The "diss" track takes shots at politicians criticizing Jay-z and his wife's trip to Cuba as well as many other accusations presented their way."Politicians never did shit for me except lie to me, distort history". Since Cuba and the United States are currently not on good terms, the government probably felt the need to investigate why they went there. Could they have went there to partake in illegal activities? Nonetheless, Jay-z is ticked off with the accusations. "They wanna give me jail time and a fine, fine, let me commit a real crime". Jay-z toys with the accusations by saying that he'd actually commit a real crime if they push him too far. Jay-z even takes it as far as mentioning President Barrack Obama. "Obama said, chill you're going to get me impeached, you don't need this shit anyway, chill with me on the beach."Taking shots at politicians is one thing, but when you get the President involved its a whole new story. This could potentially lead into a serious problem because Jay-z apparently put words in the Presidents mouth. This is proved when Jay Carney, a White House Official, discusses the lyrics in "Open Letter". Jay Carney says, " I am absolutely saying that the White House and the President had nothing to do with anybody's travel to Cuba". "Its a song, the President did not speak to Jay-z over this trip".
One doesn't need a crystal ball to see that this will stir up trouble in the media for weeks. Is this a good thing or bad thing? In one hand, you could look at it as freedom of speech and self defense. And in the other hand, you could look at it as being a trouble maker and using instances like these to boost relevance as well as popularity in the entertainment and music scene. Isn't that why people release "diss tracks"? Either because they actually have beef with the opposite person, or just to flat out stay relevant.
What a timely post! I'm glad you put the Obama part of the lyrics in perspective and unpacked it for your audience. And think about going even further. Does Jay-z have a record? Has he ever been convicted of a crime before? I ask because if he does, that would put more "fuel" behind his lyrics. Then again, the free expression singers and rappers have to create music might just need to be interpreted as "artistic license."
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of his trip? I was talking to my mother about this just last night and I think our entire policy with regard to Cuba needs to change. I think Jay-z does, too. It would be interesting to see you highlight in an upcoming post the "international" policy discussions singers and rappers have. Artists absolutely influence how the general public views governmental actions.