August 6, 2007 - Nas is scheduled to perform along with Dave Mathews, John Mayer, and Phil Vasser at a free VA Tech Memorial Concert on September 6th. Family members of the victims are protesting Nas’s participation in the event because of the violent content in songs he has released in the past. The spokesperson for the families, Vincent J. Bove, makes his point using lyrics from the song “Shoot ‘Em Up” off the 1999 album Nastradamus. Lyrics in this song include “Shoot em up, just shoot ‘em up…” followed by “kill, kill, kill, murder, murder, murder…”. Bove uses the lyrics and subject matter of this song to support his claim that Nas advocates gun violence.
He also claims that “the lyrics are indicative of the moral decay in our society that contributes to acts of violence.” In this statement he condemns the university for not considering Nas’ discography before scheduling him to appear. While this track and many others in his repertoire reference gun violence, certainly university administrators don’t expect him to perform any of these songs at the concert. Nas has a wide selection of tracks to choose from, and it is likely he will choose wisely considering the purpose of the show is to “help the university community move forward.”
For this show all of the artists have waived the normal fees associated with performing, and commemorative items will be sold only to cover the university’s cost of staging the show. University President Charles Steger is grateful that these artists are all willing to donate their time for the event. The response from students and faculty at the university has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Chris Clough, a spokesman for the university, said that among those responding to the free concert are families of students excited about a good positive start to the year.
This protest raises questions for everyone to consider. Does Nas’ previous subject matter exclude him from contributing to this concert? Is it hypocritical for him to perform at a concert in honor of students violently killed by gunfire? Should everyone just be grateful and appreciative of his offer of a free concert? Have any of the other artists ever depicted violence in any of the many songs recorded in the past?
by Lucas DiGia
RELATED CONTENT
• Jin Responds To Virginia Tech Shootings
• Nas Connects Barack Obama’s Prez Run To Current Noose Craze, New CD “Ni**er” Cosigned By Def Jam [sohh.com]
• Maxim Controversy Over Nas, Black Crowes LP’s Continues [allhiphop.com]
• Nas Wears “N****r” T-Shirt To Grammy Awards [allhiphop.com]
• Nas Controversy Continues, NY Politician Says Change Album Title Or UMG Loses $84 Mil In Funding [sohh.com]
