NYC politicians: Rick Ross lyrics promote date rape, must end, New York City politicians, teens and parents took to the steps of City Hall Wednesday to denounce music artists and record labels producing songs with controversial lyrics, claiming the culture is promoting violence against women.
Council Member Andy King who represents the Bronx organized the rally on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
He was joined by dozens of community members and fellow politicians, including City Council Members Tish James, Diana Reyna, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Margaret Chin, Jumaane Williams, Annabelle Palmer, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Jessica Lappin, and Darlene Mealy.
During the rally, protestors took issue with rapper Rick Ross and his music, noting the song “U.O.E.N.O. (You Ain’t Even Know It),” which feature lyrics that King described as “vile and disrespectful.”
“For those who may not know, Rick Ross put out a song on how to date rape a female,” said 15-year-old aspiring rapper Nini Ali. “…it affects me and this is what’s being played on the radio and in TV,” she said.
As the press conference kicked off, King read Ross’ lyrics: “Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it.
I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.” Thursday, Rolling Stone reported that Rocko, who produced the album with the controversial lyrics, will drop Ross’ lyrics from the song. “Molly” is a common street reference to MDMA, or ecstasy.
The song has also drummed up negative publicity for Reebok, where Ross is known to promote products.
Protestors flocked to a flagship store last week in Manhattan to protest the lyrics.
During the Wednesday rally, a number of political figures and community leaders called on Reebok to drop Ross and urged citizens to boycott the company unit they do.
“This is a call of action,” Council Member Diana Reyna said.
Councilwoman Tish James also spoke on the controversial lyrics and had a message for Ross, saying “You should be ashamed of yourself.
You were born to a mother.” The public advocate candidate also remarked “Rape is still rape and No is still no.”
“What would my grandmother think if I was listening to this while driving her to church?” asked teen Brian Melford from the Bronx.
“A lot of times, they’ll say ‘it’s what sells.’ Well, we have to stop that.
We have to say ‘education sells, success sells, women in power, women getting their education, women doing the right thing sells, men pulling up their pants sells, men avoiding prison sells,” he said to applause.
Ross offered an apology via Twitter last week, saying “I dont condone rape. Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape.”
Council Member Andy King who represents the Bronx organized the rally on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
He was joined by dozens of community members and fellow politicians, including City Council Members Tish James, Diana Reyna, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Margaret Chin, Jumaane Williams, Annabelle Palmer, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Jessica Lappin, and Darlene Mealy.
During the rally, protestors took issue with rapper Rick Ross and his music, noting the song “U.O.E.N.O. (You Ain’t Even Know It),” which feature lyrics that King described as “vile and disrespectful.”
“For those who may not know, Rick Ross put out a song on how to date rape a female,” said 15-year-old aspiring rapper Nini Ali. “…it affects me and this is what’s being played on the radio and in TV,” she said.
As the press conference kicked off, King read Ross’ lyrics: “Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it.
I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.” Thursday, Rolling Stone reported that Rocko, who produced the album with the controversial lyrics, will drop Ross’ lyrics from the song. “Molly” is a common street reference to MDMA, or ecstasy.
The song has also drummed up negative publicity for Reebok, where Ross is known to promote products.
Protestors flocked to a flagship store last week in Manhattan to protest the lyrics.
During the Wednesday rally, a number of political figures and community leaders called on Reebok to drop Ross and urged citizens to boycott the company unit they do.
“This is a call of action,” Council Member Diana Reyna said.
Councilwoman Tish James also spoke on the controversial lyrics and had a message for Ross, saying “You should be ashamed of yourself.
You were born to a mother.” The public advocate candidate also remarked “Rape is still rape and No is still no.”
“What would my grandmother think if I was listening to this while driving her to church?” asked teen Brian Melford from the Bronx.
“A lot of times, they’ll say ‘it’s what sells.’ Well, we have to stop that.
We have to say ‘education sells, success sells, women in power, women getting their education, women doing the right thing sells, men pulling up their pants sells, men avoiding prison sells,” he said to applause.
Ross offered an apology via Twitter last week, saying “I dont condone rape. Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape.”
he isnt even the real rick ross that's why his dumb ass is getting sued. He is a fake and shouldn't be allowed to sell nothing. You people buying this shi# are the reason why so many people are getting into trouble and going to prison. Stop blaming the white guy and start blaming your self. The white guy isn't forcing you to promote drugs and violence. Your greed is why you'll go to hell as well as the white guys paying money to put your bullshit on the air. Like i said you are a fake i've heard the real Rick Ross speak you stole his name you f'n joke.
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