The anger behind GQ’s feature is understandable. Friday (Nov. 15), Tiffith released a statement which said in part:
“The story, written by Steve Marsh, put myself and my company in a negative light. Marsh’s story was more focused on what most people would see as drama or bs. To say he was ‘surprised at our discipline’ is completely disrespectful.”
Lamar was “pulled” from the mag’s celebration party Tuesday (Nov. 12) as a result, forcing a GQ rebuttal over the weekend.
Tiffith took particular issue with Marsh being “surprised” at his discipline, and yes he’s right. It shouldn’t be worth mentioning that a rapper from Compton doesn’t smoke or drink, or that a Black label CEO is “disciplined.” But regardless of GQ’s intent, it’s important to look at the root of Tiffith’s argument as it relates to Hip-Hop as a whole.
The genre was born out of defiance. A voice for a generation that wasn’t being represented in music. Now, more than 40 years later, Hip-Hop is still looking to be embraced by those who turned their noses up at the culture; and when money, power, and platinum records, can’t buy that “respect,” a protest usually ensues.
