even more ignorant nonsense. I watch horror movies, thrillers, plenty of killing and rape on the t.v. screen. I know I shouldn’t, it’s bad for the spirit, but I just find it entertaining. I like watching the actors perform. I am comfortable with these gruesome acts because I know its fake. I know Denzel isn’t a crooked cop. I know Al Pacino isn’t a drug lord. I know Tobey McGuire can’t swing around the city. I know it’s fake.

On the other hand, what we hear in music is depicted as real, portrayed to us as an attainable lifestyle. It reaches us at a different, deeper level because many of us are still not aware that their stories for the most part are fabricated. And there are some artists, not just rappers but throughout all music, who really have lived what is now denoted as a “gangster” lifestyle. This lifestyle has been glorified to the point where it is something that we seek after instead of trying to rise from.

Also, music penetrates us in a way movies never can. We listen to music all the time. It’s wherever we go, the car, stores, the gym, etc. Movies are something we actually have to devote time to, make a conscious decision to view. Music forces its way into our lives because its everywhere! And think about it. How often do you recite movie lines? How many scenes can you actually remember from a movie? On the other hand, all we have to hear is the first few seconds of a beat and we remember every word from popular music. The nonsense is literally beat into our heads by repetitious play. Music has always had greater influence on our society then the big screen ever has.

3. Still that ain't to blame for all the shit that's happened to me

Finally, something that makes sense. No, it isn’t to blame. Much like if someone hits you and you hit them back…..they aren’t to blame for you hitting them right? Right? You still made a conscious choice to hit them…..their decision to hit you just greatly and directly influenced your decision to hit them. That’s what we are talking about in music. It’s not to BLAME, but it is a large INFLUENCE. If I am upset, I listen to some Jeezy or Wayne. If I am trying to chill, I listen to Lupe Fiasco. If I am depressed, the Kanye. When it’s time to get my grown man on…..well, let’s skip that one. This is because I understand the influence that music has on my mood. It affects my attitude and to an extent my train of thought. You wouldn’t play T.I. on the late night when you and your lady are trying to….relax would you? No, because as much as we deny it, we know how powerful the influence of music is.

4. Are you sayin what I'm spittin
Is worse than these celebrataunts showin they kittin, you kiddin!

Whoa, relax sir. No one is saying that. It’s not worse. People try to emulate celebrities. Sex has become so prolific because of its depiction in the media. It’s everywhere we look, and everyone is supposedly doing it. Because it all around us we fall victim to it too. Funny though, isn’t that the same with music? We hear about the drugs, sex, money, women, clout, respect….and we want it too. So no, it’s not worse, but it is just as bad.

5. Let's stop the bullshittin
'Til we all without sin, let's quit the pulpittin

And that is the perfect way to end it. We do need to stop this crap. We as people are so judgmental. Until we are all perfect, we shouldn’t complain about what anyone else is doing. Okay, well, Jigga Man, it seems as if you threw the first stone complaining about Imus.....but I will excuse that for now. Til we are all without sin, lets stop preaching to one another. So what exactly are you saying? Should none of us be held accountable for our actions? Not a person walking this Earth is perfect, therefore not a person walking this Earth has the right to comment on another's mishaps? No parent should punish their child then. Well actually, there would be no authority because we all commit evil deeds, and constantly. That just doesn't seem very realistic now does it Mr. Carter? And if it wasn't for those sins (drug dealing, womanizing, violence, PRIDE) you'd have very little to talk about. So what exactly are you asking for then, a pardon on your own evil deeds so that you can turn a profit without being criticized for the wrongs you have committed along the way? Nah, not happening bruh, only in a perfect word. You know, a perfect world where you never would have committed those wrongs in the first place.

Now, I didn’t write this to criticize music. I will admit it; I listen to a lot of this crap too. (I call it crap because let’s be honest, music is simply terribly nowadays like most things in this world) My point is we cannot turn a blind eye to how things influence us and those around us. Let’s stop trying to explain and excuse this nonsense. All you are doing is lying to yourself…..

And that’s the real Ignorant $#*!