After backing a GOP tax plan tied to his deal, the rapper-turned-billionaire became the face of controversy — one that helped galvanize the very communities the policy would've hurt.
This is great journalism!! Spreading the word and will upgrade! Hadn't heard a thing about this until your substack. Thank you.
Some wealthy Black artist (primarily men e.g. Snoop, 50) are beyond disappointing. Why not leverage your power and influence for business AND your community - they are not mutually exclusive. Minimally, 'do no harm' to your kind. Take note from communities who practice this tenant...they do both!! WTF!
Thank you so much, Ann. I really appreciate you reading and supporting! I created 13th & South to hold space for the kind of truth-telling our communities deserve—and hearing that it reached and informed you, means a lot.
And you’re right: our artists and public figures can do both—build business and stand in community. I hope this can be a lesson for others in the future.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of this space. More to come.
Well written and bravo to the people of Louisiana. I’m not disappointed by rappers like 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, etcetera because they always have been card-carrying capitalists. They are not going to do anything unless there is considerable money in it for them. There’s nothing wrong with getting paid but it looks like Black folks are finally realizing there are no leaders among Black Rap artists.
Thank you so much for reading, Leslye. You’re absolutely right: there’s nothing inherently wrong with getting paid, but when profit takes precedence over people, especially in vulnerable communities, that’s where accountability has to step in.
Will never disparage or 'hate' on our own for capitalistic goals, however, many communities have the same goals and are successful at pursuing and achieving WITHOUT misleading and misinforming their own communities.
In fact, they use their power and influence to positively impact the lives, economics and freedom of their own. And sometimes their own are not Americans or physically in the U.S. Yet, they are clear and unrelenting that there can be no conflict between the 2 objectives and thus will not personally participate or be complicit in such a conflict. AND they will forcibly target those who even speak ill of their own and certainly anyone who bring their community harm - intentional or unintentional at all costs.
That's the insight and why it should never be acceptable what 50 cent, Snoop and anyone else who's very successful is the direct result of their community's suppprt incl economic when they now choose to support those who tried to legislate their silent and block their ability to build wealth through their talents.
We must do better being critical thinkers and understanding the parts are not greater than the sum.
Exactly!! This isn’t about tearing down folks for having capitalistic goals—it’s about what happens when success comes at the cost of community, or when people forget who made their rise possible in the first place.
Other communities do find ways to protect their own and build wealth—without causing harm or pushing policies that would set their people back. That kind of alignment takes intention, and you’re right: we have to think critically and hold folks accountable when they cross that line, intentionally or not.
This is great journalism!! Spreading the word and will upgrade! Hadn't heard a thing about this until your substack. Thank you.
Some wealthy Black artist (primarily men e.g. Snoop, 50) are beyond disappointing. Why not leverage your power and influence for business AND your community - they are not mutually exclusive. Minimally, 'do no harm' to your kind. Take note from communities who practice this tenant...they do both!! WTF!
Thank you so much, Ann. I really appreciate you reading and supporting! I created 13th & South to hold space for the kind of truth-telling our communities deserve—and hearing that it reached and informed you, means a lot.
And you’re right: our artists and public figures can do both—build business and stand in community. I hope this can be a lesson for others in the future.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of this space. More to come.
Well written and bravo to the people of Louisiana. I’m not disappointed by rappers like 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, etcetera because they always have been card-carrying capitalists. They are not going to do anything unless there is considerable money in it for them. There’s nothing wrong with getting paid but it looks like Black folks are finally realizing there are no leaders among Black Rap artists.
Thank you so much for reading, Leslye. You’re absolutely right: there’s nothing inherently wrong with getting paid, but when profit takes precedence over people, especially in vulnerable communities, that’s where accountability has to step in.
Will never disparage or 'hate' on our own for capitalistic goals, however, many communities have the same goals and are successful at pursuing and achieving WITHOUT misleading and misinforming their own communities.
In fact, they use their power and influence to positively impact the lives, economics and freedom of their own. And sometimes their own are not Americans or physically in the U.S. Yet, they are clear and unrelenting that there can be no conflict between the 2 objectives and thus will not personally participate or be complicit in such a conflict. AND they will forcibly target those who even speak ill of their own and certainly anyone who bring their community harm - intentional or unintentional at all costs.
That's the insight and why it should never be acceptable what 50 cent, Snoop and anyone else who's very successful is the direct result of their community's suppprt incl economic when they now choose to support those who tried to legislate their silent and block their ability to build wealth through their talents.
We must do better being critical thinkers and understanding the parts are not greater than the sum.
Exactly!! This isn’t about tearing down folks for having capitalistic goals—it’s about what happens when success comes at the cost of community, or when people forget who made their rise possible in the first place.
Other communities do find ways to protect their own and build wealth—without causing harm or pushing policies that would set their people back. That kind of alignment takes intention, and you’re right: we have to think critically and hold folks accountable when they cross that line, intentionally or not.
Thank you for creating the forum to do so...
only as you can!!!