The N Word (Yes, That N Word) in Hip-Hop

Has there ever been a more controversial word? I mean really? I almost feel like I shouldn't even "go there" with this topic right now, but hey, it's on my mind and it's a free country, so let's begin.

Now this is not really meant to be a history lesson. I would think everyone knows the common knowledge history of the word and its origins. But I wanted to bring it up because of its usage in hip-hop. Now, let's get this straight. I listen to music with this word on the daily, use it occasionally in my regular communication based on a cultural influence (which basically means it's simply sub-consciously a part of my vernacular), and don't necessarily oppose artists using it. I bring it up because there has just been something on my mind about the actual significance of the word usage in the music.

I'm aware that the first argument from African Americans like myself would simply be that it is our right to use the word. Based on a history of oppression of the black culture, 400 years of slavery and the degradation of us as human beings, a lot of enthusiasts feel that black people using the word in our daily language now is one of the greatest modern examples of "flipping a bad thing to good." Hip-hop's origins are commonly linked back to the 70’s where funk artists and street poets composed, wrote and recited musical pieces talking about the oppression of black people in America and the political, economic and social ills of the nation. It was easily a part of our language back then in films and music, and since hip-hop was a derivative of those things, it also carried the world usage into the art form as well.

As we moved deeper into the hip hop age, the usage of the word has changed. I've always looked at justifying the word being used on a couple occasions: If you go by the actual definition of the word "Nigger" or "Nigga" in dictionary, it's solely a word to be used as a derogative name for an African American and at other times, just for any non-white person. When people of African American descent use it negatively to describe another one of their kind, this sometimes justifies what is being said contextually. Some black people don't refer to themselves as the word, so when they use it, they are usually using it to describe how this other person of their own race is a disgrace or lower than them in a given situation. The person being called the word is usually engaging in an activity that is somewhat detrimental to the advancement and the struggle to gain respect as a black person in America; sort of like a one-word description for those who are believed to be participating in a form of modern minstrel and blackface activities.

I wanted to beat around the bush , but I'm just going to be blunt. WHITE PEOPLE, how do you feel about not being able to say that word? The thought really dawned on me in the past couple weeks and I began thinking about my previous observations of events with my friends of European American descent and the word usage within hip-hop songs. I remember riding in a car with a buddy of mine and we were listening to Lupe Fiasco's "Gold Watch". Both he and I were reciting the lyrics throughout the song, but as it inched towards the line "Them niggas over here, yeah, yeah, just look at what I wear...". Ironically, as I looked up into the rearview mirror to see if he was mouthing the lyrics on that part, he was looking at me as well to see if I was looking to see if he was going to say it! LOL. It was a pretty funny event and I decided after the fact that I personally wouldn't have been angry if he had of been saying it. Why? Just simply because of the context it was said in. At that moment, we weren't black and white. We were two hip-hop fans, more specifically, two Lupe Fiasco fans, enjoying one of his records. So what do you people out there feel? As a white or black hip-hop fan, what are your thoughts on the word being used in songs. I personally don't use the world just because I feel if my main objective in music is to reach EVERYBODY and be universal, I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable or feel like they can't fully engage in the enjoyment of the hip-hop experience because they have to watch what they are repeating. But that's just me. I'm eager to hear what everyone else has to say about this touchy topic.

You've heard "A Dreamer's Perspective. Now let me hear yours.

(Editor's Note: For another take on the N-Word's use in hip-hop, check out Jacques Morel's article here.)