Racism in music?
Posted: Wed Apr 2, 2003 10:27 am

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Information from this month's Rip It Up (out now):

Chart topping Ja Rule was the target of a racial slur at a press conference before his Auckland show.

A reporter from the radio station Channel Z asked the following question - "Yo... Homie, how many niggas in your posse, yo?" Tempers rose, many in the audience were highly embarrased by the reporters disrespectful question, and others laughed - treating it as a joke. Ja Rule and his entourage didn't laugh.

The word - nigga - has a deep rooted history of pain and scarring. Someone who has struggled against its stereotype and definations, like Ja Rule, should not have to endure the use of the word in his own country, let alone in a foreign country.

Later that night he disappointed New Zealand fans with only a 40 minute concert at the North Shore Events Centre.

Andrew Szusterman, Channel Z Programme Director says the person it sent along to do the interview was not a paid employee of the radio station, and the question was not on their question sheet. "By no means is Channel Z a racist radio station".

More information can be found on page 8 of this month's Rip It Up.

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Let us know your thoughts on this - Do you think that something like this may affect future tours to New Zealand from any other artist/band? Do you think this gives a bad impression of New Zealand? And what do you think of the question that was asked?

Not only is Ja Rule a talented artist, he is also a talented actor (with movies such as The Fast and the Furious). Would you like to see him return to New Zealand again?

All comments are welcome...

RE: Racism in music?
Posted: Thu Dec 8, 2005 10:35 pm

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