It’s not unusual for those who are in dire need to live by street ethics. Desperate people will do whatever it takes to survive — even if it comes at the expense of innocent lives and impressionable minds.
Black Entertainment Television is in the entertainment business for profit. But after 31 years of existence, BET appears to still be willing to present flawed segments of black life as long as it generates revenue.
During the first 30 minutes of the BET Awards, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Ace Hood and DJ Khaled hit the stage to perform Hood’s smash hit, “Hustle Hard.”
But while viewers who watched the performance could follow the production and hook, most of the song was silenced because of profane lyrics. In turn, the purpose of the performance was defeated because of censorship. Why would BET execs allow rappers to use profane lyrics during a prime time ceremony? And why didn’t the rappers have enough common sense to censor themselves?
It’s because the rappers on stage understood that if ignorance pays, they would be allowed to get away with it on BET.
Rick Ross proved that theory by opening his shirt and exposing his stomach. Definitely not an appropriate symbol for a community that disproportionately suffers from obesity.
Later in the show, Rick Ross joined DJ Khaled and Lil Wayne on stage again to perform “I’m On One.”
Lil Wayne entered the stage shirtless and wearing sagging boxing shorts that hung below his butt. Rappers have always dressed eccentrically, but Lil Wayne’s attire was only appropriate as pajamas.
After spending most of 2010 in prison, BET rewarded Lil Wayne’s behavior by giving him the most nominations.
It’s difficult to deny Lil Wayne’s and Rick Ross’ talent as rappers. And it might be nitpicky to single out two performances from a three-and-a-half hour show that featured Patti LaBelle, Mary Mary and a wonderful tribute to Gil Scott-Heron performed by Queen Latifah. However, BET proved that it will allow the most disturbing images to invade the black community for the right price. –a.r.
