There used to be a time when rappers had no qualms about
speaking out against injustice. A recent
essay from a brother who calls himself Gat Turner makes me long for those
days. Turner’s essay, You’re Not the Boss of Me: An Open Letter toRick Ross & all of the so-called “Bosses” of Hip Hop indicts rappers
who remain relatively silent on the Trayvon Martin murder. It takes particular issue with Rick Ross, a
Floridian and self-proclaimed “Boss” of Hip-Hop. While many may dismiss it as bitter hating
and/or golden era idealism, it makes a very valid and obvious point: Today’s
rap stars are nothing more than narcissistic cowards.