A large portion of American citizens, especially people of color, have lost confidence in our criminal justice system. Many have called for appointing special prosecutors when a police officer kills or injures a civilian.
My wife Kimora once told me while we were watching “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” that it’s a vegetarian movie because the way that the woman was screaming, “Aaaahhh,” and trying to run away is how every animal you eat reacted at the slaughterhouse.
If you run a corporation, your job is to maximize the return on investment for your investors. Good for you. But by the same token, we have to remember that corporations have no compassion. That’s why legislation and regulations are necessary.
There are poor white people who hear rap music and feel it is about them, because it is. That’s why you have an Eminem and a Bubba Sparxxx and rappers like that.
The conditions of suffering that exist today in our impoverished communities are not acceptable. The reflection of those conditions are less concerning to me. And I work everyday about changing the conditions.
We need to hear everyone. We need dialogue between police and the community. They’re angry. They’re hurt. A dialogue can cause a shift in consciousness in the person if he’s understanding you and listening.
It is only through opening your hearts will you be able to see that by promoting freedom for all, you are unchaining yourself. I guess I’m an optimist.
The difference between blues, jazz, rock n’ roll and rap is that rap stayed poor. Even the white rappers are poor. It’s scarier to look at poor people; it makes everyone uncomfortable. Their pain is something that people would like to see swept under the rug.
I have faith in people and our government ultimately to do the right thing. And to my brothers and sisters in California, I’m there with you every step of the way until that day comes…
