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Afrika Bambaataa & Coalition Demand Hot 97 Clean Up Its Act
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Wednesday, 06 April 2005
 Representatives from R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop (Representing Education, Activism & Community through Hip-Hop) met with Hot 97 executives to demand social responsibility from the radio station.
The station has become notorious as a hot pot of violence with shootings involving artists such as Lil Kim and most recently 50 Cent and The Game. The station also broadcasted the controversial Tsunami song earlier this year which parodied “We Are The World” and mocked victims of the tsunami tragedy.
Led by hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, the New York grassroots community group spoke with Hot 97 Program Director John Dimick and the station’s General Manager Barry Mayo in regards to the coalition’s demands and concerns yesterday.
Other representatives from R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop included DJ Kuttin Kandi, Rosa Clemente, April Silver, Veronica Jung, Jorge “Fabel” Pabon, Arthur 4x and photographer Ernie Paniccioli. In addition to R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop, approximately ten other grassroots and Hip-Hip organizations were scheduled for the meeting.
"Considering the fact that Hip Hop culture plays a major role in unifying people globally by promoting tolerance and providing positive forms of self expression, Hot 97 should re-evaluate what their commitment and responsibilities should be in service of our communities. Especially, if they claim to represent Hip Hop culture,” Jorge “Fabel” Pabon said in a statement. “We are a great mosaic of people from all walks of life and stand against any injustices brought upon us regardless of race or ethnicity. True Hip-Hop is progressive not digressive."
Prior to the meeting, R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop demanded the station ban the use of the “N” word and other derogatory terms in songs and by on-air staff. They also requested Hot 97 give back by running a public awareness campaign against racism, discrimination, hate crimes, substance abuse and other issues that negatively affect the Hip-Hop community. The group also demands the termination of radio personality Miss Jones for her involvement in the Tsunami song.
R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop recently staged a protest in Union Square and was instrumental in shedding light on Hot 97’s Smackfest - an event where contestants slap each other for cash. New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer is presently investigating the Smackfest contest.
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| Last Updated (
Wednesday, 06 April 2005 ) |
