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Davey D's FNV Newsletter
In Today's Issue: October 12 2000
*Iverson Under Fire-Kool Moe Dee to the Rescue
*New Jersey Attempt To Ban Sale of Hip Hop!
*Legal Drama For High Profile Artist
*Shyne Gets His Shine On
Send comments, questions and concerns to Davey D
mailto:kingdave@sirius.com
The FNV Newsletter
written by Davey D
http://www.daveyd.com
http://www.rapstation.com
c 2000
All Rights Reserved
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 A Basketball star Allen Iverson is capturing some major heat from Civil Rights activist C. Delores Tucker as well as the NBA. As you know Mr Iverson is a bit of a rapper. The man has some definite flow. As of late he's been working on his debut album entitled 'Non-Fiction' which will be released sometime around NBA Allstar weekend in February. However, it is with his new single '40 Bars' that Iverson has been causing a ruckus. Unlike his fellow basketball rap mates like Shaq or Kobe, Iverson brings to the table a thugged out, 'gangsta style' to the table. Some like C Delores Tucker are claiming that Iverson has gone way to far.
In a recent interview Tucker pointed out that she had major concerns with a guy who is so admired by young people putting out material which is so offensive. In the song Iverson uses the 'N' word, he uses the word 'faggot' which has prompted claims of homophobia and he raps about shooting and killing people. The NBA is concerned with Iverson's lyrical content because it reflects upon their overall image. There are many who speculate that Iverson like most NBA players most likely has a morality clause in his contract. In a recent press conference Iverson was shown refusing to talk to sports reporters about his lyrics. He explained that they will have to get their information from a Hip Hop magazine and that he would not speak on the issue while wearing his Philadelphia 76ers uniform. He seemed to be attempting to separate his rap persona from his NBA persona. He did offer an apology to anyone who may be offended but has steadfastly refused to change the lyrics to his song Iverson noted that his album reflects his his rough street oriented upbringing.
 The record '40 Bars' is tame by most standards, although one cannot deny that Iverson has good flow and a nice piano laden beat accompanying him. The question that arises is why is the NBA and C Delores Tucker coming down on Iverson and making him public enemy number one? This question has to be raised in the context of that the NBA has seen players like Dennis Rodman and others do things that way off color and even more offense. There have been fights, arrests, and NBA players not paying child support among some of the more visible incidents of concern that have not garnered as much heat as Iverson's record. If the NBA has a morality clause that they attach to players contracts, then there is no doubt it had not stopped Dennis Rodman from playing and we all know about his off the court zaniness. Where was C Delores Tucker when it came to protesting Rodman?
Hip Hop veteran Kool Moe Dee was featured on Fox Sports the other night where he was able to put things into perspective. He explained that there are outside marketing forces at work, that  deliberately seek out such controversy because it will lead to record sales. he suggested that C Delores Tuckers public protest will do nothing but bring more attention to the very thing that she says she detests. He explained that a lot of the responsibility lays on Iverson's label [Universal Records] for releasing the record in the manner that they did. It was timed to coincide with NBA practice season. The album was timed to be released during the NBA Allstar weekend. Moe Dee explained that the record labels were looking to cash in from all the media attention. Thus far that is exactly what's happening. There is no doubt that folks will be checking for Iverson's project just because of the controversy. Ms Tucker was in agreement with many of Kool Moe Dee's comments. Big props to Kool Moe Dee for coming on TV and representing Hip Hop in a positive and intelligent way.
As for Allen Iverson and the controversy surrounding him and Hip Hop, folks like Ms Tucker and others would be best to spend their time and energy championing 'more positive' rap acts like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, dead prez and others. She would be better suited using her contacts and influence to demand that the numerous Hip Hop activist around the world are allowed to get their shine on. She can start with putting pressure on outlets like BET which are headquartered in DC which isn't too far from her native Philadelphia. What Ms Tucker is talking about is understandable and can be supported on many levels, but her tactics to go after the player while not highlighting the good will of others only serves to to further distance her from the young people she seeks to protect. She will be seen as out of touch.. Kool Moe Dee explained it best when he pointed out that Ms Tuckers blanket attacks and condemnation on Hip Hop will result in all sorts of people within the Hip Hop community rallying behind Iverson because she's attacking rap which is their livelihood. It won't matter that many within in Hip Hop would probably agree with Tucker and even want to lend support to her efforts. After all, there are many headz who are tired of the continuous marketing of 'bling bling', thugged out lyrics. You would think by now she'd understand this.. but like so many other critics of Hip Hop Ms Tucker appears to be taking easy shots by going after Iverson.
 As the fight to combat explicit lyrics heat up. Two New Jersey Senators are taking things to a whole other level.Senator's Gerald Cardinale and Diane Allen have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to sell any phonographic record, tape or CD that contains lyrics which describe, advocate, encourage the following; "suicide, incest, bestiality, sadomasochism, rape or involuntary sexual penetration … murder, morbid violence, ethnic, racial or racial intimidation, the use of illegal drugs or the excessive or illegal use of alcohol." Under the proposed bill, material containing such lyrics would bear the label 'Parental Advisory and Warning". Any person found guilty of violating these laws would face a 500 fine and 30 days in jail.
Proponents are claiming the bill is unconstitutional . Provisions like racial intimidation and religious intimidation are unclear and way too broad. They can be interpreted in any number of ways. Advocates are saying the bill is a strong labeling measure...
How this will potentially effect Hip Hop in a number of ways. First, there doesn't appear to be an age limit to this bill.. secondly with today's present climate of moral correctness, this may get the backing of some politicians wishing to score points.. and get re-elected. Lastly cats selling mixtapes, independent records or pushing this material via the Internet may find themselves selective persecuted if this passes.. No doubt it is high time that the Hip Hop community wakes up and prepares to fight back and be politically involved..
Here's a synopsis of the bill
SYNOPSIS
Requires warning labels on certain recordings with explicit lyrics.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the labeling of certain recordings and supplementing chapter 3A of Title 56 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. A person shall not sell, or offer to sell, in this State, at retail or wholesale, any phonograph record, magnetic tape or compact disc containing lyrics which explicitly describe, advocate or encourage suicide, incest, bestiality, sadomasochism, rape or involuntary sexual penetration, or which advocate or encourage murder, ethnic, racial or religious intimidation, the use of illegal drugs or the excessive or illegal use of alcohol, unless the cover of the recording contains a parental warning, as set forth in subsection b. of this section, that the lyrics contain these explicit messages.
b. The label required by this section shall be affixed on the front cover of the phonograph record, magnetic tape or compact disc by the retailer. The label shall not be readily removable and shall be printed with black letters of 12 point type or more on a yellow fluorescent background, except that the words „Warning‰ and „Parental Advisory‰ shall be printed in letters which are 48 point type in the case of a phonograph record cover. In the case of a magnetic tape or compact disc cover, the label shall be printed with black letters of eight point type on a yellow fluorescent background, except that the words „Warning‰ and „Parental Advisory‰ shall be printed in 10 point type. The warning shall read substantially as follows:
„Parental Advisory and Warning: May contain explicit lyrics descriptive of or advocating one or more of the following:
Suicide
Incest
Bestiality
Sadomasochism
Sexual activity in a violent or involuntary context
Murder
Morbid violence
Ethnic, racial or religious intimidation
Illegal use of drugs or alcohol.‰
2. A person who violates this act is guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense. For any subsequent offense, a person shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
3. This act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment.
STATEMENT
This bill addresses growing parental concern over recordings which contain certain explicit lyrics. Some of these lyrics have been blamed for violent or otherwise criminal acts by youths. Complaints have generally been about the content of rap and heavy metal recordings.
The bill would prohibit the sale or offer for sale at wholesale or retail of phonograph records, magnetic tapes or compact discs with explicit lyrics without a parental warning label. These lyrics are said to encourage murder, suicide, use of illegal drugs and alcohol, ethnic, racial or religious intimidation and a variety of socially or legally proscribed acts.
A person who violates this act would be charged with a petty disorderly persons offense punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. A subsequent violation would result in a person being charged with a disorderly persons offense.
************
Senate State Government Committee
Kavanaugh, Walter J. - Chair SenKavanaugh@njleg.state.nj.us
Robertson, Norman M. - Vice-Chair
Overlook at Great Notch
150 Clove Road
Little Falls, NJ 07424 :
(973) 237-1300
Allen, Diane SenAllen@njleg.state.nj.us
Baer, Byron M.
125 State Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201 343-3333
Bryant, Wayne R. SenBryant@njleg.state.nj.us
It looks like the iron hand of the law is seriously putting the mash down on some of Hip Hop's biggest names. All those antics and situations people found themselves involved in a year or so ago are now starting to catch up with everyone in a major way.. First lets start with  Mr. Busta Rhymes.. Last year in May of '99 he was caught and arrested for gun possession. Busta was carrying a piece because he had recently been robbed. Around that time a number of high profile rap stars were finding themselves being targets. Had Busta been convicted he could've been sentenced to 7 years in prison. Instead the judge gave Busta 5 years probation.
Now on the surface probation doesn't seem like much. After all, you get to walk around and you're not under the harsh conditions that are associated with jail. While that may be true, one should note that probation is no 'cake walk'. Busta will be under the jurisdiction of the New York City court system for the next 5 years. He could go to prison for any minor violation. For example, if he is required to take a drug test and they find weed in his system, he could wind up doing mandatory time. If he's even associated with a crime or crazy situation he could get locked up. Busta will have to walk the tight rope for the next 5 years. When the police see Busta he could be subject to searches on the spot.. I'm glad he isn't going to jail, but it isn't cool that Busta now becomes one of four Black men in this country who are under jurisdiction of the criminal justice system.
If that's not enough Busta still has some other charges pending. Apparently he violated a court order a court order to stay away from his baby's mamma Joanne Wood. She not only accuses Busta of violating the court order, but also claims he has not paid any child support.. The outcome of all this is still waiting to be solved.. Talk about drama...
While Busta is dealing with his 5 year probation sentence, Boston based Made Men's lead rapper Raymond Benzino Scott is about to serve 30 days in jail. Scott opted to take the jail time as opposed to one year's probation. He clearly knows what being under probation would mean-serious restrictions and constant 'lawful' harassment from the police. In addition to the probation, Scott would've been required to take anger management classes. His sentencing comes as a result of an altercation Scott and his Made Men associates had with a bouncer at a night club back in '98. He was asked to leave the dance floor because he was holding his bottle of Dom Perignon champaign and somehow in the discussion the bouncer got assaulted. Scott and company claim they never touched the bouncer, however, the judge didn't buy their story. This is all coming at the heals of Scott's Made Men associates being accused of stabbing Boston Celtic basketball star Paul Pierce in a bar room brawl. Again the group vehemently claims innocence.
 So while Benzino is sitting inside a jail cell for the next 30 days, Michigan prosecutors will be hard at work trying to make sure that Eminem will have the same experience. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing that will address the weapon's and assault charges he accrued earlier this year. Unlike other similar cases where defendants have been able to plea bargain and get probation, Michigan prosecutors have announced that they will not plea bargain and be vigorously seeking jail time for the felony charges levied against Eminem. If convicted Eminem could face up to 9 years in Michigan's prison system. This looks like a job for Johnnie Cochran..
 Speaking of Mr. Cochran, one of his high profile clients Sean Puffy Combs is now facing a 3 million dollar lawsuit. It is being served by Wardell Fenderson who was the limo driver who was ordered to drive Puffy, Jennifer Lopez and his body guard away from the scene of a night club shooting last December. Puff as we now know was connected with that incident after he and his protéege Shyne exchanged some words with some 'player haters.'. Shyne was accused of pulling out a gun and firing 3 shots into the crowded night club. Puff and company fled the scene via the limo.. The driver who is suing is claiming he has suffered emotional distress... In addition to the lawsuit, Fenderson will testify against Puffy on his trial which is scheduled for January 2 2001. He also claims that Puffy offered him a 50 thousand dollar bribe. That concludes this week's criminal round up of high profile rap stars gone astray..
* Shyne came to the Bay Area this past weekend and laid down some serious ground work for his self title debut album. The Bay Area showed him a whole lot of love, so much so that Shyne says once he gets his 'paper' [money] right, he wants to buy a crib out here. Sounds cool to me, but if Shyne knows anything about Bay Area housing prices, he'll have to sell a lot more albums. From all indications of last weeks sales, he is well on his way to achieving that goal. Shyne's stay in the Bay helped eliminate some of the false perception's people had of him. He appeared to be humble and appreciative of his new found success. He described it as a dream come true and said he was blessed. He also noted that it was something he would not take for granted.
Shyne also explained the comparison's people made between him and Biggie. For those who don't know, Shyne sounds a lot like him.. I know when I fist heard his album, I could not get passed that fact. As a result I wasn't feeling his new album except for one or two songs. I felt that Biggie was the better story teller when it came to reciting the madness and mayhem one deals with on the streets. The fact that Shyne referred to himself as the King of New York in one of his songs, made the comparisons stand out even more. Shyne emphatically explained that even though there are vocal similarities, he and Biggie are two different people. He noted that he is his own man. He also explained that he has been through a lot and like Biggie had to come up and deal with the harsh realities of the streets. Escaping it and being able to enjoy his current shine in the rap world was something he is indeed grateful for.. I will admit after hearing him speak and talk about where he's coming from, I was able to listen to the album with a different ear. I got the sense he was honestly expressing himself. It's still not the first album on the list of things I would buy first, but I have warmed up to it a lot more.. Aside from that there was no denying that Bay Area folks have warmed up to it.. Caller after caller who called to the radio station, both male and female had nothing but praise for Shyne. His two tracks with Barrington Levy are signature songs.
In fact spoke at length about working with the reggae superstar. He described him as the R Kelly of reggae meaning, he is own the next level. He said he was both in awe and humble when working with Barrington. He of course noted that Barrington's vocals on the song Bad Boyz help put his hit song on the map..
Another way in which Shyne made a goodwill gesture to West Coast fans was by including DOC in his new video to the song 'That's Gangsta'. This new track uses the break beat 'Misdemeanor' which was made famous by the DOC with his hit song 'Funky Enough' back in the early 90s. Folks out here have nothing but love for DOC. Including him the video will go a long ways with people out in these parts.
 Lastly Shyne spoke to the issue of the beef he is supposedly has with the Outlaws. The way he explained it was by graciously not explaining it. He noted that he is focused on his music and all the other drama belongs in the streets. Considering that Shyne is facing some serious felony charges, beefs with other rap groups are clearly the last thing for him to be dealing with and focusing on.. I'm glad he took steps to diffuse any potential situation... Bottom line: Shyne is well on his way to stepping out the shadow of the late Notorious BIG.. He definitely comes across as his own man who is happy to have the opportunities to do what he's doing right now.. With a little bit more hard work , a bit of luck and some more prayers Shyne may keep shining for years to come..
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FNV October 5 2000
FNV October 2 2000
FNV September 29
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FNV September 19th
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