Strictly for My N.I.G.G.A.Z. Shame on a Nigga. Live Nigga Rap. Sucka Nigga. Niggas Bleed. The Day the Niggaz Took Over. Ain’t No Nigga. I could keep going, but I think you get the picture. There is no way you could be a fan of hip-hop music and not be all too familiar with the infamous “n-word.” Whether you personally approve or not, in hip-hop the n-word is one of the main personal descriptors used in our dialect, similar in context to the words “mate” in Australia or “bloke” in England. Unfortunately, the reasons that the n-word became so deeply infused in the language of hip-hop are not the most positive, as we are all aware that the term has a bleak and sensitive history attached to it. If you are over 45 years old, you probably have distinctly different connotations flare up when you read or hear the word than if you are in your 20s or 30s. If you are not black (and not racist), even if you are a hip hop head, just reading those opening lines I wrote might have made you a little uncomfortable. Certainly the tension and controversy over the n-word is still alive. The perspectives of Phonte and 9th Wonder as well as Peter Rosenberg in the above interview clip accurately describe where I believe we stand with the word on a whole in today’s society – it doesn’t make people cringe as much as it once did because most realize that the influence of hip hop has offered a new context for it, but that doesn’t mean it’s open season for every non-black person to use the n-word at will. I have non-black friends that are true hip hop fans and respect the culture but understand the pejorative nature of the n-word, therefore try not to use it. But honestly, in most contexts that are hip-hop related, I don’t think I would really trip if they did. That’s just me being straight up. On the other hand, I’ve met others who tend to equate hip-hop with what’s cool or trendy, and when they’ve tried to use the n-word, it came off as a mockery and an attempt to showboat. That type of shit will get you stomped out where I’m from, and I’ve never been cool with it in that context. It’s a fine line to walk, but for enlightened and perceptive individuals it shouldn’t be that hard to accept. The sound of the n-word will always ring with racism to some folk, and I understand why. When I hear it the first thought I have is of my homies. What are we to do about that discrepancy? Open dialogue is the best way to make sure everyone is staying on the same page, because everyone doesn’t have to feel exactly the same about the issue as long as everyone is being respected.
I flipped my own version of A Tribe Called Quest’s joint called “Sucka Nigga 2011”, with regard to the same topic in today’s context, and the overall power and importance of being careful and respectful with one’s language. Check it out below:
