BostonGlobe | WHEN WYNTON MARSALIS condemns rap and hip-hop, it’s less of a surprise, and more of a “Mama, it’s that man again” moment.
On a recent episode of a Washington Post podcast,
the renowned jazz musician derided rap as a “pipeline of filth.”
Marsalis compared what he perceives as its deleterious effect on culture
to that of minstrel shows, which, more than a century ago, amplified
racist stereotypes about African-Americans.
“My words are not that
powerful,” Marsalis said. “I started saying in 1985 I don’t think we
should have a music talking about [n-words] and bitches and hoes. It had
no impact. I’ve said it. I’ve repeated it. I still repeat it. To me
that’s more damaging than a statue of Robert E. Lee.”
A few years ago in New Orleans, Marsalis fought for the removal of Lee’s statue. He would like to do the same to some hip-hop.
“At 56, I’m pretty sure I will not be alive when our country and the
world (of all races and persuasions) no longer accepts being entertained
by the pathology of Black Americans and others who choose to publicly
humiliate themselves for the appetites of those who don’t share the same
ongoing history and challenges,” he wrote. “Over the years, I have come
to accept this, but that doesn’t mean I have to like and endorse it. So
I don’t.”
