Wow!

Filed under: Music Minute

CLICK HERE to watch Nas' just-released video for Be a N—- Too.

Powerful stuff!

Posted: Jun 10, 2008 at 1:15 am / Email this »

See All 397 Comments

397 comments to “Wow!”

More comments: « 1 2 3 [4]

Silas says – reply to this

301

Re: Ksmurfer – well said
:-) says – reply to this

302

Re: b24 –
b24, BRILLIANT! You are so right!
Ksmurfer says – reply to this

303

Re: Seanna –

What fighting mentality? Who want to live life like that? Actually the way to lose the fighting mentality is to focus on those who have suceeded. My parent succeeded and are now both professionals, one with a masters and one with a doctorate. Their lives were hard but they did not get sucked it to the self pity, they did not play the hand that the black society deals them, nor did they play the hand that white society dealt.

This is why I can't assimilate with the whole "whitey/gov't conspiracy theory" it is possible to succeed, but only when we let go of the past as well as realize that life is hard for all in the present.
Leila says – reply to this

304

Re: STEPHA – They like to keep the ball rolling on slavery its what people like Al Sharpton,Jessie Jackson make there millions on.Its so sick I'm white and I'm to labeled for all there downfall, and all I do is work and take care of my family.Its not like on my days off I'm scheming ways to terrorize the black community WTF?
JustSayin says – reply to this

305

GIVE
.
ME
.
A
.
BREAK!!!
.
doh says – reply to this

306

Re: Jenny – No, it just means youre not paying attention to the message of the song.
Obser says – reply to this

307

Re: Ksmurfer – Thank you why is it so hard for people to see that.We all want to see people suceed and do well,the only way to acheive that is to stop playing a victim and be a survivor.
MK says – reply to this

308

Re: Ksmurfer – OMG i completely agree. Being black myself, it's frustrating when people like Nas come out with shit like this. To me, it's just one giant excuse. The only one holding u back is urself. Sure, there will always b people out there who are ignorant and will look down on u for the color of ur skin. I feel like we're moving backwards rather then forwards by bringing up slavery. NO ONE CAN MAKE U FEEL INFERIOR WITHOUT UR PERMISSION!! ez.
Leann says – reply to this

309

I love how alot of people are saying that Nas is racist yet say every racist thing in the book about him! Fuckin hypocrites!
tragi says – reply to this

310

To the people who keep statig that slavery was not in our lifetime, so Nas should let that go. Racism STILL exists to this day. Hey, Rosa Parks didn't sit on the bus THAT long ago. MArtin Luther King didn't inscribe the words "I have a dream" in our heads THAT long ago….What about in the South? How many places in the United States can an African American casually walk through without being ridiculed, or beaten, or whatever. Everyone THINKS that just because SOME people aren't racist anymore, that we have solved a problem.
tragi says – reply to this

311

CONTINUED…..Are we not still also segregating our Native Communities. Yes they also segregate themselves…but who would honestly want to mix and mingle with a bunch of Racists who can't get over the fact that yes, we are ALL different on the outside, but we are ALL the same on the inside. I bet the most RACIST PATHETIC PRICK out there will someday need emergency heart surgery, and the donor heart they recieve will ironically come from an African American. As I am sure many transplants, blood transfusions and such come from all different races from people all over the world. *If you didn't understand what he was saying, than you weren't really listening. The funny thing is, he uses the word so bluntly and makes a song out of it, and everyone freaks out!!! Yet, there are songs about gangs, how women are bitches, insults to other races, rappers constantly use the N word in their songs….and YOU STILL LISTEN TO IT. Look at all these songs about SEX that our children are singing along with ……and it's okay to you??? I would rather my daughter be educated on racism, than sex. Thank you.
I HEA says – reply to this

312

Re: dick – YOU ARE A TRUE GENIUS I REALLY MEAN THAT READ WHAT HE POSTED THIS IS REAL!!!!!
Jenn says – reply to this

313

Lame. Get a life loser.
Lovec says – reply to this

314

The Paul Mooney soundbite at the top of this video is killer! Paul is a god! Nas amazing dude!!
Andre says – reply to this

315

I grew up in a poor family,my father beat us and drank wasted are families money on claw machines and drugs.My mother worked 3 jobs 7 days a week to keep us clothed and fed there were 4 of us all within close age and small at the time.She taught us good morals never to cheat lie and steal or hurt another human being.My father who stalked her constantly beat her and broke3 of her ribs.She wrapped them up and went to work all day leaving us home alone long periods of time,we had no close family and were left to fend for ourselves.My life was complicated but me and my siblings grew up and went to school workedat 13 and 14 to support my mother and our college.I'm a bussiness owner my sister a obgyn my brothers are contracters.Oh and the last part all 4 of us are white,this goes to show you poverty and abuse cross all borders,its what you teach your kids to be that changes there life and all of us did'nt repeat the cycle of violence we learned from it some people need to learn to do the same.
Jenn says – reply to this

316

Re: tragi –

Huh, it's always safe to walk through a black neighborhood for whitey too, eh?
word says – reply to this

317

Re: Leila – *and others like her*

You sound like an immature white kid who's trying to sound enlightened.

When did Nas BLAME anyone? This is simply a social commentary on what is STILL reality for A LOT of black people. Maybe you don't see it in your daily life. Good for you! But to make a comment like "no one is holding you people back anymore" is RIDICULOUS and quite frankly, you are in no position to say that.

No. It may not be overt lynch mobs, but if you think people of color are not targeted by law enforcement, followed around stores, not the FIRST ones on the chopping block when a company has to downsize, and don't work 3x harder for the same respect, you're nuts. Forget affirmative action. The part you don't know is that "quotas" are usually filled by mailroom/janitorial positions.

4/5 posts on black celebs involves criminal charges or something negative. Check urban blogs. That is not ALL that is going on in the world of black entertainment. That's just all that is covered on "mainstream" (read: white) sites. That's why it is amusing to see a bunch of blog readers give opinions on what we should do to improve our community. You know nothing about it. The "I have black friends" disclaimer doesn't help. lol

If you choose to be ignorant, cool. Have a blissful life. But don't assume that a "slavery was years ago. get over it" mentality is realistic.
ILL says – reply to this

318

This song sucks because todays music sucks. Your white little girls are posting semi nude videos dancing to soulja boy and making it a hit! which is one of the worst songs i have ever heard. That is why i say F*CK the RIAA and i will keep downloading music till you catch me.
huh says – reply to this

319

Re: Andre –

Good grief. Glad to hear you made it Andre, but what part of your sob story has to do with Nas's message?

Were you and your siblings followed by police, denied jobs, denied equal education, falsely accused of crimes, etc. BECAUSE YOU WERE WHITE?
Leila says – reply to this

320

Re: word – Let me wipe my tears for you no Cops follows me around MAY BE BECAUSE I DON'T ASSOCIATE WITH PEOPLE WHO DO CRIME.Oh by the way I live in Baltimore City every time I turn around I have to hear Black on Black crime, AND GUESS WHAT WHITE PEOPLE ARE'NT GOING AROUND COMMITING THOSE CRIMES! huh Coincidence I don't think so.I don't hate black people but everyone is responsible for there actions,let me quote Bill Cosby."I can't complain because my black child had a harsher sentance then a white kid who also got caught selling crack,teach your kids not to sell crack at all and there will be no jail time period"Listen to this man not NAS.
Andre says – reply to this

321

Re: huh – Sorry my mom cared enough to teach us not to hustle for a living and kept us in line and if the police came to my house we'd get the Belt and punishment ,not the cops are harasing my child,and yes my brothers were in trouble and got whipped as children and learned not to make that same mistakes as adults.My whole point was that all people struggle not just black,It was burdened on me to be an alcoholic I was'nt,it was burdened on me the gift of poverty but I'm not poor now.Do you understand my point?
dude says – reply to this

322

this is the kind of trash that is keeping black people "down" it's not white people. I would like to know the last time this asshole was enslaved. If people want to live in a peaceful society without racism this is the kind of garbage that needs to stop. why is it ok to call people racial slurs like kike spic guinee chink!! it seems like the only way people are considered to be racist is if they are white. Nas is a racist piece of shit and should not be allowed to put this album out. The record company that allowed this garbage should hang there heads in shame and embarrasment
Truth says – reply to this

323

Re: Ksmurfer – You are 100% right. And, w/that being said….NAS DOESN'T LIKE WHITE PEOPLE. He is racist….pot meet kettle. He encourages everything that is wrong in our society. DISGUSTING!!!! Oh, and he probably doesn't like gay's either….He is the EPITOME of black supremist.
T says – reply to this

324

Just because NAS is BLACK and I am BLACK stop grouping all of our opnions together!!!!! I am college educated and I have a good job own my own home and car. You will rarely here me pull a race card. We are all different people! He has his opnion and I have mine.
LOL says – reply to this

325

Re: T – Then learn how to spell "HEAR" …….I'll use it in a sentence….I am HERE…can you HEAR me? See the difference? And black people take pride in grouping white's to be racist……black people are NO different. Cry me a fucking river…
word says – reply to this

326

Re: Leila –

LOL… for the love of Christ and country. I am my own (intelligent, as in M.A. and PhD in 18 mos) person. You do not need to tell me to "listen to this person, not Nas." The fact that you think you are in a position to do so is the funniest thing I've read all day.

My point is simple. You do not know what it is like to be black in America. Period. I'm sure we can agree on that.

I have been black for 25 whole years. I can tell you, with no reason to lie, that I have encountered my fair share of bigotry. Do I associate with criminals? Nope. Does that spare me? Nope.

If you choose not to believe that, GREAT… BUT keep your pearls of wisdom for the black community to yourself. Or better yet, go mentor white youths in YOUR community. Your pompous "all knowing" attitude is ridiculous.

I wouldn't go to a gardener if I had a toothache, so I don't need your advice on how to be an upwardly mobile black person. Ya dig?
gross says – reply to this

327

Re: word – HAHA!! Wanna know what's funny?? I AM BLONDE HAIRED BLUE EYED……and the ONE time I was followed in a store….it was in a black community. Black people DO hold themselves down……and they need to get over it. GET A JOB …..not selling crack. You reap what you sow. Quit whining and think about your dreams. And, white people are let down everyday….sorry, that we use that letdown to strive for success. Instead….you all whine and go on welfare after your twenty fucking kids. So, just b/c we don't give up easy we are holding the black man down?? STFU…..it's YOURSELVES!
ewwww says – reply to this

328

Re: word – YOU SOUND POMPOUS……..Not, the person you were referring to.
huh says – reply to this

329

Re: Andre –

Not at all. We are discussing prejudice… not family dysfunction. You are comparing a lifetime of negativity from society- everyone from teachers, bosses, police, salesclerks, the milkman, the old woman in the park- to a bad experience growing up with your mom. Are you high?
white says – reply to this

330

AS A WHITE BITCH……..I AM PULLING THE RACE CARD!!!!!!!!! That shit is NOT going on today……quit living in the past and do something for yourself.
carol says – reply to this

331

Unbelievable ignorant rants. He should be ashamed. No wonder why Bill Cosby is constantly after others to learn how to speak.
word says – reply to this

332

Re: gross –

I'm gonna keep this short, because you are clearly impaired. Are you saying ALL black people whine and abandon their dreams? Last I checked, I'm still on my career track. What about you?
word says – reply to this

333

Re: ewwww –

Sorry to hear that (not really). Hate to burst ur bubble, but *we* just don't need the advice of a stranger over a celeb blog who's never been black a day in his/her life. I think that is arrogant. If I (a non-athletic, female, psychology student) walked up to Kobe Bryant and started giving him pointers on his jump shot, I'd be nearly as arrogant as Leila.
traci says – reply to this

334

Re: hotwhi –

Yes I do believe that people can live there lives without caring what color skin the person next to you in a restaurant has, or on the street, or in the laundry mat. Maybe its where I live that makes me feel like we can make a difference, really I don't know but if we can do it here, it is possible everywhere.

All it takes is one person to say "thats not right" and eventually someone else speaks up, and another, and another and so on.

I agree with you on McCain and Obama 100% and I think it's fucked up the way people think based on race.

Hatred = Ignorance.

We all need to stop being so damn ignorant.
traci says – reply to this

335

also;;

who the fuck cares if someone spelled a word wrong, its not a fucking spelling contest.

as if you never spelled a word wrong in your life mr./mrs. perfect.

shut up already spelling has nothing to do with what message or opinion the person is trying to express.
haha says – reply to this

336

Re: word – LOL! When I said "you all" I meant the black people who feel it is necessary to sling dope, and whine about their life…..NOT ALL BLACK PEOPLE. You are retarded..ya dig?
Black says – reply to this

337

Re: white – I'm glad you used the adjective "white" and now add stupid, ignorant, dumb and low class before the words bitch and then you would describe yourself. Biyaaaaatch!
WHITE says – reply to this

338

Re: Black – LIKE I SAID….DO SOMETHING FOR YOURSELF. I NEVER CALLED ANYONE NAMES, GROW UP!! I have every reason for my comment, and you obviously don't. Just b/c you are one of the screw up's i was talking about you take it out on me. NICE….real classy! Obviously computers aren't a luxury anymore if your ignorant ass owns one.
ewwww says – reply to this

339

Re: word – You are trying to get people to follow you up your own pompous ass….keep talking. It show's even more w/every word. I have better thing's to do.
dick says – reply to this

340

Re: I HEA – WOW! Thanks allot! I'm glad SOMEONE understood what I was saying, and that I wasn't trying to be racist (I know I used some potty talk) but thanks for hearing me!
LOL says – reply to this

341

Re: traci – Hey! I didn't come on here bragging about how intelligent I was only to mispell! And girl you need some duct tape……for your fingers and mouth. You blab way tooooooooooooo much!
Black says – reply to this

342

Re: WHITE – How would you know what its like to be black?? You have never experienced it…lol screw ups? I have lived in 4 continents and speak 3 languages. I've owned a computer since I could remember. I am well educated, well spoken, well travelled and the only black sales exec at my company period. It's not even about name calling, its about you trying to act like you know what I've gone through every single day of my life. You don't so SHUT THE FUCK UP and try to be like your role model Lindsay Lohan. Don't try and act smart because you are obviously failing. SO FUCK U et va te faire chier bete salope!!!! Biyaaaaatch.
Maria says – reply to this

343

This makes me so sad. =(
We need to come together as people. Nass' album is just going to pull us apart. Both my boyfriend and best friend are black, and I'm Italian. I wouldn't want to loss them over this song. Lets all love each other!!!!
alici says – reply to this

344

Something really important about the black culture today is missed. It is everyone's fault. I am not European-American and my black neighbor is not African-American. I am not from Europe and she is not from Africa. If you are going to be politically correct, stop following politics and use terminology that feels right! I am white and she is black, period. I am disappointed in Nas. I usually do not like his shit anyway but when I first heard the song, I perked up. It seemed to me like he was uniting the oppressed cultures and groups under one word. A commonly used word for one of these oppressed groups. I'm a nigga, your a nigga, hes a…. Would that not be a better way to portray this song than black vs. white. Is that not ingrained far enough into the back of our minds. Stop thinking of vs. start thinking of give and take and understanding of white people, black people, Indian-Americans, Middle Eastern-Americans, Asian-Americans, Spanish-Americans, Mexican-Americans, European-Americans, etc!
alici says – reply to this

345

Re: open y – Ignoring racism is impossible unless you are in an a suburb that has been stuck under a rock since the 40s. Racism of all races is not something that can be ignored or is able to be. Everyone knows it is there. The way to work it out is not by talking about it. You cannot rehabilitate a whole society but you can rehabilitate the individuals within that society. No one is shoving the past under a rug but no matter how important it is to know and understand the past it cannot control your thoughts. You must think forward while understanding the past and your past.
ni66e says – reply to this

346

Let's just call Earth Ni66ertopia.
wakeu says – reply to this

347

Re: Leila –
White people don't commit that kind of crime?? What?? Are you fu**ing kidding me? Anyone remember Columbine? Northern Illinoise University earlier this year? Virginia Tech last year? Oh wait, that one was an Asian guy. Come on people! Just because an example pops into your head doesn't mean it's representative or logical. How about hate crimes? The majority of hate crime victims in this country continues to be African American (yes, more than 50%, actually more than 60% are black). The majority of all hate crime victims is also NOT white.
The majority of violence perpetrators in this country is NOT BLACK but instead are WHITE. Should we all be afraid of white people now? Give me a break people. Your inability to think through this issue and your quick judgments of an entire group of people based on select incidents and examples just further shows that racism is very alive today!
wakeu says – reply to this

348

Re: word – Well said.
word says – reply to this

349

Re: haha –

Back peddling?! Cool!!!! Well, if that is what you meant, then what would make you think that I or Nas or anyone else reading THIS site (all frilly and pink) is a dope pusher? Stand by what you say. You meant that toward black people. Back peddling only makes you look worse.
word says – reply to this

350

Re: ewwww –

Well, you took time out to respond to me. If you didn't have anything to contribute, you shoulda stayed out of it.

Be easy!
wake says – reply to this

351

Re: ewwww – Why? Because s/he's educated? You think educated means pompous? What does that say about you?
word says – reply to this

352

Re: wakeu –

Thanks.
Dee says – reply to this

353

Stupid and ignorant…let it rest already.
Controversy isn't going to sell records…
Newma says – reply to this

354

Re: ni66e –

What the hell.
word says – reply to this

355

Re: gross or haha –

BTW,

"Black people DO hold themselves down……and they need to get over it. GET A JOB …..not selling crack. You reap what you sow. "

Those are YOUR words…and yes, you directed that at ALL black people. So are YOU retarded?
well says – reply to this

356

Can't expect it from anyone else. Nas is where it's at. If we had more of this and less of all this bullshit we'd be a much better place. This video holds hope. It holds the present time in front of all of us, and it's about fucking time we get rid of this stupid fucking racist bullshit gay ass mess. peace to nas
CHILD says – reply to this

357

Re: word – And you still sound like a douche. Does it bring you self worth to think that there is an ACTUAL conspiracy? TO twist the word's of other's? You seem like you EXPECT the white person to degrade you, and you are in constant attack mode. THAT is what hold's the black man down honey.
shrtn says – reply to this

358

Re: wake – NO sweetheart POMPOUS IS POMPOUS!! And, it's evident in her word's. It's clear you didn't read everything she wrote…POMPOUS ASS thought she was writing a book.
word says – reply to this

359

Re: wake –

In other words he/she is saying: yes, because I'm educated… and because I dare to say it: I have done just fine without the aid/assistance/advice/approval of whites. I'm not an anomaly. As frightening as that might be. So I don't need anyone to decode or translate my information. I don't need anyone to tell me to listen to Cosby over Nas… or to aspire to bea Will-Smith-kinda-black-person. I am gonna do me. If white america doesn't get it, f*ck em. Your opinion on my culture is meaningless.

*whispers* I don't think they like hearing that.
littl says – reply to this

360

I know the legacy of racism in America is harsh,generally looking at it.And i know black people have reason to feel aggrieved but still the timings of nas song is kind of off dont you think.Obama,somebody who is almost exclusively depicted as black by America (especially by the african american community) is running for president and will very likely win the white house.He will be the leader of the country.I know that it wouldnt make up for slavery but people should head his message and look to the future and stop finding fault at the past.The song is thight,the meaning of the song is understandable (since nas depicts all minorities as the n word it is actually just an anti establishment song) but stop bitch.Black people make up less then 13% of the population in the States.Off cource the are being discriminated but i still have to see any other country in the world who would choose there leader/president from a minority group,who make up less the 13 %of the population,in a more or less genuine democratic process.
WAKEU says – reply to this

361

Re: word – Awww good for you!!!! So you are saying that you are "ghetto"? There is nothing wrong with Will Smith or Bill Cosby……u sound pretty disgruntled.
SAYNO says – reply to this

362

RESIST NWO. THEY WANT US ALL STACKED UP AGAINST EACH OTHER. THEY DON'T WANT US TO GET ALONG. THE TRUTH IS RACE WARS, COMMUNISM/DEMOCRACY IT'S ALL BULLSHIT… IT'S ALL APART OF THE MASTER PLAN..THEY WANT TO MAKE US TAKE EACH OTHER OUT. DON'T GIVE IN TO THEM
Jamie says – reply to this

363

When will angry black man shit end?

PS. Any one else notice he left out Arabs?
MAMAK says – reply to this

364

Re: Jamie – Re: tragi – U are a slave to your own community. SLAVERY by the white man doesn't exist anymore, so good luck in the future Scooter!! You will not get far w/the mentality you were raised with AND THAT IS WHY I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU AND THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE RAISED TO HATE THE WHITE PEOPLE! Get over it or die a sad mess…..right after you live out your sad life. Quit praising this shit, it's unexplicable, and downright SHIT!! I will not feel as though u are being racially profiled if you drive a caddy w/ur seat all the way back w/tinted window's and smoke coming out…..I would pull that car over in a second. DUH!! ITS CRIMINAL PROFILING…..NOT RACIAL. You should take some criminal justice classes…. MAMA KNOWS!
KC says – reply to this

365

When I first heard about the title for Nas' album, I was conflicted because of his powerful reclamation of the slur but also offended by the derogatory word. Yet hearing the lyrics to the song has widened by point of view, in that he is not only embracing the word but also applying it to humanity (i.e different races) beyond the common idea of its application to just Black Americans. This is momentous for music and sociopolitical ideas in the United States. This is good stuff beyond Perez unlike the Jessica Alba stuff- Substance- its a good thing.
wakeu says – reply to this

366

Re: word –
Someone is posing as me (wakeu). I did not write that crap about you being disgruntled!!!!
I guess when people have nothing intelligent to say they resort to petty behavior and words.
WOW says – reply to this

367

Re: wakeu – Get your head checked sweetness……wow! Got some crazies on here tonight. Point is that Nas is and always will be a jackass. And anyone who thinks like him are not being true to themselves or those of us surrounding….it's actually quite sad. Nas is "SPECIAL" , so be gentle. HAHAHA! He is not real….he is stuck, b/c he won't quit blaming white people. At least there is a good moral….u get NOWHERE FAST being a hypocritical conspiracy theorist!!!!!!
FYI says – reply to this

368

Listen up white folks:
No one is knocking Cosby or Smith. We are just saying that you are able to judge what the "ideal" black person should be like. I don't understand tight pants/eyeliner/rocker look, but do I look at the guy from Fallout Boy and say: "you should try to be an Abercrombie white boy"? NO! I'm not ashamed to listen to Lil' Wayne and do my lil' Beyonce booty shake when I go out. FYI, every "black club" I go to has some white folks trying to do the same thing.
Leila says – reply to this

369

Black people have it bad,So what do you want me to do about it?Can anyone white or black solve this problem or have'nt tried to already?No because there is no way to fix anyones problem if they don't try to overcome anything.
TNBTN says – reply to this

370

Re: Zip –

You are beyond wrong. I hate Nas and the noise he makes, and this is just another good example why. AND-to ANY white people that spend one penny on this porch moneky are the BIGGEST FOOLS of all. He hates the shit outta whites, get it? And if you buy his recycled crap then you can turn in your White race card at the door and head on over to Spooktown.
OMG says – reply to this

371

Re: Leila –

"Black people have it bad,So what do you want me to do about it?"

We want you to shut the hell up! Seriously. Leila, 30 people have already answered you. No one wants you to fix the problems of black people. Truth be told, this song is not for white america. Nas knows who is audience is. He is trying to raise awareness for us.

All you can do is treat the people you come into contact with fairly. What does not help race relations is coming on a damn gossip site and spouting ignorance. Saying blacks should get over it is insensitive and pointless. Saying that blacks don't try is r a c i s t. If you don't have useful input, then just live your life. From this black person to you, just leave our issues alone. You obviously don't know what you are talking about.
Jessi says – reply to this

372

YES!!! Lets continue to stir racial tensions in the world by focusing on negativity!
Furthermore, lets just stereotype all caucasians as being racist!
Racism is the most important issue the U.S is currently facing..Its not like we are in the middle of a WAR or anything right now!
ashim says – reply to this

373

Re: gross –

the only thing that is gross, is your blatant ignorance miss blonde hair blue eyes. i'm not sure where you were during your chance encounter with black people, but if you would like to make blanket comments like that, you should have more experience and evidence. there are many poor and stuggling families that live throughout america, and such struggles are color blind. however the media and closed minded people like you just love to perpetuate such negative racial stereotypes as blacks selling crack and living with their 20 kids on welfare. i have the information of many powerful and successful black CEOs, CPAs, EVPs of domestic and global businesses,( who by the way clearly didnt give up) right in my phone book, and it is sad that your ignorance prevents you from recognizing such people. its sad that our media perpetuates the bad of a few and downplays the successes of many within minority communities. but i suggest you go out and broaden your experiences before you form your opinions. i pity you for your closemindedness that is keeping YOU down mentally and culturally, but i wont dwell on it, because we have businesses to run, countries to visit, and your silly stereotypes to dismiss.
ashim says – reply to this

374

Re: Andre –

i applaud you for sharing your story, and for showing any such racists that people with experiences similar to yours can exist across color lines, and that facing and overcoming such tribulations has nothing to do with one's race or socioeconomic makeup, but rather their moral platform and determination. WE together as a colorless people need to understand that in order to move forward.
word says – reply to this

375

Re: CHILD –

Does it give your life meaning to pretend like racism doesn't exist? What kills me, is that some of you probably KNOW racist people personally. You've heard their black jokes, you've seen them clutch their purse when a black person walks by, you've heard them say the n-word (behind closed doors or from their car in traffic)… yet you are bound and determined to deny it. That's why I appreciate Nas and anyone else who keeps it real.

Even in this presidential race. It boggles my mind that O'Bama was penalized for Wright's ignorance. The one thing I'd LOVE to ask all the detractors is this: do you really think McCain (a 70+ yr. old white man) and all of our other old, white, southern presidents have not kept company with an extremist? Can anyone say that with a straight face? Dear lord, they probably have Klansmen in their families! But when a black candidate's pastor mentions race, they are BOTH tagged as extremists…. nuts.
maria says – reply to this

376

this song is just so sad and pathetic. i couldn't even listen to the whole thing. this type of stuff is why black people act the way the do…thinking it's still 1950 and that they are still treated like slaves. living w/hatred and jealousy and constantly making excuses 4 why they are looked down upon. enough w/the pity party already. the only reason why blacks make a BAD NAME FOR THEMSELVES is b/c the way MOST(not all) of them act, speak, raise their kids(or lack of) and basically kill e/other 4 no reason. oh and lets not 4-get selling drugs and fighting dogs for $$. which by the way the are NOT FORCED to do. that is what THEY CHOOSE. we all have choices. i have black friends who live normal lives in safe neighborhoods that go to work and raise there kids like anyone else. most of whom are embarased by people like nas who continue to make them look stupid and incapable just to make $$ and keep hatred alive. if you want to get out of the hood as they say..then get a job and get on w/it already. stop having 5 father-less kids and living off welfare and then having your kids repeat the same thing. opportunity is out there 4 ANYONE willing to put in the time and work. please, enough w/the race card…it's 2008 and we're possibly about to have a BLACK president. what will be their excuse then??? sad, just very sad.
Sally says – reply to this

377

Extra Dumb!!! Seriously, does this guy even have a career anymore?
Black says – reply to this

378

Re: maria – You are so funny I don't even know where to begin in pointing out your ignorance. "Most black people act"? Give me the names of 5 black people that you personally know who act the way you have described below. Seeing as whites are so innocent, What about Colombine? What about Hitler? Where are all the Native Americans? Cook me up an answer please. I'm not denying what happens out there, I'm just saying YOU SHOULDN'T COMMENT ON BLACK PEOPLE UNLESS YOU ARE BLACK because you have never experienced it. You don't know what we face, I am more successful in my life than most 21 year olds in my circle (all colours included) but it doesn't mean that I don't come into contact with racism a little more than I should. You wouldn't know about that as YOU ARE NOT BLACK. The thing with people like you is, you try to act smart with your comments "get a job, stop living off welfare" This is what you think about Black people. Hum, I wonder what your "black" friends would say, I think they need to know they hang out with ignorance. Face it sweetheart, in order to dispense some knowledge, you need to know something about the topic. You obviously don't so your opinion is OBSOLETE. Goodbye!
jaqy says – reply to this

379

Re: Black –

you fucking african americans need to shut the fuck up. I am BLACK but not african american, and AFRICAN AMERICANS do hold themselves back. Just because u are an exception does not make it the norm…look around sweetheart. and that NAS song further proves it. Where i am from, we don't use the word NIGGA to describe a friend, a word previously used and still is, in a derogatory form. African americans really need a reality check.

PS: quit cluttering up the comment's section with the childish bickering.

PPS: the Bill Cosby statement is so true.

PPS: no one owes any black person shit!!! if we (or should i say most black ppl in america) did not embody the bigotry that the racist comments describes, it would not be around
cindy says – reply to this

380

Re: Cherie – I Love you! I feel the same way.

But by the time I was 10, my mother moved us to a majority black neighborhood in Maryland. The children there teased me constantly because of my curly hair, and light complexion. That was when I was aware that I was different-or at least perceived as such.

My point is that if more people thought and felt the way Cherie did, life on this planet will be greatly improved.
what? says – reply to this

381

Re: jaqy – I'm sorry but you sound ignorant as well, where does Black actually say that they are "African American" or where do they say that they agrees with Nas, where/when does she use the N word? This is a broad subject, it's never going to be that simple…You can't just depict a whole race with a bunch of words.
ASHIM says – reply to this

382

Re: jaqy –

you, sweetheart need a reality check. the bigotry and racism towards minorities is only exacerbated by people like you.you could have used this forum to change minds and give positive examples of african americans or blacks or what have you, yet you use it as a way to further divide people by their appearances. i can guarantee you that most people will not care whether you identify yourself as black or african american- cuz its all the same to them ( and if thats a surprise to you i hate to have burst your bubble) so if you continue to perpetuate the stereotypes about 'all' african americans, it wont be long before you as a BLACK american is stereotyped with them.. at first i wanted to applaud you for your successes as a BLACK american, but it turns out that you are just as backwards in thought as the other racists that inhabit this country…
ASHIM says – reply to this

383

Re: TNBTN –
wow. see, as much as i enjoyed this song, for its controversy and ability to invoke debates, the backlash is that people who dont understand his message, or dont care to understand his message, will assume that nas has a personal vendetta against ALL whites, and thus racists can use it as an excuse to air out their own personal and long ingrained racist sentiments.

if you watched this video with an open, and unbigoted mind, you would have seen that he never said' i hate white people', in a literal or metaphorical way. but rather he's commenting on the history of a word, used to denigrate an entire mass of people, its effects on a community, and how to use it as a word of empowerment, and consequently take away its negative and hateful connotations. whether people agree with his method is debateable, but where in there is the blatant hatefulness of the white man that you so mentioned?
ASHIM says – reply to this

384

Re: TNBTN –
p.s. i'd really like to hear your point of view, just so i and others can understand where you're coming from
me says – reply to this

385

Re: Ksmurfer – I'm glad that not EVERY black person feels the way Nas apparently feels.
jaqy says – reply to this

386

Re: ASHIM – I vowed that i would not entertain any of u BLACKS!!! that feel as if the whole world has so wronged u and owe you so much. but i will reiterate my stance that black ppl (and i also have to keep stressing here Black/african americans) do bring it upon themselves. i was angry at the statements that i kept seeing and probaby did give an ignorant comment before. I am so tired of, and i don't want to say black, but ppl in general, blaming everyone but themselves for their problems. it is very frustrating to see what i see everyday. I live in New York. here the mentality of the black folk is that it is okay to lime on the block and not get a job because the "white man" won't give me one, think it's okay to sell weed and crack cause there is NO OTHER OPTION!!!???!!!!, think its okay to have a rap sheet, think its okay to be pregnant at 12, think it's okay to have gangs in schools, feel that its the teacher's fault that the kids are not learning in school, think that it is a part of every day life when a black person incites violence, stabs up a friend because he looked at him the wrong way, feel that it is okay to be on welfare, feel it is okay to drop out of school and the opportunity for study with a full scholarship is thrown out the window, because, and i may be wrong, there are more important things to do in life than go to school???
jaqy says – reply to this

387

I see it from a different perspective because i was not raised in AMERICA.
the first time i heard the word "nigga" was from a black person who was in an altercation with another black person, and he was not using it in a friendly way.
i had a white roomate in college but was robbed by my BLACK, female next door neighbors!!!! and they made sure everybody knew it (because i thought i was pretty???!!!!)
I am not saying that all black people are bad, but the reason why people cross the street when they see a black person is not because they are racist but because of the reputation that other black ppl in this o so beautiful race that you and i both belong to built.
yeah there are ignorant ppl who will never see past the color of your skin, but this is not everybody in the whole world, and especially not ALL WHITE PPL.
My co-worker found it SHOCKING that my bf did not smoke marijuana. He found it shocking that he is not a regular drinker and even went as far as saying that my bf was "soft". Now what would make him think that if not because of the mentality that being a "hardcore black guy" my bf had to smoke weed and drink and maybe even commit crime???.
.
jaqy says – reply to this

388

Continued.

Unfortunately, what i say here will not change the mentale of anyone, this is a celebrity gossip site. i pray for a change not only in the mentale of the "racist white ppl" but also in the mentale of the "racist black ppl" who feel that black means u have to stay back, be on the block and blame everyone when there is no positive result to such a lifestyle
ashim says – reply to this

389

Re: jaqy –

i appreciate your response because i now understand better where you are coming from. that being said, there are many people in this country that are keeping themselves back and not reaching their potential, and its really unfair to paste that moniker solely on blacks or african americans. there are gangs filled with latinos on the west coast, a plethora of white americans living below the poverty line in the south, and the plague of teenage pregnancy is running rampant among whites, blacks, latinos and asians alike. why are we spending all of our time being angry and offended by a group of people who ' hold themselves back' when we have an entire nation of people we can help to move forward? no matter your skin color or whatever hyphenation we chose to use, we are americans, living in this nation that belongs to all of us, thus one person's issue is everyone's issue.

i've said it many times and i'll say it again, this is a powerful song with a mission. we can argue about how dumb nas is, what song it's ripped off of, or whether or not he's a racist. but that's all superficial. this song is getting us to talk about feelings and sentiments, and really talk about, if not start to find solutions, to a race issue we have been facing, but silently ignoring for centuries.
jaqy says – reply to this

390

Re: ashim –

well said…
Nella says – reply to this

391

Seriously? This song is total crap, doo doo, filth, anyone any race can and could be a n*&!@r , dingdong
Moniq says – reply to this

392

What the heck? This Nas video is just another BS whoa is me cry for more sympathy for American's Americans. Now I'll be there and say not all people feel like I do nor do all people feel like nas but what more does NAS want? Seriously? He is rich. He is living the American dream. He is not forced to do ANYTHING. He raps about the VERY things proudly that he's against. RAP ABOUT SOMETHING POSITIVE you want change. Ever rap song is ho this, gang that, I got bling, whoo hoo I'm a player, baller blah blah blah. NOT EVERY WHITE PERSON IS A RACIST. You speak your mind about ANYTHING and you're called one. If they had the WHITE COLLEGE FUND they would be called racist however, we can have the Nigro college fund. It goes both ways. Stuff like this makes me so mad I want to scream. I AM SO SICK OF HEARING ABOUT HOW THINGS HAVE NOT CHANGED! OPEN YOUR DAMN EYES AND QUIT CRYING! Go to freaking Africa! You have MORE than they do. WE all have something to be thankful for. Racism will never end!! You want to know why? YOU CAN NOT CONTROL OPINIONS, THOUGHTS, FEELINGS, OR JUDGMENTS! That is all it is! SOMEONE'S opinion of you! It's no different than me calling someone a cracker or a white bitch. If we as black people want to be seen different then do things different or shut the hell up!
TABZZRED says – reply to this

393

So it's okay for me to be called a honkey, white trash, white bitch, cracker, and ect!!

Why is that people want to preach about racism and FORGET that ALL races can be resist? Not to mention that NAS IS LIVING A NICE LIFE!! He is rich. Why doesn't he take his money and give money to inner city schools? Write songs about how we ALL can unify?

Also why do video's like this never show a white mother on the street begging for money? How about our local white boy getting shot. How about how we ALL struggle for money. No one holding anyone down! Nas you are rich, who is holding you down. What are you bitching about?

This crap makes me so angry. Oprah too!! She gives money to Africa schools, GREAT, I agree we all should help others but YOU DO NOT LEAVE YOUR OWN COUNTRY OUT!! American kids of ANY race need help too.

I'm so sick of hearing about slavery. Please excuse how I put that but ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! We've moved forward and NAS here is doing something that back then would not be even thought of!! It is getting old. WE ALL HAVE PROBLEMS!!
tragi says – reply to this

394

Re: Jenn –
Obviously that is the point I was trying to make. Oh, and by the way, I am a white female. I live in Canada. And even in Canada racism still exists. But I do know that America is less accepting of racial equality….more or less in areas like the South and similar areas……did you forget that the South was was of the biggest contributors to slavery in America?
Have you ever grown up in neighborhoods where RACES were divided? Literally right next door to you?
So your comment in reference to my post means nothing to me.
You haven't proven anything but ignorance.
tragi says – reply to this

395

Re: MAMAK –
Maybe the criminal justice classes in AMERICA are different than the ones in CANADA…but to just to inform you….I am in a school that studies the criminal justice system and everything having to do with it. We study everything from sexism (which people pretend doesn't exist anymore) and racism (which exists every single day…even if YOU don't hold anyone's race against them)……………..and you say it's "criminal profiling"???….ha. Umm, ok..you must live in an all white neighborhood….or you are completely blind to the world's realities. At least in Canada, we are extremely multicultured. And we are learning to love eachothers cultures, but there is STILL a lot of racism and racial profiling. Maybe you don't read the paper or watch the news. "I will not feel as though u are being racially profiled if you drive a caddy w/ur seat all the way back w/tinted window's and smoke coming out…..I would pull that car over in a second. DUH!! ITS CRIMINAL PROFILING…..NOT RACIAL. "…hahaha….if it wasn't a racial thing, why use the caddy with the tinted windows and smoke coming out as your example?? Fuck, I know black people who have been pulled over in family vans who have never smoked a day in their lives……
tragi says – reply to this

396

Re: word –
I completely agree!!!!
THANK YOU finally someone who actually LISTENS to the message of the song, and not the coating on the outside……..
ASHIM says – reply to this

397

Re: Moniq –

for someone judging others for their complaints and frustrations, you are doing a lot of whining and complaining of your own. gandhi once said 'be the chang you want to seee in the world' what part are you doing to promote positive images, openmindedness and acceptance, or help inner city or poverty stricken families in need? Nas is proclaiming his message and goals through his music, what are you doing?

p.s. listen again to the song. you will not hear a single reference to ' all whites as racist'. just fyi

More comments: « 1 2 3 [4]

Beyonce SHINES At Revel! WERKS Single Ladies & Halo! Watch!!

Sparkle it up, gurl!! Let us see that seXXy shine!!

Still thrilled from Beyonce's intimate behind-the-scenes video, we're ready to DANCE after watching this Single Ladies performance!!

The crowd was WILD for Bey when she made her first stage debut since giving birth to beautiful Blue Ivy. And from the looks of this performance, she gave 'em their money's worth and then some!

But don't even get us started on Halo (below)! She even tributes Whitney Houston with

Advertising info