“Pushing the facts” – A Media Outlet Without an Agenda

Beyond the crude language and somewhat inappropriate content, hip-hop is a media outlet for most artists. As Lupe Fiasco raps in his song “Conflict Diamonds,” “I ain’t pushing an agenda homie/ I’m just pushing the facts.” Rappers use their music to truthfully inform the public about prevalent social issues.

Rappers aim to discuss and enlighten society about current events that the general public is unfamiliar with. One example of a recent issue rappers have attempted to raise awareness about is the exploitation of third world countries and accompanying atrocities. In 2005, Kanye West produced and released the song “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” in an attempt to inform society that the majority of money spent on diamonds finances the activities of warlords in many African countries. Immortal Technique’s song, “The 3rd World,” highlights the government corruption that plagues third world countries. Immortal Technique raps that he’s from a country where “practically every presidents a money launderer.”

Opponents of hip-hop often claim that rap encourages misogyny, racism, sexism, violence, homophobia, prejudice, and greed. Rappers, however, feel that hip-hop allows for the exploration of issues that many media outlets choose to ignore. In a congressional hearing in 2007, rapper and record producer Lavell “David Banner” Crump argued that rappers explore these controversial topics in their music to create awareness about these issues. Responsible rappers are obligated to accentuate these issues when they feel that most high-profile media outlets have a specific agenda that integrates biases and intentionally conceals information that supports the opposition.