Ras Kass replies to criticism involving Steve Irwin
October 26th 2006 10:13
As you may remember, I recently posted an entry regarding Ras Kass’ lyrics that were intended to diss The Game. What ended up happening was a diss against Steve Irwin: The Crocodile Hunter.
Ras Kass has come out with a letter to the Sydney Morning Herald (the paper that reported the lyrics).
Here's a few quotes straight out of the horse's mouth:
"Every person should be treated with an equal brushstroke, or no one should, and everything must be considered in context,"
"I am a hip-hop artist. Hip-hop is like any other art form; nothing is sacred, nothing is off limits ... At other times, I myself, have been referenced - be it in a positive or negative light. That is part of the creative process and the nature of what rap music is. I in no way have, or have had, any ill will towards the late Steve Irwin,"
In response to Irwin’s manager, John Stainton - whose comments are quoted in my other post a few days ago – Kass said:
"What strikes me as hypocritical is that in a six-minute song that literally starts out with gunshots the only thing that stood out in Mr Stainton's mind was a one-bar reference to a current event,"
"Mr Stainton doesn't seem to be the least bit concerned with other references that one could misconstrue as homophobic or misogynistic, let alone is he concerned with the potential violence in hip-hop or black-on-black violence. He only seems to be bothered by one line. I am just saying that consistency would be nice.”
"If you aren't from the hip-hop culture and are not familiar with it then you are not qualified to judge it. Whether American or Australian, every human life is valuable; otherwise it makes it appear that Mr Stainton thinks that only one man's is."
Kass is absolutely right with those comments, though I have to wonder why he openly admits the potential for his lyrics to be homophobic or filled with violence. It’s these sorts of themes that make commercial rap so shallow and bland.
Take care and peace out…
Ras Kass replies to Australia
Here's a few quotes straight out of the horse's mouth:
"Every person should be treated with an equal brushstroke, or no one should, and everything must be considered in context,"
"I am a hip-hop artist. Hip-hop is like any other art form; nothing is sacred, nothing is off limits ... At other times, I myself, have been referenced - be it in a positive or negative light. That is part of the creative process and the nature of what rap music is. I in no way have, or have had, any ill will towards the late Steve Irwin,"
In response to Irwin’s manager, John Stainton - whose comments are quoted in my other post a few days ago – Kass said:
John Stainton (Irwin's Manager) with the late Croc Hunter himself
"Mr Stainton doesn't seem to be the least bit concerned with other references that one could misconstrue as homophobic or misogynistic, let alone is he concerned with the potential violence in hip-hop or black-on-black violence. He only seems to be bothered by one line. I am just saying that consistency would be nice.”
"If you aren't from the hip-hop culture and are not familiar with it then you are not qualified to judge it. Whether American or Australian, every human life is valuable; otherwise it makes it appear that Mr Stainton thinks that only one man's is."
Kass is absolutely right with those comments, though I have to wonder why he openly admits the potential for his lyrics to be homophobic or filled with violence. It’s these sorts of themes that make commercial rap so shallow and bland.
Take care and peace out…
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Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
Ras has had my attention (if somewhat diverted) since "rassassination" back in what seem to be the glory days (aka 1998).
I've gotta give props to both the blogger and Ras for being able to touch on the topic without getting yourself shunned in the process.
Watch out! Lupes comn...
One