Criticism

Taylor Swift and other white artists ‘go black’ but do they give back?

This week, country(?) pop star Taylor Swift premiered the video for her new single “Shake It Off,” the leadoff for her latest album 1989. The video features Swift in a variety of aesthetics, including rocking a baseball cap and ghetto blaster boombox while b-boys (that look like Abercrombie models) breakdance around her.

Why ‘XXL’s’ list of ’20 greatest female rappers’ fails miserably

XXL has released its “20 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time’ list, and it doesn’t appear that the most popular publication in hip-hop takes its subject all that seriously. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a greatest female rappers list isn’t afforded the same attention to detail that other hip-hop lists seem to receive; but fans would probably at least hope that a publication with as lofty a reputation as XXL takes the time to put real effort and thought into compiling a showcase for all of the dope female emcees that have shaped the genre.

Too many black TV critics insult black women’s intelligence

With the success of ABCs “Scandal,” and other shows like Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and Have Nots” and BETs “Being Mary Jane,” has brought an intense amount of scrutiny to shows that feature black actresses as leads. Cries of “negative portrayal” have become louder and louder, due to the fact that many of the female characters on these shows are involved in extra-marital affairs.

Talib Kweli defends Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have generated much debate in hip-hop circles since the release of 2012s The Heist. The Seattle-based duo became indie rap poster boys after their single “Thrift Shop” became a mainstream smash, but not everyone celebrated the pair’s success.

NY Jets star Geno Smith opens up about Jay Z as a sports manager

In a recent interview with the New York Post, New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith explained how having Jay’s ear helped him get through his recent slump and helped him face the intense media scrutiny that comes with playing in New York City.

Kanye’s Obama comments criticized as anti-Semitic

Kanye West‘s recent comments regarding Barack Obama’s presidency have drawn criticism from the Anti-Defamation League. During an interview last month, West said that Obama hasn’t

Bun B blasts Sen. Ted Cruz for Obamacare opposition

Bun B is one of the godfathers of Houston hip-hop, and his perspective carries a lot of weight in the community. The UGK co-founder was recently asked to give his opinion on Houston senator Ted Cruz. Cruz infamously gave a controversial unofficial filibuster of Pres. Barack Obama’s healthcare program that lasted over 21 hours.

‘Scandal’ hate: How black history can stifle black art and entertainment

ABC’s “Scandal” has become one of America’s most popular dramas. Now in it’s third season, it’s become must-see TV–especially for many African Americans. It is a hit show with an African American female lead (Kerry Washington) and is created by an African American woman (Shonda Rhimes), so the fact that is so popular and well-received has been cheered by many.

Justin Bieber’s celebrity support group includes Will Smith, Eminem

Justin Bieber and his manager Scooter Braun open up about the criticism Bieber has faced over the past couple of years in the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter. They reveal that, through much of his troubles, he’s had the ear of some notable celebrities who want the best for him.