I just received an email from Aliyah, an avid CurlyNikki.com reader, and professional writer. Check it out:
I’m a writer, and I recently did an interview with David Banner for HipHopDX.com that was published today. As I’m sure you’ve heard, Banner has been under scrutiny for the comments he recently made about Black women and hair. For the first time, he responded to the negative reactions people had about that, and also had some really thought-provoking things to say about other issues within the young African-American community.
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/features/id.1323/title.david-banner-outside-the-rhyme
I LOVE your blog. I’ve been natural for about 4 years now and I’ve found a lot of information on your site from other users, products and regimens. I’m always willing to learn something new and this is a great space to pick up new ideas and learn.
I really respect David Banner, I haven’t had a chance to really get into his music but I like a lot of what he says and does outside of his music, the charity work and his values. I think he’s the first MC I’ve heard profess his preference for natural hair. I admire him for fighting to change the game.
~ Rox
trick daddy is another artist who uses dark skinned women.
I always new David B was the real deal. He is right though how many women with natural hair show up to video shoots. C’mon ladies most of us natural coiffed women make fun of those women in videos neway. I think we hold ourselves to a higher standard.
I read half of the interview and couldn’t read any more. Just another rapper making excuses.
I enjoyed this article and (suprise) agreed with a lot of what he said. Art is expression and sometimes an artist will step outside himself to explore/tell a different story. I respect David Banner’s ability to separate himself from the hype. When an artist can’t is when you get those crazy Christian Bale type breakdowns.
Whether I like his music or not (I don’t actually!) I respect his candor and his honesty.
We love to deify and demonize entertainers in this country- but it is just that “entertainment” not a personal testimony.
I agee w/ Mlle. Bubois. There are many artists that go against the grain and are successful. He, in part, said that he conforms to sell records. As a consumer I prefer to support artists that are true to their craft.
lol, thanks everyone. i missed the link.
great interview.
I’m sure he’s a great man and he’s reflecting so, although I do wish his music was more uplifiting, postive, if you will.
Good interview, but my impression of the artist himself is not very positive after reading this! He answers the critiques about his music not matching his stated values by pointing to outside factors — the media, the consumer, American society — rather than taking responsibility for his artistic choices. I have no doubt that these outside forces influence an artist’s decisions, but come on and take SOME responsibility for your work!
If negativity is all that sells, how do you explain the commercial success of artists who don’t cater to the negative stereotypes? He sounds defensive and like he’s making excuses for himself, imo, though I’m glad he likes natural hair.
thanks for the feedback people! 🙂
click on the url link above the picture for the interview, not on the picture of banner itself
wow who knew he actually had some interesting and intelligent things to say. he’s right though, American media feeds off of the negative. great article
It was a veerrrry interesting interview. Emphasis on the VERY! lol. I love him, it’s honest. I’ve also met him before and he is the EXACT same way in person. *sigh* You HAVE To love a man that loves naturals! As a fellow journalist, I thought it was a great interview.
The link is to a picture of David Banner. I don’t know if you were aware of that or not. I love your blog!
what did he say? …