Jackson Free Press

CNN will examine the cultural value of Hip-Hop in an hour long special dubbed "Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?" tonight (Feb 21.)

Anchor Paula Zahn will host a discussion about Hip-Hop music and its impact on African-American society with Russell Simmons, Chuck D., Eve, and a panel of special guests.

The guests will examine whether Hip-Hop's lyrics go too far into sex, crime, and hate.

"Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?" is part of CNN's week long special, Uncovering America.

The series offers in-depth reporting on conflicts and controversies that effect minority groups, including African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Americans and gays.

Public Enemy's Chuck D. will discuss how Hip-Hop has strayed from its original roots and the impact that it's having on black youth, as well as the violence that is promoted in some of the music.

He also voices outrage at the predominately white record labels who continue to make money off of it.

The show will focus on Hip-Hop's effect on black culture and will be paralleled with those that say Hip-Hop is a true "reflection of life in the ghetto".

Paula Zahn Now airs tonight at 8p.m. (ET).

Previous Comments

ID

110470

Comment

Should help provide some insight into some of the things that we've been discussing here...Chuck D is an icon in hiphop and you guys should hear what he has to say. Should be interesting...

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-02-22T11:31:32-06:00

ID

110471

Comment

K, I saw where you posted this today (2/22). It actually aired last night (2/21) as the post states. Not sure if the server time might be off or if you edited since you posted... Here is the transcript. You can also watch Deadlee's piece about homophobia in hip hop.

Author

kaust

Date

2007-02-22T12:02:22-06:00

ID

110472

Comment

my bad...Thats what I get for not looking at dates on those posts :-( Sorry folks

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-02-22T12:06:26-06:00

ID

110473

Comment

I read some of the transcript and to be honest couldn't read anymore. I am 36 and have two girls 11 and 9. My wife and I have been married 14 years in November...we will not have today's 'Hip-Hop' in our house. I don’t have anything against you K or David Banner or any of the main stream rappers out today. Luda’s Runaway Love song with Mary is nice and I let the girls listen to the edited (radio version) and other similar songs but I just don't think that they should be exposed to hardcore stuff at this age. I am not so naive that I think they will not be exposed but if I have anything to do with it, their exposure will be limited. They have iPods that can only be downloaded with my username and password. They can't watch certain channels at certain times during the day...BET when 106 and Park is on for example. I love and still listen to Public Enemy, RUN-DMC and the X-Clan! Even these artists have songs that I don't want my girls to hear...but as a parent...I take responsibility for that! Women in videos can not blame the industry or the music...as far as I know...no guns are being pointed to their heads to be in a video! Hip used to be an Art but know that it can be poisonous!

Author

Big Tee

Date

2007-02-22T12:47:29-06:00

ID

110474

Comment

http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1166 Whatcha think about that?

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-02-26T16:08:21-06:00

ID

110475

Comment

I hope that's satire...

Author

kaust

Date

2007-02-26T16:49:40-06:00

ID

110476

Comment

It's not.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-02-27T17:49:07-06:00