As we stride further into 2025, the music industry continues to be a hotbed of controversy and discussion. This particularly applies to the rap genre and the ongoing debates about its language, content, and societal impact. The spotlight falls on David Banner, a rapper known for his outspoken nature, and his ongoing feud with notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton. The debate touches on the use of certain words in rap music, as well as the broader implications these words have on the representation of young black Americans. Here, we delve into these discussions, the perspectives of various , and the responses from the individuals involved.
David Banner’s Standpoint
David Banner has it official, he is beefing with Oprah Winfrey, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton.
The Hitbreakers.com Conference Call
David Banner, Talib Kweli, Q-tip, Common, Twista, and Dude ‘N Nem were the guest panelists on The Hitbreakers.com conference call where topics and opinions really heated up. Artists were asked to respond to Rev. Al Sharptons comments about removing certain words from rap music that he deemed to be negative.
Artists’ Responses
When asked Talib Kweli responded “I don’t agree with Al Sharpton, nor do I agree with Oprah but you gotta hear them out and respect their opinion.”
David Banner had quite a different opinion when asked about Al Sharpton, Oprah, and Jesse Jackson. “If I could change the name of my new to ‘Against Al Sharpton’ then I would.” Banner also allegedly went on to say that the legendary activist Sharpton could reconsider his stance. He continued…
Banner’s Perspective
“I feel like people that like them are just joining in with white people on assassinating the character of young black men. They are sending a negative message about hip hop music and young black Americans in general and it’s making the people who are really fighting for our generation fade away. I gave away more money then I made and helped raise money when Hurricane Katrina hit, and in the end I didn’t get the support that I needed. We need to start supporting one another so we can have the power to demand respect. The only time they want to talk about hip hop music is when something bad happens. That’s when we get blamed for it.”
Banner’s Music Career
David Banner first hit the music charts in 2003 with his hit single “Like a Pimp” featuring Lil Flip. In 2005 he released another single “Play” which became his biggest single to date.
National Action Network’s Response
Well apparently someone told Sharptonโs National Action Network and the group has issued a response. Kirsten John-Foy, who describes himself as a leader with the group, refers to Banner by his real name, Levell Crump, in the following statement:
โFrom time to time we do encounter people that have sexual fantasies about Reverend Al Sharpton, but they are always women and Crumpโs proposition is a first,โ says Foy. โHowever, in keeping with the National Action Networkโs Decency Initiative, I sure Rev. Sharpton would not call Crump the โNโ โBโ or โHโ word. And, despite Crumpโs personal request, I sure Reverend Sharpton would not call him a f-g–t. He would just pray for him. We at NAN are pro civil rights for everyone, even Levell Crump who has not had a banner year since his debut in 2003.โ
#MusicIndustry #RapDebate #DavidBanner #SharptonFeud #HipHopControversy
