Killings of rappers are more than just a hip-hop problem, experts say

NBC News / Comcast ^ | October 6, 2022 | By Char Adams

[Oldeconomybuyer]

The fatal shooting of rapper Half Ounce has ignited a familiar conversation about gun violence, rap culture and whether there’s a responsibility for record labels to protect their artists.

The 32-year-old rapper, whose real name was Latauriisha O’Brien, was killed in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood Monday, just weeks after rapper PnB Rock was fatally shot during a robbery in the same city. These rappers are part of a string of artists who have died by gun violence, with at least one rapper being fatally shot every year since 2018. With other high-profile rappers such as Drakeo the Ruler, who was fatally stabbed in 2021, and Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle also fatally shot in 2019 in Los Angeles, there has been some conversation on whether cities with a prevalent gang presence have become a dangerous place for those directly involved in the hip-hop community. Earlier this year, legendary emcee-turned-actor Ice-T issued a warning to “young rappers” who were coming to Los Angeles for Super Bowl-related festivities.

But experts say the problem is much more complex than that. Elaine Richardson, a professor at Ohio State University who specializes in African American cultures, literacy and hip-hop, said it’s important to prioritize systemic issues when we discuss the killings of rappers.

“It’s a reflection of the problem of gun violence in the larger society, and violence in general in America. You have to think critically about oppression and the larger context we live in,” she said.

Gun violence is “a part of the condition of Black people in society, everything that is dangerous and harmful to the larger society. There’s always going to be a disparity in our communities. It’s all systemic, it’s a part of the way society is structured,” Richardson added.

[dfwgator]

I must admit, Disco Polo is a guilty pleasure of mine.

[MrBambaLaMamba]

Whitey’s fault.

[ridesthemiles]

IF GUNS in the hands pf black rappers dissolved TOMORROW-They would kill each other with knives or clubs.

[TexasM1A]

Problem...?...

[Leep]

He was 32 not 12.

[dennisw]

When pig-ignorant black low-lifes kill each other off, no one cares. Black policemen are relieved, since this is one less chump they need to be aware of. No police of any color cares.

The only time someone cares, is if the lawmen happen to shoot the crim, and that a lawsuit can be mounted. IOW, is this dead dude of color worth more dead than alive, to his family? If yes, then they call lawyers to get that ghetto lottery payoff
______

$27 million
UPDATED 2:45 PM PT – Friday, March 12, 2021 The city of Minneapolis reached a record $27 million settlement with George Floyd’s family. On Friday, city council members unanimously approved the civil suit payout after a 40 minute private meeting.

[knarf]

Experiments on Americans

CIA documents suggest that they investigated “chemical, biological, and radiological” methods of mind control as part of MKUltra.[42] They spent an estimated $10 million or more, roughly $87.5 million adjusted for inflation.[43]

[Caipirabob]

“It’s a reflection of the problem of gun violence in the larger society, and violence in general in America. You have to think critically about oppression and the larger context we live in,” she said.

How about trying to stop being murderous assholes for just 5 f*ing minutes there, Sparky?

[Gaffer]

Oh please. If it isn’t a gun that takes them out it could be a shiv, hammer or any other implement. It is the CULTURE that lauds violence to settle differences.

[Larry Lucido]

[CodeJockey]

“It’s a reflection of the problem of gun violence in the larger society, and violence in general in America. You have to think critically about oppression and the larger context we live in,” she said.

This makes no sense to me. Violence in general is way disproportionately limited to the black race. And in many cases their social status does not matter.

Ask yourself this question. Thirteen percent of the US population is black, 75% white. Reverse those percentages, 13% white and 75% black in America. Do you believe there would be more or less death and destruction?

[Organic Panic]

“Experts say.”

A professor of “African American culture and hip hop.” These are the classes all the affirmative action black students attend because they had no business getting in to college.

[dfwgator]

A professor of “African American culture and hip hop.” These are the classes all the affirmative action black students attend because they had no business getting in to college.

Training the future Corporate Diversity Officers.

[RckyRaCoCo]

feral do what feral do...rap music is a dog whistle for many.

Guns getting into the hands of bad people are no more a problem than putting insane demonrat's in charge of making policy/spending money.

[nonliberal]

“Racism” and “oppression” are words blacks use to avoid taking any responsibility for their lack of advancement as a people.

[Lockbox]

Live the Drug Culture, Die the Drug Culture....

[TimSkalaBim]

“It’s all systemic, it’s a part of the way society is structured,”

Motown performers of the 1960s weren't gunned down like rap performers are today. Was America less "systemically racist" in the 1960s than today? The Ohio State professor would not answer that question other than to shout "Racism" louder.

[Revel]

The world really started going down the tubes when Rap came along.

[dfwgator]

It killed black music for sure.

The black music of the 70s was good stuff.

Then the white music execs figured out that making rap records was a lot cheaper and had a much higher profit margin.

[Nifster]

Now that’s just plain funny