Clifford ‘T.I.’ Harris and up & coming rapper Kap-G appeared on CNN last night to discuss issues of racial profiling and their ‘angry rap lyrics’ with host Don Lemon.
It was just about a week ago that Tip and David Banner jumped on the remix of Kap-G’s ‘La Policia’ and in light of all the recent news of police brutality nationwide, it seems their message of rage is being heard loud and clear.
[FLASHBACK: T.I. & David Banner Add Powerful Message to Kap-G’s ‘La Policia (AUDIO)]
When asked about the angry message in the song, T.I. responds:
I think there is resentment… an undeniable fear that (I believe) law enforcement has for young minorities and it is reflected in their actions.
And of course that leads to angry lyrics because our music, historically has been a reflection of our circumstances.
So if you don’t like our lyrics, you must then change the circumstances that inspire them.
In case you missed it, watch video of T.I. and Kap-G’s CNN appearance below…
VIDEO: T.I. Kap G On Racial Profiling, “La Policia” With Don Lemon On Cnn
When Don Lemon asked Kap-G on writing the original song, he states:
The reason I wrote this song is because I was racially profiled….
They wanted to check my car… they thought I was illegal.? It was unfair.
It’s going to take stuff like this to create conversation about it. I can relate to Black people, I can related to Mexican people.? I’m from College Park, Georgia… that’s how I grew up.? I feel like, with me being young, I can relate and I can talk to people about it.
Don Lemon also addressed how many law enforcement officials feel like the angry lyrics in songs like ‘F*ck La Polica’ makes it harder to police and causes violence towards officers. A clip was played of Commissioner William Bratton of New York stating that chanting about dead cops is taking things to far.
We’re not calling for the death of anyone. We’re calling for the death of OUR people to end.
I believe that just as there are government funded task forces for other crime syndicate units… whether it’s the mafia, terrorist… the hip-hop cops…
I believe that these police officers that hide behind their badges and abuse their authority deserve just as much attention from the federal government and other people who can put regulations to their actions.
Agreed.