AllHipHop

Bow Wow Unaware A Hip-Hop Union Exists Speaks To Bigger Problems

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Rumors

Bow Wow called for Hip-Hop to unionize over the weekend, clearly unaware a Hip-Hop union already exists.

Bow Wow called for Hip-Hop to unionize over the weekend, clearly unaware a Hip-Hop union already exists. He likely thought he was coming up with an innovative idea when he valiantly tweeted: “Hip Hop needs a board! No different than the NBA w/ the players association. A committee. That can set rules and keep things in control and protect this thing we call Hip-Hop! And have a retirement plan for the og rappers. I hate seeing my heros liquor’d out no money just washed.”

https://twitter.com/smoss/status/1614380327006507008?s=20&t=h1_SqKmwJfaRfbBLUzftYg

We hear you, Shad. But Kurtis Blow, KRS-One and Chuck D are way ahead of you. As co-founders of the Hip Hop Alliance, the trailblazing MCs have been addressing the “needs and concerns of the Hip Hop and R&B workforce through advocacy, information and service” for years. Their primary goal is to improve “the working lives of creators.”

The fact Bow Wow hasn’t heard of it is a problem, and here’s why. Two things: One, media continues to dismiss the contributions of Hip-Hop’s forefathers. Only because 2023 is Hip Hop 50 are we seeing an uptick in coverage of Hip-Hop’s classic artists in recent weeks. Prior to this year, most rap publications would rather cover Lil Xan “overdosing” on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos than bring awareness to something like the Hip-Hop Alliance.

Two, rappers like Bow Wow think they have nowhere to turn for help navigating the music business, but that simply isn’t true. Kurtis Blow, Chuck D and KRS-One are working diligently to improve conditions for all those involved. They’ve erected a whole team comprised of people like Doug E. Fresh, President of the CT NAACP Scot X. Esdaile and social impact strategist Tara L. Martin to join their initiative.

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Oh and Bow Wow’s assertion the “OGs” are drunk laying in a gutter somewhere is also horribly inaccurate. There are a plethora of pioneers who refuse to rest on their laurels and are having incredible careers RIGHT NOW. Just ask MC Lyte or Queen Latifah; LL COOL J; Ice-T; Grandmaster Flash; Slick Rick; even Snoop Dogg FFS. Need I say more?

For more information on the Hip Hop Alliance, head here.