Small Town
Hot topic today is the Jason Aldean’s song “try that in a small town”. When I first heard the song I did not think anything of it. In fact I was feeling it. Much like I was feeling the 2004 rap song by Ja Rule “ New York”. For those that do not know me I am 75 % African mostly Nigerian and 25 % European mostly Italian. I have two biracial children and my wife is white. I am an educator and small business owner. I was an inspired rapper and I am a poet and a published Author. My background is significant to some. I see myself as an American and I believe America is the greatest country in the world. As I should because it’s the only one I truly know. Now let’s talk!
There was a time when violence, swears, and the n word was censored from songs. I believe 2live crew won a court case and today we have the affects of that. My grandfather a southern born African-American born in 1910 said to me that, that court decision would have worse long term effects than school integration. I was confused about his statement. I am no longer! Music today is full of self expression. In that self-expression there are a variety of elements that are negative, violent, racist and sexist. This is evident in all genres of music, ALL.
“Try that in a small town”, does not offend me. If it offends you that is your right and you have the freedom to feel that way. You are not wrong for feeling that way. Feeling a certain way does not make the situation right or wrong. Feelings are driven by emotions and we are emotional beings. I am also not offended by the song New York. The hook of New York starts by saying “I got a hundred guns and hundred clips ni$$a I’m from New York”. What is that song trying to say? The song was a 50 Cent diss.
I would have no problem with Small Town being banded or modified if the following took place. All music had regulation. In a free country. Wait let me say this. In a county that is suppose to be free we can’t hold one side accountable while the other side gets a pass. Everyone has to be held accountable in the same manner. I write poems and often I write something and someone else’s interpretation is totally different than what I was expressing. We will never agree on everything. To be truly free we must except and try to understand people who think different.
I recently went to a Jason Aldean concert. There were American flags, trump hats, and I even saw confederate corn hole boards. Was I offended? No!!! Not one person attacked me or said anything out loud to me. I went to a Wu -tang concert a few months back. I felt just as comfortable and safe at the Jason Aldean concert as the Wu concert!
Race is easy to talk about and if you focus on it, it’ll prevent you from moving forward. Racism is alive and it will always be here like sin. What are you going to do? Live in it, or break away from its grasp and be the greatest version of yourself. Race is not a political or government issue. It is an issue between us, the people. Once we place the burden in the hands of the government we set ourselves up for a controlled society. People talk to each other and try to truly understand each other. I love all people who treat me well. Your race does not dictate what type of person you are!
Thank you for reading,
Your Friend Wakime