While the internet is all frenzy over the birth of the hip-hop/pop King & Queen – Jay-Z and Beyonce, Jay himself took the pandemonium to higher heights by releasing a dedication song to his new daughter allegedly featuring young Blue Ivey herself. “Glory,” the Pharrell produced homage to Blue, sparked a wave of emotion from many hip-hop fans. But it’s an open letter from Hov himself to his new baby girl that’s drawing some criticism — and having me wonder if hip-hop is ready to see the, “softer side,” of Jay-Z.
Once an unknown to the world, Jay-Z built his career off some pretty shady situations. From drug running to other illegal activities, his street life has been very well documented throughout his longstanding career and transparent music. Never one to modify his tone on his records where he actively referred to gays as “f*gs, women as “b*tches,” and Dame Dash as.. [well you get the point], it seems the birth of the yet unveiled Blue Ivey Carter has triggered a social accountability. According to published reports, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning, mogul penned an open letter to Blue where he insists that he will no longer use the, “B” word. And while I can’t substantiate if this letter comes from the hip-hop hit-maker himself, it does bring up a very valid conversation.
“Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich,
I didn’t think hard about using the word Bitch.
I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it
now with my daughter in this world
I curse those that give it.
I never realized while on the fast track
that I’d give riddance to the word bitch, to leave her innocence in tact.
No man will degrade her, or call her out her name
the women won’t despise her and call her the same.
I know it’s gonna miss me
cuz we been together like Nike Airs and crisp tees
when we all used to hang out front
singing 99 problems but a lady ain’t one.
Excuse me miss, can I be your mister
cuz I can tell the difference from a little girl and a sister,
She never grew up, her father left her alone
I promise not to talk like we used to
until Kingdom Come.
I’m so focused on your future,
The degradation has passed
I wish you wealth, health, and insight
forever young you may pass.
Blue Ivy Carter, my angel.”
A noble notion indeed, but will his new found discover stand the test of time? But an even more important discussion is what sort of impact will this have on his music — and thus his fans? We all know hip-hop is rambunctious, gritty and declares a lifestyle of street living. It’s rough, aggressive and very impressionable on our society.
If it’s true, can Shawn Carter’s position on retiring such a hot-button word be a step in the right direction causing lesser successful MC’s to change their position on how hip hop views women? Only time will tell. But at least, for now, it’s a step in the right direction.Let’s pray he remains committed to the cause of washing out the disrespect term.
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