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Black History Specialist Aaron Johnson: Belafonte Was Right about Jay-Z and Beyonce
By Aaron D. Johnson
The overall direction or lack thereof of the so called African American community is a frightening one to think about, let alone talk about. As an educator in New York, I can tap into the pulse of the youth of our community in a way that provides insight as to what young African Americans think about and are concerned with. After conversing with many of our youth about the insanity that has attached itself to our community like a parasite to a host, it is more and more evident that there is a mechanism in place that perpetuates our cultural and societal quandary.
The infirmity that beleaguers our communities is the fruit of a deeply rooted tree of African and African American cultural destruction. African Americans have been taught to subscribe to the most destructive and ignorant components of our society. In order to counteract this growing problem, the elders of the community as well as people who have some kind of power or influence should reach back to help restore African American society and cultural significance. The question becomes: Will they care enough to actively work to make change? Harry Belafonte hit the nail on the proverbial head when he verbalized his distaste for the selfishness of Beyonce and Jay Z. But they are just the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot more people on this list and the problems with these so – called celebrities are deeper than we think.
I always likened people like Jay Z, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Russell Simmons, and others like them as hustlers of the hood. They unabashedly produce the vilest content without regard for the damage it does to the African American community. They do so to quench their thirst for that mighty dollar. Money, power, fame, and elitism motivate their every move. They are calculative with how they present their brand. The word brand was purposely used because it seems as though they lose their personhood when they have reached a certain status. Many of these hustlers are consumable commodities without honest, off the cuff, meaningful, or personal opinions. Everything that they do is contrived and money minded. So social commentary is a rarity.
Even though they are themselves from the very community that they are poisoning, it is almost like they couldn’t care less about the quagmire that African Americans in the 21st century are in. These peddlers of filth are like Black slave drivers on the plantation. It almost seems as though plantation owners put them on a horse, gave them a shot gun, and said “keep those niggas in check.” Their actions are synonymous with a reply of “yes sir boss.” In the days of slavery, Black slave drivers were promoted to their positions by the master of the plantation. They were expected to keep the Negroes in line so to speak. Black slave drivers acquired a position of authority but remained one of the lowest forms of humanity by society’s standards of the time.
The record companies are in essence plantation owners and people like Jay Z, Combs, and Simmons are the slave drivers. The record companies dictate what kinds of content they want produced and these hustlers/drivers acquiesce no matter the collateral damage. In many interviews these hustlers have defended the content that they have produced. The nonsensical excuse that they are just poets of the hood talking about the problems of the hood is ridiculous. There is difference between commentary and glorification. It doesn’t matter either way because they are given a license to be socially irresponsible. There did not create our society’s predicament, but they package, market, and sell it.
At the end of the day, we have some very hard questions to ask of ourselves? Why do we the consumers allow this to occur? Do we care about the Black community? Do they care about the Black community? Do they even value the words of Harry Belafonte? Do they give a damn about his sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many others who have come before them? Why is there no chorus of the larger African American community rallying behind the comments of Harry Belafonte?
In 2012, the African American community is in a peculiar state. Many of the ignorant, self – hating, and culturally unaware people have microphones. Their messages are loudly and vigorously marketed and have become socially acceptable. The people who speak out get shouted down by the brainwashed masses. Others are afraid to sound old or behind the times. Some are fearful of the confrontation that will arise when the defenders of imbecility come for them and their opinions. The fact that the people who could make significant changes in the African American community with their status refuse to do so has become accepted. There are no standards with who the African American community and the hustlers are made to abide by.
Jay Z and all of the other slave driving hustlers do not have to think about the community. They do not have to express concern about it. The community does not require them to do so. The African American community can celebrate that these individuals have made it and that we are proud of them with no strings attached. Their selfishness has been going on for a long time now. We are entrenched in it. Think about it, would the caricatures Two Chains, Nikki Minaj, or any of these other clowns have a record deal if we or the husler/drivers gave a damn? Selfishness, greed, fame, and the illusion of inclusion as Paul Mooney put it, trumps selflessness, generosity, humility, and knowledge of self every time.
Ulo
August 15, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Excellent commentary
Dwight Baker
August 15, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Belafonte raises a good point, but times have changed. JayZ, and his wife are young gifted, and Black, but it’s not about their money. We all want to enjoy the fruits of our labor. My take is that at the height of a lot of successful entertainers such as Issaac Hayes, his success invisioned him to build another low income housing complex, it went belly up and died, it hurt but no one gave him anything to heal with accept God for his giving. Mike Jackson took it to the political arena because he was on the outside with the heart of a child, but his stand cost him humiliation then death, and it was his talent, and his money both, “What About Us, We Are The World” , but they got to the public turned on him, and black people crushed him with he did this, and that. Tupac was not only a rapper, poet he was an innovater of a younger resistance to society, people don’t know these things. I feel people should give credit to God, because until there is unity put in motion with money then what’s the plan ? If I were in an envious whirlwind about my dollars, yes I would give it within God plan, then ask what are you selling. I say Harry should have a sit down with all the rappers to see what interest besides being just people with lots of money. These are young people with broad ideals, but contraversy ain’t gonna cut it.
Marthea V Scales
August 15, 2012 at 1:43 pm
I TOTALLY AGREE!!
earline bentley
August 15, 2012 at 1:47 pm
when discussing what people do or don’t do, please get the facts straight before you make a complaint. The facts, that’s all the bare facts. Peace!
Byron Woulard
August 15, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Nice commentary but where’s the solutions. It’s always the same thing, complain, complain, complain, but no real solutions. Harry Belafonte had a totally different calling than the people you speak of, yet they all have done philanthropic things for Black people, but I guess that’s not enough, they need to be like Harry. There a re plenty of hip hop stars that do a lot for the Black community yet bloggers never write about them, why is that? While you’re chastising Jay Z and Beyonce for not doing enough, you’re using their celebrity to get people to read your blog post. You’re just as bad as those that you claim are doing nothing by not metioning the good that they have done in this post.
Waukesha
August 16, 2012 at 9:47 am
I agree with Byron people spend so much time complaining about what the next person isn’t doing, especially in our BLACK COMMUNITY. You know we had some great leaders that took a stand for what was right like Martin Luther King Jr. he didn’t have to wait on someone to make a change neither did he complain about what others aren’t doing he took that stand and made Progress on his own for everyone and any race to make a change in ALL OUR LIVES…If you want to have a discussion about something to change what about the race on race crime that’s been going around here lately.
Tyrone
August 22, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Waukesha
Please! the same people you have made famous do owe something back to the people that made them famous. Young African Americans Idolize these people, but yet none will not ever get close to them. so why not give back to the hood in which they can from. If Jay-Z, Puffy any other Black entertainers ever sit down and talk about becoming one big corporation. That’s headed by blacks, ownwd by blacks and run by blacks. They all have made money individually now lets make it together for betterment for African American by employing blacks who so desperally needing jobs.
Tyrone Daughtry
August 22, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Byron
You have not mention what good have Jay Z or Beyonce done. Other than make more money, what donations they have made and where does it benefits african Americans.
judy robinson
August 15, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Amen … Now the task is to educate your communities and break that cycle of poverty …
Pingback: Maria Lloyd: Team Beyonce Responds to Belafonte Criticism of Her Philanthropic Efforts | Your Black World
Peter D. Slaughter
August 15, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Interesting with all the hype and the counting of their paper money with dead white men on it.Not one of the brains top scholars have come up with a plan or agenda to create some liberation currency.
That would solve the problem of expecting or begging somebody esle to spend their money
Jg
August 15, 2012 at 6:28 pm
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!.. im of haitian decent by way of both of my parents.. Born and raised in the U.S. BUT of another culture at home.. IT NEVER made sense to me!…. You are totally right.. Raising two young men now, there are things THAT SHOULD NOT BE GLORIFIED, and obviously need help!!!…If you are not contributing to helping others, your wasting your time….
Lashanta R.
August 15, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I do concur but I also believe that we shouldn’t rely or expect of these “hustlers” and other artist, now that we have observed their negligence. I don’t think it’s solely their responsibility either. We as the people, who live in such communities, need to take a stand and set a standard for ourselves as well. There are more of us than them. Take pride in motherhood and fatherhood. It’s not the music that damages our communities, it’s the mindset of the people who weren’t taught that, this is not reality or that this is fallacious and of no substance. Lack of adequate parenting has catered to our down fall. As for the artist, it is their responsibility to give back through action. Now these artist(mostly mainstream artist) do contribute financially but anybody can reach in their pockets and give money. Socially, they need to increase their activities. Just b/c a father/mother pays his/her child support doesn’t mean he/she is a good parent and are completing their duties. Same applies to celebrities and millionaires. Great Article!!!
Bernlaw
August 15, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Whose House? Whose house are you building? Are you building your house(for YOUR FAMILY,Your People,Your Friends, OR their family)? This is the question that should be put-up in our Rich & Wealthy entertainers and gifted faces. All of them should go to their old neighborhoods and create : businesses,Medical centers,Theaters,Recreation Olympic Centers,Schools,housing to employ build-up up their communities. You don’t have to live in the Hood,Just show/give some respect and love,Stop building up other charities”Charity starts and ends at home”
Renee
August 15, 2012 at 8:49 pm
Sighs, this was a damn good article. I can’t add anymore because the author took every single word out of my mouth. Brilliant piece.
Ishmar Muhammad
August 15, 2012 at 9:23 pm
What I Don’t Understand with these BrainDead Negroes of today why these fools try to put athlete’s on a level with real Black Leaders? F##k all these Rappers & Athletes they not SCLC,N.O.I,BPP,UNIA remember Organizations kill more Devils than Bullets! I am Ashamed of the Cats from my Generation very misguided & Destructive at the same time the The FBI killed off the Leaders of that Era Leaving a Power Vacumm so here came all types of Gangs Crips,Bloods,BGD,VL Destructive BS Crack the Government put that There Guns everything to make us less stable was heaped on us I grew up in LA & hated seeing all them Brothers Gone Now Sisters gone! We went for the line like a fish! We played ourselves!We are the Bastard offspring of the Civil Rights Era we want to fight but don’t know who to fight? Muhammad Ali is the only Athlete who is in this Brotherhood of Freedom fighters
Ashira
August 15, 2012 at 9:30 pm
I agree with Mr. Belafonte and Mr. Johnson, these people who have a position of fame and power should use that as a platform to give back. Historically entertainers such as Belafonte, Dick Gregory, Ali, Paul Robertson worked to make change. They rallied in the streets with the people. They financed movements. This is what Belafonte is trying to convey. I applaud the success of Beyonce and Jay-Z;however, they could contribute more to the community. Yes Beyonce has contributed to her community in Houston. I live in Houston, TX. Nevertheless, more could be done by not just her and Jay-Z ,but by us as people of the community and other celebrities such as lil wayne etc. For instance what are people doing about the senseless killings in Chicago? I think that all of these wealthy and influential athletes and the like should pool their monies together and effectuate positive change in communities. Forget about the concerts for this cause and that . I’m talking about really connect with the young people and help develop programs that can change lives.
Katie Lindsey
August 15, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Interesting this era, we have come to be quiet about..We all need to rise to that higher calling now,look in the mirror, act,
then go to the stars of hip-hop the N-word wrappers call them out to change along with the Companies that own them.
Ishmar Muhammad
August 16, 2012 at 9:35 am
Brother BelAfante was right Jay-Z like most of the DumbAss Rappers when they get Money buy BS and Spit it too! Most of us are from the Ghetto and don’t go around putting BlackBiz in the Streets! It’s always been street people but did not make songs about it yo! Most of these Negroes are Greedy just like the Crackers who own them! Jay-z also throws his Black Brother Dam Dash away under the Bus for some Greedy Peckerwoods when Dam was His Homie when he Had Nothing! I don’t trust him or listen to his Music he not even Black to me he a Selfhating Negro & a stoolpigeon and not to be trusted!
PB Short
August 16, 2012 at 11:43 am
Here is the solution….
As parents, we must make and demand that our children bring all of their books home and actually do their homework…
We must regulate our children life and keep them out of adult conversations…and keep them away from adult material such as movies, books, and music…
Otherwise, the BIG businesses will continue to cater to what the ignorant masses want (Jordan’s/Cuss words/Sex tapes/etc.)…
Biggie said it best with “Considered a fool because I dropped out of high-school”…
So many black people ran with this one phrase and look where it has gone today…still considered a fool, because you dropped out of high-school…dummy…
Education starts in the home, not in the streets…whatever your child do not learn in the home, the streets will teach them (the opposite of life)…
Joy
August 17, 2012 at 11:54 am
PB Short, you are obviously of the “Old School” thought and right on target. “Keep children OUT (ear shot)of adult conversations” and let them be and do what children SHOULD be doing: playing, reading, writing and learning. They shouldn’t know what a “Khardasian” is……. Keep them AWAY from RAP music, facebook…… and most of all monitor their TELEVISION. No cell phones until late high school.
Jerry
August 16, 2012 at 12:37 pm
I agree, when I think about the selfishness it discourages and frustrates me to my core. I encounter younger people on a daily basis, and when I attempt to share some history with them about the struggle people encountered for them they could care less. I choose not to listen to music that demean my brothers and sisters. I am convinced that if you educate them young enough, it will change their path regardless of their environment
Jean Brown
August 16, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Excellent Commentary. To quote someone “To much is given, much is required”. Pray for our commmunity and our children. An entire generation has lost its way. Do what you can in your community. Do not look to the rappers, politicians or other “stars” to help us. Understanding starts at home. Boycott those who demonstrate that they don’t give a damn and are hustling our community. Peace
James E. White Jr.
August 16, 2012 at 3:25 pm
A TIME TO STAND
I thought about Rosa Parks
And how she must have felt
After working all day long
And finding only one seat left
Yes she paid her bus fare
Just like everyone else
But got treated as if
She was dust on one’s shelf
Yet that day the world gained a hero indeed
Because she did stand up
For what she believed
And if that sweet little woman
Hadn’t found her way
I’m sure that this man wouldn’t be standing here today.
So when I hear anyone making comments that ban
If I value her courage
Then I too must stand.
Rasheed7
August 16, 2012 at 3:59 pm
I agree with the commentary in general. I think it is a little overly hyperbolic. I still have some respect for Russel because he originally had something good going with def jam. Jay Z is one of the best MCs around and I respect his skill, but I cannot relate to his attitude (flying around the world “making it rain” while back in the real world, people are doing bad). Him and Kanye strike me as a couple of clowns these days. No respect.
Harry Belafonte is a hero to me.. I wish these the negroes these days would wake up.
I work with kids too, and I can tell that a majority of them dont have any direction, nor do they believe in anything that matters.
AMERICAN culture of violence and sex and drugs and all the other nonsense has consumed kids of this nation, and black children have it the worst because they dont seem to have anyone to snap them out of this fantasy world that AMERICAN popular culture has become.
Its selfish, destructive, and it is apathetic to human life and common decency.
Its is KRYPTONITE to our community and it will destroy us.
You can already see it taking effect
Daddyar
August 16, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Damn, so true!!
Robert Pipkin
August 17, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Powerful words. What are we as a people going to do to change our situation?
Demetrius Young
August 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I’m not rich by any stretch. I make a decent six figure income. I have bills, debt and struggle like most folks.
I donate and give back to causes and ONLY causes that 1) I feel passionate about 2) Directly Impacted my life or 3) impacted my immediate family / friends.
My point, I’m so sick of folks feeling that its their business and place to tell someone how to legally make their living, income or fortune AND then demand that they give, spend or donate it a certain way – .FOHWTBS…. I don’t care if I had Bill Gates money, I feel absolutely no obligation to take care anyone but myself and my family.
As for Jay Z, Diddy, and Russell Simmons – All of them HAVE given back and helped in times of trouble. They have donated and helped raise money. So who are you or Belafonte, or anyone else to dictate what more they SHOULD be doing…FOH
Aaron D. Johnson
August 17, 2012 at 7:56 pm
I am glad that my article is starting a dialogue. What is sad about articles such as the one I wrote is that some folks refuse to read the document in a real critical way. Some have said some things that are totally disconnected with the article. If you reread the article, the commentary is essentially saying that the burden is on us. We cannot rely on these HUSTLERS OF THE HOOD/ SLAVE DRIVERS to do what we need to do in our communities. They don’t care enough to utilize their celebrity to change our communities. Let us not get it twisted, they are not obliged to do anything. If all things were equal in this society that we live in, none of my words would matter. The fact that we have been here in America for as long as anybody and we still occupy the basement of society is troubling. I AM NOT DICTATING WHAT I THINK ANYONE HAS TO DO. It would be nice if our so – called famous, educated, and wealthy recognized our quagmire and plight to ASSIST IN MOVING OUR COMMUNITIES FOWARD.
What is the most disconcerting thing that I have read on these responses are the insults. Now I am a big boy and I can handle these words, but I am wondering why there is so much animosity? Why must we personify the crabs in barrel when we have differences of opinion? Someone even questioned my intelligence. I refuse to dignify that assertion with a response but I will say it is really distasteful and sad. African Americans will continue to languish as long as we continue to exhibit self-hate. My article is not talking about monetary selfishness but of social irresponsibility. Know thyself, teach the truth, and rebuild our communities
Erich Hicks
August 18, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Keep history alive by telling that history:
Read the greatest ‘historical novel’, Rescue at Pine Ridge, the first generation of Buffalo Soldiers. The website is: *** This is the greatest story of Black Military History…5 stars Amazon Internationally, and Barnes & Noble. *** and ***
Rescue at Pine Ridge is the story of the rescue of the famed 7th Cavalry by the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. The 7th Cavalry was entrapped again after the Little Big Horn Massacre, fourteen years later, the day after the Wounded Knee Massacre. If it wasn’t for the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, there would of been a second massacre of the 7th Cavalry. This story is about, brutality, compassion, reprisal, bravery, heroism, redemption and gallantry.
You’ll enjoy the novel that embodies the Native Americans, Outlaws and African-American/Black soldiers, from the south to the north, in the days of the Native American Wars with the approaching United States of America.
The novel was taken from my mini-series movie with the same title, “RaPR” to keep the story alive. The movie so far has the interest of, Mr. Bill Duke, Hill Harper, Glynn Turman, James Whitmore Jr., Reginald T. Dorsey and a host of other major actors in which we are in talks with, in starring in this epic American story.
When you get a chance, also please visit our Alpha Wolf Production website at; *** and see our other productions, like Stagecoach Mary, the first Black Woman to deliver mail for the US Postal System in Montana, in the 1890′s, “spread the word”.
Peace.
Bernlaw
August 19, 2012 at 3:50 pm
BES:Black Estates Show :Lets’ create an annual Concert( like the telethons)We can be like “Wattstax-”We are the world”-”Live Aid” etc.It would be a non-profit Corporation to rebuild our cities/communities.Harry Belafonte could be the CEO/COO.The profits would go to 10 geograpically selected cities each year.In just five years it could cover all states.The atheletes/entertainers will be praised for there contributions to our “Urban Renaissance”
LAWAZIZ
Rev. Alvin
August 20, 2012 at 11:34 pm
Bernshaw, I hope you get that kicked off. It sounds like a grand idea. And grand, challenging ideas are what are needed.Those things that are impossible for man are possible with God.
Greg W.
August 19, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Blueprint 3 is the greatest donation of all time. Have you people not heard “So Ambitious” or “History”? Anybody that listens to that album for at least one month will benefit 3 folds more than any charity with some self proclaimed mission to save humanity could ever hope to advance them. Only we can save ourselves through ACHIEVEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION. Jay Z and Kanye can spend there money on building fifty feet self statues for all I care. Its there lives, there money, there perrogative to spend there hard earned cash where and how so ever they see fit. WHO IS JOHN GALT?
Greg W.
August 19, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Their Lives, Their Money, Their Perrogative***
Mandingo
August 20, 2012 at 3:08 am
Getting rich by insulting,disrespecting Afrikans is not just a ‘personal’ matter because the race/community was used to become rich and there are consequences for all actions.Belafonte and the writer of the article are right.
Alvin (United Kingdom)
August 20, 2012 at 6:54 am
I agree with the comments of Harry Belafonte. I have little or no respect for so called artist like JZ, Beyonce, Kane,P Diddy, 50 Cents to name but a few. These artist appears to be consumed by the self and self image to the exclusion of being a voice of social conscience. Theirs is one of gratification, greed and superficiality. I am not just spouting rehetoric, as this is manifested in the their lifestyle,music/video
I find it mentally debilating that these so called artists who are in a position where their voices can be listened to rarely venture outside their insular world of wealth, making money and perenial self promotion.
Marcus Garvey one of the greatest of black leaders who in trying to throw of the yoke of slavery, spoke about self-love, education,sacrifice/altruism and a collectivism which would unify black people into a positive mass/force. However unfortunately the said artists do not appear to adhere/recognise any of these qualities and it is sad. We as a black race should be able to help those less fortunate but this is not the case. As Harry and Marcus outlined we have not escaped the chains of slavery and this is manifested in the rap/music stars,sport stars and so on
Rev. Alvin
August 21, 2012 at 12:44 am
Each of us as individuals need to make decisions for change we see as necessary.If you agree w/this artical as I do, what changes will you make to alter your future and more importantly the next generation? For me Christianity and the study of Black Nationalism and Pan Africanism have made a profound impact on my world view. Unfortunately most black people I come in contact with like a community minded world view. It seems we have been so consumed w/mere survival that plans for a collective projection and work toward a very attainable future has evaded collective imagination. However there is a force within us which has not been sufficiently drawn. Someone mentioned Marcus Garvey, “Up you mighty people” I need to review his writings again. The pride our people felt in the 20′s under his leadership with the “United Negro Improvement Association”, he fought for people of the African descent to build themselves nations. At a time of segregation and lynchings of Black people he dared to contemplate and propagate nation building. When I met elders and they spoke of that organiztion (they were a part of)I saw a brilliance of undeminished hope for our future. We have again seen presented here some major strongholds/challenges and areas that need to be addressed. First let us not kill the messenger. If you differ in opinion it can be said w/out going into attack mode, as if you are being paid, on security detail. If you differ in opinion you can set your mind on “open” to challenge yourself to focus on the “possible truth” or “fact’ not previously considered. Now considering some outlandish, no doubt, comments I previously stated:Black Nationalism and Pan Africanism. The 1st book I read was the year I graduated from high school, “The Destruction of African(Black) Civilization” by Chancellor Williams. Then I was on a role. Self education was one missing link. I know now public education will only keep us away from the answers we need and away from the realization we need to individually/collectively assume. The ideas of Black Nationalism revealed to me the possibilities of a sane working loving community, well at least the ideas of people who really functioned solely motivated by love. How such a people must prepare to help themselves discover Stolen Legacy(George James) and pass a legacy of self love to the next generation. The discovery of a problem is only for the elightenment of some in this generation to make a decision: “Will I Be Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?” But the mind is so powerful. We can set ourselves on perpetual denial, saying there is no problem there. I love “them” so much! “How and why would anybody attack my favorite entertainers?” Set your mind on open and read for understanding. Let us value again the power of the pen.
Alvin (United Kingdom)
August 22, 2012 at 9:24 am
To the person who responded to my comments, not sure what you are saying. You mentioned Pan Africanism, Christanity and Black Nationalism, but I really cannot be too clear about where you are heading. Anyway referring back to Harry Belafonte I agree with his views and have no respect for artist like, Jay Z, Beyonce, Simmonds, Kane West,50 Cents amongst others. I believe Mr Belafonte was correct when he drew the anology and compared these artists to as ‘Hustlers in the hood’. To me they are like vampires draining the life blood in the poorer areas with their all-consuming greed, making only perfunctory gestures to show that they care. I would love to see these ‘artists’do something charitable without the parade of camera’s, television or the media. I remember listening to Kane West boasting about his $500 haircut. The saying that you can’t take the’Ghetto out of the person’ but these stars are an insult to people living in so called ghetto.
One of my brethen Keith R is always joking about people who has not escaped the ‘Slave mentality’ and comparing the House Slave to the Field Slave. I may not always agree with him but you can put your Jay Z, P, Diddy, Beyonce and others in that bracket of slave thinking. They appear to be slave to the trappings of success,and the aggranisement rather than show dignity and purpose of their position. As I said it is sad and demoralising that these stars do so little when they could do so much. SAD.
Kim
August 23, 2012 at 10:34 am
Isn’t this what occurs when one is part of the ILLUMInATI? Just curious!
tonya Dakari
August 23, 2012 at 5:46 pm
I have always regarded Mr.Belfonte in high regards. I agree with what he has stated. We no longer have the storytellers. History is no longer passed on. Just as many people of african descent boycotted to end slavery the same must happen today. Those who are at the top have been given a blessed talent,however, talent is nothing if you do not have the following. If men, women, and our youth “stop” becoming mesmerized and tantalized with these celebrities, and realize they are the ones who hold the power. The cars, the house, the clothes,all that these celebrities have and acquired came from their fans who just happen to like what they do as an artist. The fans are the ones who purchase their tickets and their products. Our youth today have not and still have not been taught the struggle of african descent people, that has allowed people like Jay Z and Beyounce and others to be where they are at. To dismiss our struggle is a slap in the face. There are still many of us whp agree with what Mr.Belfonte has stated.
etreman
August 25, 2012 at 10:01 am
No one has come up with a decisive plan of action because for us it’s business as usual….lots of rhetoric, no action. Unfortunately we’ve been guilty of this for years. Bill Gates and people like that with ‘real money’ don’t walk around all blinged out and flashing cash to impress. Noooo, but what do we do as soon as we get money? Flash.flash because so many of us are impressed by that, especialy the youngheads. Change our values, change the world!
JC
September 6, 2012 at 10:01 pm
I totally agree and support his stance on this matter. He says it all in this article. We need more to step up and address this growing problem and encourage our children to stop supporting these people. The devil is cunning and crafty!!
Austin Thierry
September 17, 2012 at 8:17 pm
with great power comes great responsibility…..and although i do agree with all opinions posted i think that since not everyone has the “power” that people like Jay-z or puffy ect. that it is the artists obligation to spread a positive message for the black community. in my opinion you lead by example and yes these artist have done a lot of great things by donating and things like that but how did they get the money to donate? they took advantage of negitive language and topics that where solved and done away with in a since by people like MLK and with the power they have changed generations in there thinking and made negative things acceptable. im sure i would not see young black people speaking vulger to each other all casualy if these rappers didnt think it was right to say the word nigga every ten seconds in a rap. IT IS POSSIBLE TO TALK ABOUT STRUGGLES IN THE HOOD WITH OUT CURSE WORDS AND THE WORD NIGGA! with great power comes great responsiblity and these people are not doing us any good. so i say to future rappers and artist reading this post black or not…..do not add the poisoning of our community and culture. im an 18 year old african american and i see the negativity everyday in kids half my age. take a stand and make a change. don’t strive to be JAY-Z,KANYE, or any other modern rapper adding to the negitivity….strive to be you….be positive….be ethical….and be creative…..take responsibility.
Moreno5363
February 18, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Articles like these are all kinds of awful….and its even worse to see that people are in support of this trash.
1) There are 0 facts, I mean honestly there are 0 facts in the article. The author simply states what he THINKS happens behind closed doors. He has no actual research or factual information on any of this.
2) Who are you to tell another person what to do with their money? Did you write those raps? Did you spend those hours touring? Rehearsing? Promoting? Who are you to dictate how another person uses their influence?
3) Who are you to say how much another person should do for their communities. Should Jay, Puff, Dre, Baby, Weezy all give 50% of their money and time to the “cause”, should it be 60%? How about 90%? Who are you to say “this isn’t enough”. What gives you the right to say….you havent done enough??
4) Using Jay and Bey in your title is a cheap and albeit effective way of getting page hits. But I see you have completely and utterly ignored calling out the people with real power to affect change. Why? Well because nobody knows who they are.