The story: I have been a fan of both B.o.B and Bruno Mars since they first hit the mainstream. I am not usually a fan of radio singles, but I have always had respect for both artists. B.o.B is a rapper that has given us over-played but outstanding tracks involving a higher level of maturity. He has chosen not to rap using violence, hatred, sex, drugs and money as the main themes. Bruno Mars I have loved for his style diversity and amazing vocals. Where every mainstream song has sounded the same the past few years, Mars has switched up the game by fusing rap, r&b, pop, rock, doo-woop, blues and jazz in his works. These two young artists have given a spark to popular music.
The MTV video music awards are coming up in late August. A young face has emerged named Tyler the Creator and he has been granted 2 nominations for the biggest awards that will be given on the night of the VMAs. Jay Z and Kanye West have recently shown support for Tyler the Creator and his quest to obtain recognition for his work. Now, Jay Z and Kanye West aren't exactly saints in all that they do, but I have also supported their art for reasons, as well. However, there is a conflict.
The conflict: While Jay Z and Kanye West are not the most pure at heart, neither has really in sighted violence and hatred toward any specific individuals. Upon their request for votes on the behalf of emerging artist Tyler the Creator, I am disgusted. I do not want to place blame for Tyler's actions upon Jay Z or West, but I am saddened that they, as well as MTV have promoted Tyler the Creators vile video for his song "Yonkers."
So, you may be asking, why is Tyler the Creator not a wise promotion? Let me answer. The song "Yonkers" is an attack upon Hayley Williams of Paramore, B.oB and Bruno Mars.
Here's the lyrics: "(What you think of Hayley Williams?) Fuck her, Wolf Haley robbin' 'em / I'll crash that fuckin' airplane that faggot nigga B.o.B is in / And stab Bruno Mars in his goddamn esophagus / And won't stop until the cops come in"
How is a video with this type of lyrics invoking hatred, violence and threat upon another artist being promoted for national television awards programs? And how is it that Jay Z and Kanye West are going to support this video and ask people to vote for Tyler's song? Especially, when Tyler tweeted about the other nominee "IF I FUCKING LOSE TO FUCKING BRUNO FUCKING MARS IM GOING ON A KILLING SPREE. DEADASS." He also stated "if I lose to any of those wackass videos, I'm gonna be mad because they all suck."
Later, Tyler tried to justify his immature lyrics by saying "I don't hate B.o.B but I just hate that Airplanes song," like that should justify using the term faggot or violent language toward a particular person over a difference of opinion in art. He went on to say "Bruno Mars? Oh dude, I hate that guy. Have you seen his face? You don't want to hit him?" Now I'll admit, Bruno Mars is not the best looking cat, but have you seen Tyler the Creator? Tyler is the ugliest rapper I have ever seen. No joke.
I have even more respect for Bruno Mars after his reaction to Tyler's immaturity. Mars responded, "He's going to have to wait in line to stab me, he is not the first person to say such things and he won't be the last. This kinda comes with the job." Mars also congratulated all other nominees including Tyler the Creator telling them that they all had great videos worthy of the award and good luck. B.o.B responded to Tyler with a "diss" track telling him that he has no future, especially if he keeps attacking other artists who have proven themselves to be better.
Tyler's immaturity doesn't only shown through on this track, but on every track and interview that he has been a part of. A lot of tracks he talks about raping women, murdering them and having sex with their dead bodies and similar actions. Teagan and Sara sent a letter to Tyler the Creator telling him that he should be ashamed of his disrespect towards women and gays. He responded by tweeting "if Teagan and Sara need hard dick, hit me up."
To state in a song that you think mainstream music is not good, or that you do not agree with a group of individuals is one thing, but to insight violence and hatred towards a particular person is taking things a bit too far. To promote this artist and his immaturity and hatred through the media is also wrong. To award Tyler and give him the attention that he wants would be irresponsible of the media. I could even understand hatred and violence towards a particular person if it be for a cause, but this isn't for the protection of others. This hatred isn't towards a politic or corrupt person, but this hatred is over a difference of opinion in art. This may seem minuscule to you, but one individuals negative behavior accounts for our complete character as a whole. We shouldn't let our culture be defined by people like Tyler the Creator.
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