Rap mogul wants racist lyrics ban (BBC) {VOLUNTARY ban}

[eppur_se_muova]

The founder of legendary hip-hop label Def Jam has called for three sexist and racist words to be banned from songs.

Russell Simmons said there was "growing public outrage" about the use of the terms, which he said should be viewed as the same as "extreme curse words".

He asked broadcasters and record companies to voluntarily remove, bleep or delete the words from music.

And he suggested setting up an industry watchdog to recommend guidelines for lyrical and visual standards.

'History of oppression'

Simmons, the pioneering entrepreneur whose label has released music by Public Enemy, Run DMC and the Beastie Boys, objects to the use of "nigger", "ho" and "bitch".
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6586787.stm

[Solly Mack]

1. I knew it would be about Russell Simmons

[msongs]

2. he has made millions $$$ using these words and selling them to children nt

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. Better late than never. nt

[Starbucks Anarchist]

5. Not really.

[americanstranger]

4. Ummm.... Russell....

He asked broadcasters and record companies to voluntarily remove, bleep or delete the words from music.

This is already done. Has been done on radio for years.

I admire Russell Simmons, but this is calling for actions that are already widely established.

- as

[cherokeeprogressive]

6. It's about MARKETING

He's hoping that in the studio, they can record what they want, and then edit the content for broadcast on public airways by means of substituting words (overdubbing) or inserting silence or distracting sounds.

Ban the racist lyrics from the radio. He didn't say STOP USING THOSE WORDS, PROMOTING THOSE IDEAS, OR LIVING THAT LIFESTYLE. He said he wanted record companies to "remove, bleep or delete the words from music." Music ALREADY RECORDED.

This is what will be sold to the general public as "sanitized" rap/hip-hop. Everyone will embrace the restraint shown by those artists. In the meantime, they'll market the SAME recorded music with WARNING LABELS, and be within the law, AND MAKING TWICE AS MUCH MONEY.

Fucking outstanding idea and I wish I had a stake in their future earnings...