Nicki Minaj- A letter from artikleblak- Malcolm X artwork controversy

Nicki Minaj,

Good morning, good afternoon or good evening. 🙂

Like millions across the planet, I have been a fan of you, your story, your talent as a songwriter, musician and rapper for a few years now. 🙂

I have two topics to write you about.

Malcolm X and Hip Hop.

A letter to Nicki Minaj . Photo credit- Muslim academy

Malcolm X was a man whom without, Hip Hop, as we know it, might not have been born.

Malcolm X is a world icon and Hip Hop is the music listened to around the globe.

I don’t I have to educate you on Malcolm X and/or the power of hip hop and how it influences on our youth everywhere because I know u already know.:)

With all due respect, I have to say your latest album cover or single cover threw me for a loop.

I am not sure who was in charge of the artwork and do not care because it was overly disrespectful to Malcolm X and his legacy.

A man who gave his life, the ultimate sacrifice, simply because he LOVED HIS PEOPLE.

I am not for certain if the following words are actually from your social media site?

“It is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy.”

If they are, well you did undermine his efforts and legacy.

You did so by placing upon one of Malcolm’s most iconic images a caption that to many is hurtful and self disparaging. Simply isn’t good because the facts are; the youth are listenin’, the youth are watchin’ and they are highly highly influenced by what they see and hear.

I am talking on a global level and Hip Hop has power!

From the Jamaica Queens to the favela streets of Beetham  Estate Gardens formerly known as “Rat town”, a stone’s throw from your own St.James in Port of Spain to the shantytowns of Ghana and the townships of South Africa!  People are tuning in. Black people are listening. Yes Onika Tanya Maraj, your words and lyrics have POWER!

Young girls and boys, some very very poor, who look like you and I are looking for hope and inspiration and truly believe in a lot of the lyrics they hear and images that they see.  Some probably think the words “nigga” and “bitch” are the coolest shit since Coke-A-Cola!

Instead of making headlines about negativity, let’s make headlines how Hip Hop was responsible for making the world a better place to live.

You can do this. Hip Hop can change the world.

Cheers.

Yours truly,

artikle14

http://www.complex.com/music/2014/02/nicki-minaj-responds-to-malcolm-x-cover-art-controversy

Nicki took to Instagram today to respond, and cleared up a central confusion of the image, suggesting that the title referenced the people outside his window, not the slain Civil Rights leader himself:

What seems to be the issue now? Do you have a problem with me referring to the people Malcolm X was ready to pull his gun out on as Lookin Ass Niggaz? Well, I apologize. That was never the official artwork nor is this an official single. This is a conversation. Not a single. I am in the video shooting at Lookin Ass Niggaz and there happened to be an iconic photo of Malcolm X ready to do the same thing for what he believed in!!!! It is in no way to undermine his efforts and legacy. I apologize to the Malcolm X estate if the meaning of the photo was misconstrued. The word “nigga” causes so much debate in our community while the “nigga” behavior gets praised and worship. Let’s not. Apologies again to his family. I have nothing but respect an adoration for u. The photo was removed hours ago. Thank you

Jumaane N’Namdi – Director N’Namdi Contemporary Miami & Chicago

If you are tripping to MIA for Art Basel at the beginning of next year or just visiting or living in Miami, make sure you visit N’Namdi Contemporary Miami. Or if you are in the Chi stop by N’Namdi Contemporary Chicago!

Jumaane N’Namdi – Director N’Namdi Contemporary Miami & Chicago

Both are under the curator direction of Jumaane N’Namdi.
Art is in the blood of Jumaane. He was introduced to the professional world of art at the age of six.
During this period his father, George N’Namdi, founded the G.R. N’Namdi Gallery in Detroit Michigan.

Get more of Jumaane N’Namdi’s wonderful story at http://fusionmia.com/jumaane-nnamdi/ .

Troy Davis and Mentalgassi street art

Amnesty International and Mentalgassi give tribute to Troy Davis

Troy Davis was executed by the state of Georgia on Sept 21, 2011 after almost 20 years in prison.

He maintained his innocence up to his execution.

I followed the hearings and execution night on Ustream.

I was rivoted by the whole process. I believe Troy Davis was innocent.

It is unfortunate he could not get his case reviewed and retried.

Courtesy of Wikipedia>>>>.In the 20 years between his conviction and execution, Davis and his defenders secured support from the public, celebrities, and human rights groups. Amnesty International and other groups such as National Association for the Advancement of Colored People took up Davis’s cause. Prominent politicians and leaders, including formerPresident Jimmy Carter, Rev. Al Sharpton, Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former U.S. Congressman from Georgia and presidential candidate Bob Barr, and former FBI Director and judge William S. Sessions called upon the courts to grant Davis a new trial or evidentiary hearing. In July 2007, September 2008, and October 2008, execution dates were scheduled, but each execution was stayed shortly before it was to take place

BIG UPS TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND THE AMAZING STREET ARTISTS  MENTALGASSI FOR THIS AMAZING TRIBUTE TO TROY DAVIS.

Mentalgassi

For more info on Troy Davis go to Wikipedia.

HOTTEST GENRE OF STREET ART!! ZEN2AMEN.COM DOPE PROJECTION ART

HOTTEST GENRE OF STREET ART!!  ZEN2AMEN.COM  DOPE PROJECTION ART.

Z2A visits the Los Angeles river and bridge system with thought provoking street art.

I recommend of those that vibe on the next big thing check out the elusive street artist out of Los Angeles Cali, Zen2amen (Z2A).

Z2A projection art is spiritual and thought provoking. The alarm clock of enlightenment is going off. It is time to wake up.

Go to Zen2amen.com today and see more of his amazing public art and fine art too!

Cheers.