Words by Greg Stowers
The goal of any column should be to present an honest and informed opinion on a given topic in hopes of eliciting a response from readers. Sure there will be differences in opinions from all sides, but at the end of the day if you’re representing your personal brand and that of whoever is giving you an avenue to “talk to the people” to the best of your ability, a dissenting opinion can be a very good thing. I’ve stopped arguing Hip-Hop on social networks as it is simply a waste of time, but thanks in no small part to the IMFmag.com staff I can’t simply post random, biased opinions because we represent the entire culture, not just the artists or music we like. Politics and tact aside, this Summer Jam issue, has been eating at me since late last night.
Here are the facts: Nicki Minaj was supposed to be the headliner for Hot 97′s annual Summer Jam concert. Earlier in the day, Peter Rosenberg, a morning show host for Hot 97, said (in regards to Minaj’s up-coming performance) “I know there some chicks here waiting to see the Starships later, F*** that BS, I’m here to talk about real Hip-Hop sh*t.” Lil Wayne after hearing this tweets, “Young Money is not performing at Summer Jam.” Nicki cancelled her performance much to the chagrin of her fans and Funkmaster Flex took a variety of shots at Minaj’s commercial Hip-Hop.
Those are the facts.
I’ve heard the “Starships” record and although I can’t go as far as Rosenberg did, it is not a song I’m playing in any kind of rotation. “Starships” isn’t a song for the backpacking Hip-Hop heads or the urban club scene. Read More
