Who Is Protecting Our Celebrities From Themselves
The senseless killing of rapper Takeoff, from the group Migo’s, has the Hip Hop community and world mourning another young star gone too soon. Many of the details haven’t come out, but one thing is certain, this young Man’s life was taken and his legacy was cut short. So many things come to mind, but one thing stands out, “Why are our black stars being injured or killed so often?”
From Grammy Award Winning Female MC Megan The Stallion to Takeoff, violence within our culture has become so common many of us have become desensitized to the news. I wonder why our celebrities? What’s going on?
One thing that sticks out is the days of Motown. Motown was a Black owned and operated record label that took the world by storm during the 1960’s. Also, during those times, it appeared that record labels cared about their artists in ways that seem to no longer exist. Big name artists would take etiquette classes, so they knew how to speak and act accordingly in certain settings. They had “handlers” who would protect them from the dangers around them, including themselves. Think Kanye West.
Now, celebrities are often victims of their own fame. They’re showing up to interviews and awards shows, late or not showing up at all. It’s not uncommon for them to be intoxicated and still consuming while on the red carpet or even performing. You have celebrities’ threatening others and their families publicly, and know one is stepping in to do anything. You have celebrities jeopardizing their careers, livelihoods and sometimes their own lives.
Rapper’s, R and B artists, and even athlete’s are seen as being “fake” or “brand new” if they don’t continue to frequent the same establishments and neighborhoods they used to, even if it compromises their safety. Many of these entertainers flaunt their wealth by wearing expensive jewelry and clothing, especially when they came from humble beginnings. Why wouldn’t some discourage them from taking the risk of being set up, robbed or even killed? Why is frequenting or staying in dangerous environments “keeping it real?” Where are their loved ones telling them to make better decisions? Where are the people on their payroll who are supposed to protect them?
The beautiful Amber Rose has taken on a crusade for women and their sexuality, hosting an Annual Slut Walk. Amber feels as though women (or people in general) should be able to dress proactively in public without fear of harassments, harm or judgement. Now I agree that people should feel safe when they’re going out, despite what they have on, but I’m mature enough to know it’s not realistic in today’s climate. It’s not about being scared, it’s about being aware of your surroundings and acting appropriately. I think the focus should be to create safe spaces for everyone to live and get along peacefully.
When I was growing up, my Parents warned me about what I wrote down on paper or signed my name too. In today’s world, Hip Hop Artists are vilified if they don’t write their own rap lyrics, despite the fact that many courts of law are using their own lyrics against them in criminal court proceedings. I certainly don’t condone breaking any laws, but it takes a “special type of person” to commit a crime, get away with it, and then write a song confessing to it. As long as there’s money to be made, I doubt if many step into to help.
Why doesn’t this happen to Pop artists? Why are most of their artists flourishing with minimal controversy, unlike rappers and R and B artist? Does Hollywood care about these entertainers or just the revenue they generate? The real question is do these celebrities care about themselves or their images.
I’m certainly not trying to judge anyone. We all make mistakes, and sometimes we do let our guards down and become influenced by what others think. However, I believe that as a whole… as “the culture”, we need to take better care of ourselves and one another. Other groups protect themselves and others like them, why shouldn’t we? We can’t realistically expect someone to care more about us than we do. There’s nothing wrong with a reality check from time to time, especially if the checking helps us to remain safe and lead long lasting and productive lives.