About the song in the video above Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame released today, my buddy James — MY BLACK FRIEND — and I had the following IM exchange earlier today…
Me: So, you and I have known each other for roughly ten years and I think by now you know that I rarely feel uncomfortable with anything regarding race.
Me: But I love this new Waca/Gucci Mane song
Me: And they’re just dropping the N-word all over the place
Me: And I feel kind of like an asshole when I’m walking down the street mouthing the lyrics to it
Me: It’s weird cuz I’ve never felt that way before.
Me: So what’s your feeling, as a fine, successful, upstanding member of the black community with deep roots in the South, on this?
So let’s just get right to the heart of this after the jump, shall we, because I know I’m not the only white person who feels this way…
James: Whether it’s ok for white guys to drop N bombs when they are singing the lyrics of a hiphop song?
Me: YES!
Me: Like, I was walking down the street recently mouthing the words to Kanye’s “Mama’s Boyfriend” not even thinking about it and this old black man I passed gave me a look.
Me: And I was thinking, “What’s your problem old man?” and then I realized, “OH SH*T…he caught me dropping an n-bomb.”
James: No issue to me, but I wouldn’t do it on a bus by myself – safest venues – house parties/clubs where everyone is singing the same sh*t. At the gym by yourself.
Me: In a room with blacks that know you well.
Me: Ironically, the stigma associated with saying nigga/nigger/niggrah is likely what makes these songs so popular
Me: Yeah, I could totally see that.
James: Trust me if this was 1960, this music couldn’t sell to white folks. It would be like selling a song today that repeats douchebag every other lyric.
Me: Like, I’ve got “Mama’s Boyfriend” down cold and I’d love to do it at this karaoke joint I go to, but there are always lots of black folks there who might be offended, so I can’t.
Me: Bummer
Me: :)
James: It’s one monopoly black folks like to hold on to – it’s like the big dick/little dick myth
James: Black folks don’t mind being told you have a big black dick just because you’re black.
James: But would get pissed if you assumed they can jump high as f*ck just because they’re black.
Me: Hahaha
James: Both are arguably compliments but both tend to be stereotypes, but why is the big dick part ok and not the jumping high?
James: My people have a lot of issues (as well as your people) but frank talk should help alleviate it.
Yes, frank talk, which is why I posted this here. Now enjoy this highly enjoyable Waka gif one more time…
(HT: Pitchfork)