July 26, 2007 - As first reported by the Associated Press and widely syndicated, the Camden, NJ Police Department threatened to pull their sponsorship of a “Peace on the Streets” rally if Swizz Beatz didn’t openly denounce the “Anti-Snitching Campaign.” The department claimed that the producer/rapper promotes violence against snitching, exemplified in the lines, “Freeze, you know who it is/ It’s me, snitches” and “I ain’t gonna shoot ya/ I could just choke ya.” These lines, when put together do seem to support the claim that Swizz may want to shoot and or choke those that snitch. These lines have been coupled together in each and every article, but they are in fact not together in the song! “It’s Me Snitches” (in the clean version) is part of the chorus, while the shooting and choking part is in the middle of a generic battle verse.
In addition, the original dirty version of the song used the word ‘bitches’ substitued for ’snitches,’ a move that record company execs apparently thought could be more easily promoted to a wider (younger) market. Using the word snitch as a replacement for bitch is common practice in radio versions of rap songs.
In spite of these facts Swizz Beatz’ main argument is that he has changed his ways and plans on sending a positive non-violent message in the future. Swizz Beatz performed two positive non-violent songs during the rally. Perhaps now censors will be more careful when editing songs, considering that “snitches” in replace of “bitches” is bound to offend law enforcement officials. Saying “its me, witches!” might work, but that’s bound to offend the Wiccan Church. “It’s me, niches?”
by Lucas DiGia
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