Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of AllHipHop.com or its employees and affiliates.The other day I listened to Rev. Al Sharpton and Tavis Smiley arguing on live radio.
This is not about them, but follow me here. It was a pretty disturbing display between a pair of well-respected Black leaders. Throughout their belligerent banter, which was focused on Obama’s Black Agenda (or lack of), both men continued to proclaim their love and respect for each other.
“Respectfully and lovingly” were the reoccurring words of the disagreement. (So, before you start with a barrage of “pauses,” listen to the audio of Rev. Al and Tavis argue at the bottom of the page. It will give you some perspective. ) The civil leaders used the words over and over.
With that, I want to make a sharp left to Yung Berg.
Respectfully and lovingly, I’d like to see Yung Berg call it a day in this rap game. Yes, I would like to see him quit. Quitting is an aberration in Hip-Hop, especially in the present day internet era with so much opportunity to maintain visibility. But there is a time for everything. Even a time to quit.
Respectfully and lovingly, Berg has morphed from a promising young talent into the whipping boy of the music industry and the streets that seem to prey on him. He’s been robbed, sucker punched, assaulted more than I can even recall at this point. In other instances he seems – at times – detached from reality, getting into physical confrontations with heavies like Maino. His Transformer chain is probably more famous than he is, since it has been on national tour since a 2008 encounter in Detroit. I may be the only person that has not worn it.
Almost a year ago to this day, AllHipHop respectfully and lovingly chronicled this sad saga in an objective story called “The Quick Rise and Long Fall of Yung Berg…A Timeline.” Read it. There isn’t a speck of hate in it, but it absolutely recounts the promise that he once had as an artist. And the reason I use the past tense is because Hip-Hop and talent is a distinct gumbo of credibility, marketability, believability and other ‘bilities. While, I’m quite sure this Chicago native can still rhyme, he’s been relieved of everything else in these public escapades.
From a media point of view, Yung Berg is great. Let us be honest. He’s become a train wreck that seems to crash a few times a year. From “dark butts” comments to chain snatchings, people log on, watch, read and they talk. Berg seems to have a bullseye on his back somewhere now and he’s just being targeted. He could moonlight in the Public Enemy logo. Recently Berg sarcastically thanked the media for the publicity associated with recent reports that he was robbed. He plugged some projects that he was working on. I can’t remember what he was talking about honestly.
It doesn’t matter whether or not the recent incident in Los Angeles is true or not. It simply serves as a reminder that it is truly time for Berg to pack it in, adjust and assume a different lifestyle. Although he is excellent fodder for the news, blogs and gossipmongers, I’m sure there are loved ones that worry for his welfare. Hell, I care about his wellbeing and we’ve only met once. For the most part, he’s a good dude. But, we are now to the point where Yung Berg’s got to do something very stupid to reclaim his respect in these evil streets. Seriously. I don’t advocate going that route, because that only turns rappers into legends for all the wrong reasons.
Respectfully and lovingly, I just want to see Christian “Yung Berg” Ward 23-year-old go on to live an acceptable life, not one that is marred with a lot of sideshow beef and debilitating nonsense. Not one that makes one believe that rap is the only way to validate existence on earth. Being a celebrity is not everything, believe me. He’s been victimized long enough.
Its his life and he’s going to live it his way, which is all any of us can hope to do…but…
Lovingly…
And…
Respectfully…
Give the rest of life a chance, young man.***
Soulja Boy reportedly bought the Transformer Chain
EbenGregory Talks Yung Berg, Maino, Trick Trick and more.
Yung Berg’s Stolen Moments
For kicks, here is Rev. Al Sharpton and Tavis Smiley arguing very lovingly and respectfully. This is another editorial altogether.