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Author Comment sojourner 1/22/2003 8:59 PM Taj13, what is the "something" RSimmons is "trying" to do? Please qualify what you mean. There's no question that RSimmons is "trying" to do "something"--he's trying to be the most powerful man in entertainment--but is that the "something" we all agree is constructive. For his own purposes, sure it is, but how does it benefit the masses? Let's stop being seduced by rhetoric, please. taj13 1/22/2003 11:39 AM Russell is trying to do something...we should give him a chance to and/or try and help him before we all criticize him...but the cover with lilkim was in poor taste... CHASE 1/16/2003 1:16 PM I spelled "intellIgence" wrong... See what I mean? Now THAT's irony... (Defpoetryjam.com) CHASE 1/16/2003 1:14 PM This site is VERY aware and very conscious of world issues and the realities of life in general. Please consider posting on WWW.DEFPOETRYJAM.COM and spread your intellegence. It's greatly needed over there... sojourner 1/14/2003 9:25 PM I am confused by all the controversy. RSimmons is an entrepreneur--at least that’s what he said about himself the last time I saw him in an interview. I agree with all of you who are frustrated with the obvious—HipHop’s continued exploitation of black life and culture, the rape of black women’s bodies, and the gross commodification of our youth. I am with you on that. However, I think it’s a real problem for us to continue to be victims of the mystification game that so many would-be self-ordained “do the right thing” magicians in disguise as our allies—our homies—use against us. Why do we continually find ourselves duped? We are continually duped, because we see half-truths, illusions, and believe the lies. The truth is, RSimmons is a businessman and plays by the rules of a patriarchal capitalist political economy of exploitation! You cannot amass the kind of political, social, and institutional wealth that Simmons has without submitting to the game. It’s the game that Simmons is interested in conquering, not the political, social, and economic, upliftment of black and brown people. Simmons never promised to fight the fight of gender oppression in HipHop—hence the pornographic cover of Lil-Kim—but he has promised to be a black multimillionaire! Rap the vote was never an enlistment to enrichment and empower the black electoral population, but it was and is Simmons’ first attempt to measure his own potential political prowess. It’s true—I’ve seen him mischievously grin when asked if he saw himself one day on the ballot. I do not write this to suggest that Simmons is evil personified. I only want to place some perspective on the tirade that we should be up in arms over what Simmons may or may not be doing for Hiphop and black people. fatherprince 1/14/2003 3:58 AM Those closer to the masses were and still are the “true artists” (those that haven’t been co-opted and haven’t sold out, those who started the whole thing) to Hip-Hop and were true to themselves and the integrity of the art and culture; that is where the political power of Hip-Hop lives. Let’s hope that through Def Poetry Jams, he will be making up for that. So, Russell has grown and acquired wisdom, as we all should. He could be the spook who sat by the door. fatherprince 1/14/2003 3:51 AM Russell was and still is not a threat. Hip-Hop was and still can be a movement. Rap and graffiti was young people bring their ideas to a critical analysis in our society. These ideas were being put out (remember old school). The original leaders of hip-hop aspired to greater things for their people. They were ambushed, thrown off balance or frustrated with the help of their own people, which is historical to African American experience. The "powers that be" allowed Russell to be successful. He went along to get along. He knew when to keep his mouth shut. Fortunately, he has a good eye for skilled people and was smart enough to have them around him. To his credit, he has gotten capable people, like Stan Lathan, to produce such events as Hip-Hop Summit and Def Poetry Jam. That's the key to Russell's success, just like Bill Gates, he knew who to get to do the marketable job. Techies know that Gates’ company doesn’t necessarily put out the best software, but the marketing talent he has is the best. Russell also, has a good family around him. Kurtis Blow became a handful, but his brother Run and the rest of his family helped put Russell in a position to be the “rap mogul.” The key to his success was good family values, a family that cooperated with each other and had integrity. Russell relies on his advisors. Russell is more a facilitator than a revolutionary, and assumes a marketable position, which any good businessman would. He may never be able to own the Hip-Hop political category nor has he made it easier for others closer to the masses. Self absorbed perhaps, he is seems limited in his capabilities to realize the potential power he has, to make a difference for his people. Hey, everyone has his or her own motivations. Compared to the other ruthless commercially successful hip hoppers, he is less harmful. And he doesn't seem to be owned, unlike many others in the business. Which is a feat in itself. Nevertheless, Russell probably did not realize that he helped undermine the responsible Hip-Hop artists. Consequently, he could be less protective about his money and realize that he, in fact, could make more, if he just realized his power. And, at least facilitate the ones, who will be responsible to and closer to the masses. Those closer to the masses were and still are the “true artists” (those that haven’t been co-opted and haven’t sold out, those who started the whole thing) to Hip-Hop and were true to themselves and the integrity of the art michelle 1/5/2003 1:10 PM The interesting think that stands out about these posts I am reading is how it shows how disunited we are in the community. No one is talking to anyone about seriously building a political force - which I think is the goal discussed in the article. Even reading this thread you can be struck by how narrow the special interests in the community are. The article could be a way of showing us how we can think about this problem in a deeper way. The magazine cover is only part of the larger problem. Russel's political activity can be a way for us to make HIM accountable for the products he puts out. It isn't either or. Why can't can the community support him and challenge him. Why wait for him to stop promoting evil before you help the man with good? Savoy 1/5/2003 10:03 AM I agree with the various points each of you have made. However, I don't think you can fully undersatnd Russell's view until you read his book. Please order and read his words. Scott R. 1/5/2003 9:36 AM With all due respect to Minister Farrakhan - a brilliant man and the Lil'Kim controversy I don't think this discussion is being faithful to the article that was written. I think that the way Cedric presented this in terms of business theory was rather fascinating. Taking this into a preoccupation with kim and the veil distorts what the hip-hop Fridays was about. styles 1/3/2003 5:10 PM Peace. Thank you Bro. Dawud. In my closing comment for the day the only other thing I want to point out is that in Lil Kim's article she did say that she was struggling within self, that she does have more growing to do. In Islam the Muslims recognize three stages of spiritual growth: (1) Ammarrah, which is the animal stage, where one is wont to do all manner of evil w/ out a conscious; (2) Lawammah, where the "war" (jihad) between one's conscious and desire has begun, and the person in a tug-o-war between right and wrong; and (3) Mutma'innah, where one's soul is at rest, well pleased w/ its LORD (Allah). Now ask yourself: Which level is Lil Kim on? For that matter, where are most of our rappers? They are not where they should be. This is why the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has agreed to speak at recent Hip Hop Peace Summits. The Warning(s) have been issued. As Brother Farrakhan has said, Warning is Mercy from GOD ALMIGHTY. After that comes His Divine Judgement. The lost of Tupac, Biggie, Aaliyah, Left Eye (of TLC), Freaky Tah (of Lost Boyz), Big L, and recently Jam Master Jay are like bolts of lightning from Allah that are literally shaking the foundation of the industry, forcing folks to WAKE UP! Perhaps the Muslim sisters should form a national committee to oversee these type of issues going forward. Peace styles 1/3/2003 4:58 PM Peace. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan teaches us that Allah has an active and a permissive Will. In other words, there are certain events that He Willfully sets in motion to bring about a specific result. If we look at the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan's recent letter to the President (Bush) dated October 30,2002, we see where Brother Farrakhan warns Mr. Bush that certain agressive behavior overseas will increase natural disasters here. Allah's permissive will is exemplified when we see such inudstry people like Halle Berry, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, Trina, Midori and other carry on the legacy of past women of color who have chosen to wave (shake) their magic wands to make a few bucks. In return Allah brings messages through wise women like Mother Tynetta Muhammad, Star & Crescent, Sister Minister Ava Muhammad and Iyanla Vzant to balance the above mentioned's acts out. What Lil Kim has done may actually help to bring forth more Sister Souljahs for the long haul. Peace dawud 1/3/2003 4:48 PM After reading Bro Cedric's article the logical question is: where does a half-naked Lil Kim fit into Russell's business and marketing scheme? As a Muslim I am appauled by the image. Styles made an excellent point in stating that maybe Russell doesn't have the necessary checks and balances in place within his organization. Do not get me wrong. I am not defending Mr.Simmons or his magazine. I am simply stating that I am holding judgement until I hear or do not hear from Russell. Then and only then will I be able to comment about this ONE WORLD/Lil Kim front cover issue. Peace - Dawud delores muhammad 1/3/2003 4:28 PM Correction on the Name--it's Russell Simmons -- not Richard. Peace delores muhammad 1/3/2003 3:03 PM How long will it take for us to stand up as rightous men and women and not allow the filth of this world to affect our youth,Richard Simmons does no right from wrong and who is He trying to reach with the mindset of evil, to me this is the axis of evil, we should be trying to get rid of this kind of terrorism in our community. Peace & Love. savoy 1/3/2003 2:23 PM I ordered the book and for the past week I 've been reading it. Russell can hang-out with white democrats or Martha Stewart all he wants but if you read what he says about Andre Harrell in the book he knows that no matter how much money you make, you're still a House _____ in their eyes. styles 1/3/2003 11:15 AM Peace. The ONE WORLD/Lil Kim front cover issue was brought to my attention from a brother and sister of Muhammad Mosque No. 4 in Washington, D.C. Although controversy sells in America, as a good friend of mine once told me, we must know where to draw the line. When JFK was assasinated The Honorable Elijah Muhammad was wise enough to instruct the Believers in the Nation of Islam not to make any comment whatsoever about it since Mr. Kennedy's untimely passing had created such a delicate, fragile environment in America. Likewise, now that America has become an "egg-shell" roadway for Muslims in America why would you want to use us as a runway to launch your new CD/album? I have been on the phone with Thomas Lytell of Def Jam about this front cover issue; and he agreed that a second look should have probably been taken before it was released into the public's eye. Brother Russell Simmons, like D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, may not be able to physically see every nook and cranny of his business enterprise's operation. But he must be mindful to put certain checks and balances in place, so that his employees don't run his business into a financial quagmire due to folks pulling back subscriptions because they've been offended. Peace blackthoughtz 1/3/2003 11:11 AM I agree with Tariq in stating to whom much is given,much is also required of you.Russell Simmons as well as other entertainers and athletes can no longer claim to serve the masses of our people and not be held to it.Like Tariq,i too believe the portrait of lil kim on the cover of his magazine was ill advised and speaks volumes about Mr.Simmons.This kind of say one thing and do another type of politics seems to be commonplace among our entertainers.Instead of looking outside our community we need to first destroy the enemy from within,and start right at the top. clarence 1/3/2003 10:51 AM The analysis is precise. Russell is only a part of a larger puzzle. You can't ask a head to be an arm. He does his part. Eminem does his part. Talib Kweli does his part. KRS-ONE does his. The goal is one. The problem is hip-hop and minority people's lack of unity and clarity on an agenda not one man's shortcomings. Tariq 1/3/2003 9:49 AM It sounds to me like most of you all are apologists for this man. You can't find anybody in the last 20 years probabaly who has pumped more cultural pollution into the black community. The picture of little kim speaks for itself. I can't extend no type of immunity to the cat. Somebody has to hold him to account for all of the garbage that has been dropped into our minds and ears about women, materialism, drugs, guns. I read the article and I can understand and agree with what he is writing but Russell Simmons has to pay us some reparations for the damage that he has helped to foster. Ain't no white person who can hold a candle to the inside job that Def Jam has done to us. Stop the apologies for him. He has to take real responsibility and carry the weight for this poison out here. I don't care how much yoga he's doing right about now. Yoga can't undo "backseat of my jeep" for all of the little girls who grew up on that trash. He don't play "backseat of my jeep" or "big pimpin'" in yoga class I bet. ChaunceySpeaks 1/3/2003 9:49 AM Russell Simmons should stay out of politics. Peter Noel of the Village Voice wrote a very interesting article titled Black Interloper. The article asks the question is Russell Simmons an Uncle Tom and encourages that Simmons take a Political Science 101 class. I believe Cedric has written the best piece on Russell Tanyaw 1/3/2003 9:29 AM This is a hot website! The "politikal backpack" crew needs to fall back. They had their 15 minutes of fame when P.E., Kane,X-Clan KRS and Latifah held us down for like 4 years and they couldn't get anything done politically. It is a wrap now. Russell is producing more of an institution than any of the critics who are living in the past. It is like the article is saying, we should have more than just Russell out there on a national level Where are the rest of the people who know more than he does about how all of this works? What are they doing other than writing about what Russell is doing? You know they want his fame, his money his shine, his models, his companies. It's pure hate for him. I am tired of hearing about how terrible "AMERIKKKA". Look at Ice Cube. He used to talk all that AMERIKKKA stuff and "Burn Hollywood, Burn". Now look at him - rich and powerful. Doing it! He called the Jews names. He dissed the Koreans and everything. Now, he is all up in hollywood, making movies in their house, bring money to us. You got to be sophisticated like that nowadays. You can't keep coming with the in your face approach and keep getting shot down. That stuff is so played right now. It is about sitting down with folks and cutting deals and speaking your mind. You can't be with all of this rebellion and then complain about the laws being made. Get involved with something and then you can make change - then you can complain. You gotta be honest with who you look at in the mirror. I think Russel is being honest. how about the rest of us who are so _____ smart and wise and know how to fix everything? TUT101 1/3/2003 9:24 AM Hip-Hop replacing civil rights movement,Pleaseeeee! The hip-hop, so called movement is so shallow, that you Russell Simmons could'nt get a gathering of two so called hip-hop generation people to do anything positive, I have'nt seen any true vaule to come out of hip-hop nothing. A Few have made money, but they have not given anything back as far as I can see. So to me this hip-hop craze look like some more madison ave bullcrap.I don't see the light at the end of hip-hop.From a child of the amazing 60's. Trisha 1/3/2003 9:08 AM I only read this once. I just got it in my e-mail but I feel like this : All these people who are criticizing him voted for a white southern president who had oral sex performed on him in the Oval Office. Let's be real. You can't call President Clinton the first African-American president and laugh like it is true or a joke and be hatin' on Russell. that's my test for y'all. If you are hating R.S. did you vote for B. Clinton? And you can't condone the President's wild behavior and the whole nine and then vote for him twice and tell people he is down with us and then say that Russell S. is a pimp or exploiting our culture. You can't be Clinton's whore and Russell's judge and jury. if you read his own words it looks like he is trying to change his ways. Please let that happen and support him when it looks good for our youth. that is all I care for. Other than that let him do his thing. Who cares if he likes women that are 6 feet tall and wears a baseball cap everywhere? Linus from Charlie Brown had a blanket. Let the black man wear a hat all day if he wants and vote for whoever he wants. Who else is going to get Dame Dash to do anything positive? BruceB 1/3/2003 8:52 AM You look at that nasty picture of Kim on the website this morning and you can't believe that this type of _____ is being distributed by a guy as thoughtful and important as Russell Simmons. Messes up your morning intake of knowledge. I really am more confused after reading what Cedric wrote today. Is he down with Russell's politics or is he criticizing this stuff? Beats me. I do get tired of seeing the hip-hop impresario running around with models and Martha Stewart and H. Clinton and what not like he is so happy to be in their holy presence. But then you see him rolling with Farrakhan and squashing these stupid beefs and it's like what the _____ ?! the dude is like a walking contradiction and you really can't blame people for loving and hating his ass at the same time. That's life. But if he is changing and evolving you gotta support something like that, as messed up as rap music is these days. Maybe he can get 50 Cent to vote for gun control Amir 1/3/2003 8:36 AM This is truly an insightful perspective on Russell. I had never thought of him in this light. I do think some people in the Hip-Hop "backpack" community sweat Russell too much. They should really look at what it is they are or are not doing and why they don't have Russell's shine. However, I think there is plenty to criticize with Rush. The lyrical content and all that is open to question. And Najee Ali and his folks have a legit gripe with Russell for having Lil' Kim up there with the veil and no clothes.. No question on that. But it is hard to argue with Rush's ability to make moves and bring people together. I will re-read this and order the book from y'all. This was some piece of writing and thinking, I might add. I hope Russell reads this _____ If you'd like to reply to this thread, we encourage you to login so you can post messages. If you are not registered and would like to be, please create an account.