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I think racism is one of the stupidest things the human race has ever created. The amount of racism we see in the news/media/music these days is astounding. At the same time, I like the exposure it's getting for people to check themselves. I actually reminds me of the racial tension of the early 90's and how they lead to some walls being torn down. Hopefully all this nonsense leads to love. Any way, I though this article was really good. I haven't watched the video yet, but I'm going to watch it shortly... ---------------------------------------------------------------- Macklemore Participates in an Honest Conversation About Race and White Privilege in Hip-Hop By Jesse David Fox Earlier this month, Azealia Banks was on Hot 97's “Ebro in the Morning.” There, she discussed her issues with Iggy Azalea and the appropriation of hip-hop. It has since resulted in a heated exchange between Banks and Azalea, and a dialogue about race in rap music. To continue the conversation, “Ebro in the Morning” had Macklemore on the program earlier this week. The conversation is both candid and enlightening. Macklemore speaks as one of a select group: white rappers who have achieved mainstream success. When asked if he felt his race contributed to his being embraced by white radio and fans, he says, “Yes, absolutely.” He elaborates with a stirring string of questions (around the 12-minute mark): Why am I safe? Why can I cuss on a record, have a parental advisory sticker on the cover of my album, yet parents are still like, ‘You are the only rap I let my kids listen to? ... Why can I wear a hoodie and not be labeled a thug? Why can I sag my pants and not be a gang banger? Why am I on Ellen’s couch? Why am I on Good Morning America? If I was black, what would my drug addiction look like? He summarizes his point by saying, “The privilege that exists in the music industry is just a symptom of the privilege exists in America.” The entire conversation is a must-listen: passionate, thoughtful, frank. Macklemore goes as far as to literally break down how his music was promoted to radio, admitting that he went to alternative radio first as opposed to hip-hop stations. Though he refrains from discussing the beef between Azalea and Banks specifically, Macklemore does weigh in on what is at the root of Banks’s problem with Azalea (around the 35-minute mark), saying, “To me what it comes down is you need to know your place in your culture. Are you contributing or are you taking? Are you using it for your own advantage or are you contributing to the culture?” Watch below and try to ignore Macklemore’s hat. Check the video here: http://www.vulture.com/2014/12/macklemore-discusses-white-privilege-in-hip-hop.html?mid=facebook_vulture

I must say, I have crazy respect for these two. Everyone forgets that this topic is tied closely to Hip-Hop culture, which SHOULD be the fire behind the music...a fire that has been nearly dead for a long time. Their presence and support is a reminder of what Hip-Hop is.... Q-Tip And Macklemore Hit The Front Lines In Protest Of Ferguson Decision Iyana Robertson Posted November 25, 2014 The failure of the Ferguson grand jury to indict Darren Wilson in the killing of Mike Brown last night (Nov. 24) brought about emotional reactions across the Internet and in the nation’s streets. As a slew celebrities took to their social network accounts with solidarity, support, condolences and urges for peace, Q-Tip and Macklemore got up and got out. Q-Tip was vocal on his Twitter account following the Ferguson decision. Noting a lack of “value for black life,” the rapper expressed his discontent online, but took his stance a step further. Hitting the streets of New York City, The Abstract led protesters in a chant of “Whose streets? Our streets” (above). SEE ALSO: #Ferguson Critics Roundtable: Is Hip-Hop Doing Enough? Also taking to Twitter was Macklemore. Bashing the Ferguson decision as one that “protects white supremacy,” the Seattle-bred rapper turned words into action as well. He hit the streets of his city to join protesters. http://www.vibe.com/article/q-tip-macklemore-ferguson-protests?utm_source=sc-fb&utm_medium=ref&utm_campaign=Ferguson