On Obama's Playlist

Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama gave an interview, published in the July 10, 2008 issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Jann S. Wenner asked the Illinois senator: "What do you think of rap? Has it been unfairly attacked for destroying family values?"

Understandably, Obama did not answer the question posed. But he did provide an entertaining and, I fear, revealing response. Here it is in its entirety (p.4):


By definition, rock & roll is rebel music, which means if it's not being criticized, it's probably not doing its job. I am troubled sometimes by the misogyny and materialism of a lot of rap lyrics, but I think the genius of the art form has shifted the culture and helped to desegregate music. Music was very segregated back in the Seventies and Eighties — you'll remember that when MTV first came on, it wasn't until Thriller that they played Michael.

I know Jay-Z. I know Ludacris. I know Russell Simmons. I know a bunch of these guys. They are great talents and great businessmen, which is something that doesn't get emphasized enough. It would be nice if I could have my daughters listen to their music without me worrying that they were getting bad images of themselves.

First, Senator, the question was not about "rock & roll music" but about "rap," though I do understand you would want to blur the distinction inasmuch as your target audience (especially, but not entirely, because it is Rolling Stone) is non-elderly whites. Second, rap music has not desegregated, but possibly segregated, music. Third, there is a reason the artistic and business skills of the more controversial performers is not emphasized. This is one reason (profanity partially excised by blogger, not Ludacris), excerpted from "Move B----- (which helpfully is available as a ringtone):


"Oh wazzzupp, get my d--- s-----, what are yoouu doin'?"
Sidelinin' my f------' bussiness
Tryin' to get my baby child support soon
Give me that truck and take that rental back
Who bought these f------' T.V.'s and jewelry b----, tell me that?
No, I ain't bitter, I don't give a f---
But i'ma tell you like this b----
You better not walk in front of my tour bus....

F--- the dress codes, it's street clothes, we all street n-----
We on the dance floor, throwin' bows, beatin' up n-----"
(note: The last word is not "negros.")

And finally, Senator, a literal, not rhetorical, question: Does "it would be nice if I could have my daughters listen to their music without me worrying that they were getting bad images of themselves" mean that you severely restrict the access of your daughters to music of "misogynistic and materialistic" (and profane and violence- provoking) lyrics- or do you and your wife allow them to listen anyway?