In the wake of the grand jury’s decision in the case against Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson, Joey Bada$$ spoke on the current lack of civil rights leaders. According to the Brooklyn, New York rapper, in addition to there being more civil rights leaders present decades ago, they were also very well-known.
The Pro Era lyricist later revealed that the only people he feels have stature similar to that of civil rights leaders of the past are rappers.
“I think that it’s very important for artists to raise awareness in situations,” Joey said while speaking with MTV. “Especially worldwide situations. Because I feel like in today’s world and today’s society, we don’t have as much civil rights leaders as we used to back in the day. Back in the day, a civil rights leader would come on television and he’s well-known. Everyone knows him. He’s like the president. And now today it’s like we have very few. And the people of today who have that same stature are musicians. Now it’s rappers who have that stature. So, the fact that not enough people are coming out and talking about certain things that’s going on in the world. Or at least trying to raise awareness about it, I disagree with that.”
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According to Joey Bada$$, as he continues to grow as an artist he hopes that he’ll be able to do his part in raising awareness on various issues. The rapper also called out artists who have “the most stature in the music game,” over their silence on civil rights issues in Ferguson and elsewhere.
“Me, as an artist I’m always gonna try to do my part,” he said. “I feel like the more and more I grow, the bigger voice that I become, so the more people that I can actually speak for. I’m gonna try to utilize that. Do nothing but positive things…I feel like the people who have the most money or the most stature in the music game right now they’re being really silent about this. And it’s kinda real. Cause right now we need leaders.”
Joey Bada$$’ interview with MTV can be found below.
