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Opinion: Rapper's video advice could land young boys in jail
Rapper's advice not just offensive, but potentially criminal.
February 16th, 2012
03:03 PM ET

Opinion: Rapper's video advice could land young boys in jail

Editor’s note: Carolyn Edgar is a lawyer and writer in New York City. She writes about social issues, parenting and relationships on her blog, Carolyn Edgar.  You can follow her on Twitter @carolynedgar.

On February 15, Vanessa Satten, the editor-in chief of XXL Magazine responded again to the growing furor and calls for her resignation.  Read her statement here.

By Carolyn Edgar, Special to CNN

(CNN) – Outrage continues to build over a video that ran on the magazine XXL’s website featuring the rapper Too $hort dispensing advice to middle-school boys on how to “turn girls out.”

As the mother of a teenage girl and a pre-teen boy, I found the video abhorrent because it promotes sexual violence against young women. As a lawyer, I found both the video and XXL’s publication of it irresponsible and reckless.

A boy who took Too $hort’s advice could find himself in real trouble, because the behavior he encourages may, in fact, violate a multitude of state and federal laws.  Pushing a girl against a wall and sticking a finger inside her underwear would likely constitute sexual harassment and/or a criminal charge of sexual assault.

Sexual harassment in schools is a violation of Title IX, the federal statute that prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of sex. Schools that receive federal funding are required under Title IX to take action against sexual harassment. Most school districts have enacted policies prohibiting sexual harassment as part of their Title IX enforcement obligations. For example, in the New York City Department of Education Discipline Code, punishment for sexual harassment ranges from a parent conference to suspension, and even expulsion in some cases. The victim may also have other avenues for legal recourse, including filing a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or filing a lawsuit in federal court.

In addition to violating Title IX and school policy, the behavior Too $hort advocates could be criminal. The rapper directed his advice at boys in middle and early high school. Children in these grades generally are legally below the age of consent. The age of consent to sexual contact in the United States varies by state, but generally ranges from 16 to 18. Consent is a factor in the majority of sex crimes. Depending on the ages of the victim and the perpetrator, the conduct advocated in the video could meet the description of a number of felony and misdemeanor criminal acts under the New York Penal Code, including sexual assault, sexual misconduct, forcible touching, and sexual abuse.

Persons convicted of sex offenses may be required to register with their state’s sex offender registry. New York State requires even juvenile offenders convicted of certain sex crimes to register. Sex offender registries are public, and registration restricts where a person can live, travel, and work. In New York, the amount of time a person has to remain on a sex offender registry ranges from 20 years to life, and failure to perform the registration obligations is punishable as a felony, even if the original offense was a misdemeanor.

In sum, a young man taking Too $hort’s "how-to-turn-girls-out" advice would literally be risking his future.

In a statement published by XXL, XXL editor-in-chief Vanessa Satten said Too $hort’s video “crossed the line” and added, “The video goes against my value system and represents poor judgment on behalf of the individual who posted it.”

The publication of the Too $hort video cannot simply be attributed to poor individual judgment. The fact that XXL allowed this material to be published indicates either that XXL’s editorial policies, standards and practices are inadequate, or that the magazine’s editorial leadership isn’t enforcing them. Neither option is acceptable. More than an apology is needed from XXL to ensure this type of material will not be published again.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Carolyn Edgar.

soundoff (132 Responses)
  1. Chris

    You have to have a 2 digit IQ to "listen" to the advice of any rapper and think it's a good idea.

    February 26, 2012 at 4:23 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Taylor

    As for the comments in support of Too Short, try learning the King's English. That's the version of the English language the majority of the world uses. It will help you to sound a little less ignorant.

    February 19, 2012 at 4:30 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Taylor

    Got kids, Too Short? I wonder how you'd feel if some little puke did this to your daughter.

    February 19, 2012 at 4:22 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Melissa Huk

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I've really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

    February 18, 2012 at 2:53 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Tasha

    1st of all, Too Short has been making music like this for years, it is not about the rapper it is about PARENTS being PARENTS! Question is why on earth is a kid in middle school even listening to him anyway! Stop blaming other people and be Parents! Raise your children don't allow outside forces make their decisions.

    February 17, 2012 at 7:07 pm | Report abuse |
    • REESE

      true–short dog been in the rap game since i was like 12-13-he been speaking the same since he first come out,,,,we talking 20 years im 37 ,,, its about how you raise your child too short aint in your home raising you kid –i hope you not letting rap videos dictate your kids path,, if so then you got the problem.. hopefull by now most people know that rappers are just telling a story no different that you sitting home watching the young and restless,, please dont believe evrything you see,,and 99% of what you see is fake,,

      February 18, 2012 at 9:11 am | Report abuse |
  6. Roman Lexington

    This was just wrong. Who in their right mind would agree Too Short (of all people) should talk to a group of children. Secondly, the editor-in-chief has no excuse for this outrageous posting on XXL. The editor-in-chief is responsible for content. Her resignation should be obvious and the approving members of staff. Exploiting children to extreme ignorance and criminal behavior is vial. The editor-in-chief should be fired immediately.

    February 17, 2012 at 1:36 pm | Report abuse |
  7. goodoleboy

    Well the same thing was said about rock and roll,men getting women high and then raping them, all the backstage rapes were swept under the rug. You can't blame ignorance on one particular race, you blame blame the individual. Stuff like this had been going on in rap and rock and roll. You point your finger at him but some of the stuff that had been put on here sound just as ignorant as he does.

    February 17, 2012 at 8:34 am | Report abuse |
  8. Mala Sangre

    please like anyone needs schoolin on rape in the hood. common as BS. ask a black woman

    February 16, 2012 at 10:27 pm | Report abuse |
  9. AD

    For everyone who passes all rap off as scary, gangster, non music; proof that it isn't.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxJwpy5WVlU
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkLxEk_9Vjk

    February 16, 2012 at 10:02 pm | Report abuse |
  10. What Next!

    Belligerent, ignorant farm animals belong in the zoo to be observed; not holding microphones giving advice to our young boys. He needs to write a song on how to turn his mother out, and the rest of the females in his family.

    February 16, 2012 at 9:32 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Coffee

    Too Short in Brain Cells

    February 16, 2012 at 9:28 pm | Report abuse |
  12. ann west

    🔴 It doesn't matter what a rapper says. If guys are weak enough to copy and Girls are dumb enough to be disrespected that their problem. No music is going to teach anybody to be a good person or a Bad Person. Parents where are you❔?????❌

    February 16, 2012 at 9:25 pm | Report abuse |
    • Mala Sangre

      so if a girl is assaulted she is dumb?

      February 16, 2012 at 10:25 pm | Report abuse |
  13. mike

    This rapper is a complete moron

    February 16, 2012 at 9:18 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Bubba Ray Deadly

    First time I've even heard of this guy. Good for him

    February 16, 2012 at 8:57 pm | Report abuse |
  15. Thetruth

    Eminem is Eminem because he is "meni me"... and to short is to short because he is " to short', so it's... the moral of this is to say,
    it is not about race it's about the size of thier brains...

    February 16, 2012 at 8:57 pm | Report abuse |
  16. cwestions

    And while she was posting this angry mess on CNN, Too $hort was doing what he does best, getting a hummer at home on his million-dollar sofa...

    February 16, 2012 at 8:51 pm | Report abuse |
    • Dorkus

      Like we give a flying p h u k.

      February 16, 2012 at 8:59 pm | Report abuse |
    • mmgold

      Sitting on his million dollar sofa that the IRS will eventually confiscate because like most of these rap artists he isn't thinking with his brain. These idiots walking around talkin about ballin, and they don't have a clue what to do with this kind of money except throw it away on a hummer and a million dollar couch. For what? To impress his boys? Puh-lease!!!

      February 17, 2012 at 5:44 pm | Report abuse |
  17. Ron

    From reading the posts here I take it most of you havn't heard to much Too Short. I would expect nothing less from him. You all are about 20 years too late with your shock faces.

    February 16, 2012 at 8:38 pm | Report abuse |
    • Tasha

      I agree completely with you....Too Short has done this for years! Parents need to stop blaming other's for their mistakes, raise the children! Don't allow them to listen to things like this.

      February 17, 2012 at 7:08 pm | Report abuse |
  18. Confused Honkie

    At what point have rappers given good advice to young people. What was it that NWA advocated doing to the police in the 80's? Oh yeah thats right, the same thing that this moron is suggesting. Had you not written the article I would not have heard his name in 20 years. You just sold a few extra cd's for him cause his fans are not savvy enough to simply download it.

    February 16, 2012 at 8:34 pm | Report abuse |
    • AD

      If you're referring to F**k the police, that was about LA police abusing their power and discriminating against black people. Yeah, it's a violent song, but it wasn't about advocating violence against the police. It was a way of venting frustration through art, which last time I checked, was protected under the first amendment.

      February 16, 2012 at 9:58 pm | Report abuse |
  19. k.a.k.deuce

    I wish people would quit trying to blame music/tv/movies for their/their children's failures. People like to look everywhere but in the mirror when it comes to placing blame. If you don't teach your children better, and if they don't take your lessons/guidance into consideration when making their decisions it's not the entertainer's fault.

    There is a such thing as ownership of YOUR actions! So if you and/or your kids are that naive or impressionable it sounds more like a personal/family problem.

    February 16, 2012 at 8:26 pm | Report abuse |
    • jay

      sorry dude.. but raising kids properly only goes so far. there has to be partial blame across the board. at one point children can and will try to emulate their "heroes" be it music, sports, etc. constantly saying "parents, do your job" is just as bad as blindly blaming the entertainers. its takes a village..

      February 16, 2012 at 8:52 pm | Report abuse |
      • k.a.k.deuce

        You are right Jay, it does take a village. However, there is a concept of right and wrong. It is not rocket science, you don't hear anything from rappers that you don't see on national/cable TV or in the movies. And to be frank, seeing on a screen glorified is far worse than hearing it over a beat.

        Quit looking for scapegoats.

        February 16, 2012 at 9:06 pm | Report abuse |
    • sharky

      Except given this day and age of social media, youtube sensations, myspace sensations anyone will do anything to be famous, and given reality tv is one thing that does just that, people do learn from movies and music.

      February 16, 2012 at 9:07 pm | Report abuse |
  20. USNavySquid

    Well-written article.

    February 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm | Report abuse |
  21. young black male

    The message is in poor taste but so is pretty much everything else on the internet and the idiot box. Parents, please start being parents. Quit letting TV and your kid's friends raise your kids. Before they started going off the deep end, I know Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan were childhood heroes and people your kids looked up to. Let's give it a rest.

    February 16, 2012 at 7:56 pm | Report abuse |
    • young white male

      I'm not sure what led you to believe that parents haven't "[started] being parents" but most parents are quite concerned with their kids' development and what media they consume. Otherwise I'm also baffled as to how you believe that Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears were considered childhood heroes by our children. They certainly weren't my children or as far as I'm aware any of their friends too. In that vein, like most of the other parents I know, my wife and I represent rather clash with your portrayal of parents and it also follows that Too $hort won't be a model for my boys.

      I do a better job at that.

      February 16, 2012 at 8:05 pm | Report abuse |
  22. Dave

    They are going to jail anyway, don't worry about a song. Banning a song is not going to stop the animals from doing it anyway.

    February 16, 2012 at 7:54 pm | Report abuse |
  23. op

    As much as Too Short might be wrong in his lyrics, its the way a child is raised, at the end, on how kids, teens, adults will react. Before blaming Too Short for his lyrics for being at fault and blaming him for your kids actions, you might want to look at yourself in the mirror and ask how good of parent you are to this so called angel of a kid. Kids follow by example, and the parents being the first examples they see. Too Short might be wrong, but there is freedom of speech, as well as the kid having a freedom of choice, so you should first talk to your kid before trying to get some attention by writing something like this, blaming Too Short for anything that might happen to the future because your own kids don't know how to behave or they don't know how to treat other people. I'm a fan of Too Short, but I'm also not stupid enough to follow his lyrics. You are just another person that wants to point fingers at someone else instead of pointing them at yourself for either not raising your kids right or keeping them under control.

    February 16, 2012 at 7:23 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cornerman

      Yeah, right OP.... Heaven forbid she teaches her children to grow up speaking and acting responsibly and aspiring to become a lawyer or another respected position. Young people are influenced by these so called entertainers, not that this mutt is in anyway an entertainer. Rap is to music what an Etch-A-Sketch is to art. The so called music is poisoning children everyday. Heaven knows there are enough things to struggle through for inner city kids. Their plight is only hampered by fools like this guy. The man is a pathetic loser and any adult who listens to this type of trash is encouraging the animal behavior he promotes.

      February 16, 2012 at 7:39 pm | Report abuse |
      • David Hoffman

        "Rap is to music what an Etch-A-Sketch is to art. " I have been looking for a good comparison for years. That is a great one.

        February 16, 2012 at 7:49 pm | Report abuse |
      • Giraffethief

        I've actually seen somebody make the Mona Lisa and other art back on Tech TV. You could also look here http://www.google.com/ to find some. Now I'm not a fan of rap but I can concede it is music.

        February 16, 2012 at 8:10 pm | Report abuse |
    • d

      Hi op,
      Let me use my freedom of speech in saying that you're a moron. Most kids this age are far more influenced by their peers and celebrities than they are their parents.

      February 16, 2012 at 7:52 pm | Report abuse |
    • Bill

      Your freedom of speech ends when you ecourage crimanal acts or infringe on the rights of others.

      February 16, 2012 at 8:05 pm | Report abuse |
  24. haha

    This isn't a race issue, its an American issue – white, black, etc you're all the same culture-free garbage hated the world over. Vulgar, illiterate, selfish, profane, smug, loud, braying, greedy, dishonest thieves and liars

    February 16, 2012 at 7:20 pm | Report abuse |
    • bobm

      It's a spiritual issue.....who do you believe in?

      We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
      Martin Luther King Jr.

      February 16, 2012 at 7:25 pm | Report abuse |
    • Seriously??

      Yes, we're all the same aren't we? Whites, Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans and every other 'race' are all vulgar, illiterate, selfish, profane, smug, loud, braying, greedy, dishonest thieves and liars aren't we? Do you know what has gotten America as far as it has? Diversity. And guess what will continue to drive forward this nation? Diversity. Everyone may be an American but there is hardly a uniform standard. We are all different in our own way for better or worse and you'll see this in your own backyard, wherever you're from. How about you come over, mate? Come see if we're all the same culture, because when you leave I'll doubt you'll look at this country the same again.

      February 16, 2012 at 7:48 pm | Report abuse |
      • GTO_1969

        Diversity did not make this a great country, personal responsibility did. In the past, those that had it succeeded, those that didn't failed. Pandering to diversity and a lack of personal responsibility has brought this country to the state it's in.

        February 16, 2012 at 8:03 pm | Report abuse |
    • Jimmy Joe Jim Bob

      As a general rule, people who put a whole country of people into a single category are usually very stupid. Yeah, I'm going with that. You're very stupid.

      February 16, 2012 at 8:08 pm | Report abuse |
  25. Clayton Bigsby

    I'm honestly not surprised. You can't expect much from these people... yeah, I said it. THESE PEOPLE.

    February 16, 2012 at 7:08 pm | Report abuse |
  26. bobm

    A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan.

    Martin Luther King Jr.

    February 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm | Report abuse |
    • fuxitol

      And on that note I'm heading home to throw on "Get in Where You Fit in" all you concerned parents out there... keep your kiddies off the interwebs!

      February 16, 2012 at 7:02 pm | Report abuse |
  27. Larch Boggett

    Why isn't this guy arrested, as is, for contributing to the deliquency of a minor? When are we as a society going to say "Enough!" Freedom of speech guarantees that a person can criticize the government without fear of reprisal. It was never intended to protect punks and perverts who want to influence our kids to commit crimes.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:57 pm | Report abuse |
    • fuxitol

      Be a responsible parent and it wouldn't be a problem, no one forced a kid to go on to the site and what kind of parents wouldn't be monitoring their kids?

      February 16, 2012 at 6:59 pm | Report abuse |
  28. Paul Begala

    N
    I
    G
    G
    E
    R
    S
    .......they're why Africa is Africa.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:56 pm | Report abuse |
    • fuxitol

      Racist! WOW! you probably beat your wife daily! clown!

      February 16, 2012 at 6:58 pm | Report abuse |
      • mark

        the truth hurts most of the time fuxitol

        February 16, 2012 at 7:19 pm | Report abuse |
      • Thetruth

        Fuxitaol,nice reply... to the Racist Paul Bagala, he's the type of person who would love to segregate the human soul.

        February 16, 2012 at 8:34 pm | Report abuse |
    • Clayton Bigsby

      LOL

      February 16, 2012 at 7:08 pm | Report abuse |
    • Tex Gritter

      I figured out a long time ago that the only thing wrong with Africa is that IT'S FULL OF AFRICANS!!!

      February 16, 2012 at 7:25 pm | Report abuse |
      • Chappelle

        Not the fact that they are/were taken advantage of by the capitalistic US and European countries? Or the fact that they have the same religious issues that exist in the Middle East. Most of the world's problems are from religious differences or greed. Sometimes both. Check out Africa's history before you judge. Environmental factors, not biological, predicts behavior.

        February 16, 2012 at 7:45 pm | Report abuse |
      • Well, not exactly

        Hmm. Why then is the average black IQ 85 worldwide?

        February 16, 2012 at 7:56 pm | Report abuse |
      • dieyoung

        Africa is dominantly a Christian nation, and they are far more intelligent than 90% of Americans.

        February 16, 2012 at 8:18 pm | Report abuse |
    • Rashad

      sorry to say it bro but white people did nothing on this earth but still kill and destroy!!!

      February 16, 2012 at 7:59 pm | Report abuse |
      • Mitt

        Hey Rashard, guess who invented that thing you drive to work in? THE WHITE MAN! Guess invented computer you're using right now? THE WHITE MAN!

        Learn the truth, sand monkey.

        February 16, 2012 at 8:09 pm | Report abuse |
    • Glen Beck

      I am tired of that dirty liberal Paul Begala being such a racist. He should come over to the party of diversity and tolerance the GOP! Sorry couldn't keep a straight face on this one.

      February 16, 2012 at 8:01 pm | Report abuse |
    • Kam

      Guys the "Report abuse" link is there for a reason. Don't feed the trolls, click the link.

      February 16, 2012 at 9:35 pm | Report abuse |
    • AD

      Actually Europe is why Africa is Africa. Take a world history class. European colonization basically wrecked Africa.

      February 16, 2012 at 10:12 pm | Report abuse |
  29. fuxitol

    Look no one made a bunch of teenage boys watch the guy's video, everyone knows what Too $hort is about. The guy has been producing the same one dimensional rap for what 20+ years? We cannot hide the media we cannot deny someone their right to freedom of speech. but, what we can do is empower our youth, enrich their lives, and teach them not to check their brains at the door when something like this shows itself. It is not the fault of XXL it is not anyone's "fault" Too $short chose to make a video that he knew would ultimately get media attention and he succeeded. Everytime people start stewing the pot about things like this, they are just bringing more attention to the objectionable material they are trying so hard to keep out of syndication. If people ignore stuff like this it tends to disipate. Let's stop blaming others for the problems of our youths and start making the parents and the children accountable, who in their right mind would let their child go onto the XXL site anyways? All those complaining about this are absentee parents that are counting on the media to raise their children instead of themselves.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:53 pm | Report abuse |
    • ImpishLisa

      I am not an 'absentee' parent. I am appalled that his label would let this slide by.
      I grew up listening to too $hort. The problem is he is stuck in a creative rut and now is telling minors how to turn out or rape/molest little underaged girls. YOUR little girls. MY girl. If I catch any punk trying that crap I'm going to take a machete to his hand and if i caught some gross old midget with ashy skin rapping that crap around my little girl I'm taking a brick to his head. I'll show him a new way to use his spit, and it involved my fist in a place he won't like.
      To kids it is cool when young guys talk smack in street rap. But for god's sake it's gross when a grown old man is thinking about touching on little girls. He had to picture it, think of it. Doesn't that BOTHER you? Back then he WAS a young man. Now he is some crusty, ugly, short little freakazoid has-been that is vicariously horn dogging on little girls. Guess he ran out of things to rap about and is reverting to pedo craptastic for the sake of controversy and a buck.

      February 16, 2012 at 8:43 pm | Report abuse |
  30. bobm

    This is glorifying rape. Sign of the times. I bet if he glorified Whitney's Drug use, this would be another story...sad society

    February 16, 2012 at 6:42 pm | Report abuse |
    • Cornerman

      Ra pe, drugs, crime is the norm for these mutts. Its been part of there culture for hundreds of years. Its passed on from generation to generation and won't stop in your lifetime. Now, don't forget to watch the Whitney Houston special on CNN glorifying her life of music and drug abuse. A real roll model for young women..... have the kids tune in.

      February 16, 2012 at 7:46 pm | Report abuse |
  31. wittynotes

    Rap lyrics are just disgusting. Smart people don't have to use that language to be funny or successful. Shame on those desperate souls who can do or say anything to sell their stuff.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:40 pm | Report abuse |
  32. NorCalMojo

    ......and they wonder why there are so many in prison.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:38 pm | Report abuse |
  33. reasonablebe

    when will 'being cool' not mean being insidious, disgusting and otherwise unacceptable?

    February 16, 2012 at 6:34 pm | Report abuse |
  34. Brian

    This is quite possibly the dumbest thing I've ever read. It's music. Get over it.

    Eminem talks about r.aping, killing, and dismembering women in like every other song he puts out, but no one seems to care about that.

    No one is dumb enough to hear this song and say "Well a black musician says to rape girls. I better get to it."

    February 16, 2012 at 6:34 pm | Report abuse |
    • ucfknightman

      The term "Rap Musician" is an oxymoron. I can guarantee many of them do not even know what a treble clef is, much less know how to play an actual musical instrument, or know how to create their own melodies using creativity. It's all just sampling another person's music and turning out "phat" beats using a Roland 909 all the while butchering the English language.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:39 pm | Report abuse |
      • Thomas

        Amen.

        February 16, 2012 at 6:55 pm | Report abuse |
    • NorCalMojo

      Yeah, but we also have to listen to the activists whine about how many young blacks are in prison. When you combine the whining and the music they listen to, it's pretty ridiculous.

      It's pretty funny that people can't connect those dots.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:42 pm | Report abuse |
      • Matt T

        So I guess we can blame all that gool old boy, redneck, worship your pickup truck music for all the white boys in American prisons, no ?

        February 16, 2012 at 6:57 pm | Report abuse |
      • NorCalMojo

        If rednecks are crying about how many rednecks in prison and listening to music that glorify crime, then yes.

        February 16, 2012 at 7:15 pm | Report abuse |
    • Anthony

      As old as Too $hort is, I'm completely disappointed that he's that immature! This is proof that wisdom doesn't come w/ age!!!!!!!!!

      February 16, 2012 at 6:57 pm | Report abuse |
  35. analysisparalysis

    Uh, new watch alert.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:29 pm | Report abuse |
  36. us1776

    Need some role models out there.

    And it sure isn't these guys.

    .

    February 16, 2012 at 6:19 pm | Report abuse |
  37. Scm

    If someone did this to my daughter I would gladly give them the most horrible death I can imagine and then bury their dead body in the woods

    February 16, 2012 at 6:18 pm | Report abuse |
  38. AA+meriKKKa

    XFDDD Stay classy black people

    February 16, 2012 at 6:16 pm | Report abuse |
  39. Carlos

    OK – so in the same manner, take the movies and TV shows that also depict similar behavior and ban them because they could show someone how to kill, rape, assault, steal, rob, degrade, stereotype or (fill in the blank with whatever you wish) that someone might get offended by. Isn't free speech protected.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:08 pm | Report abuse |
    • ucfknightman

      I agree with his right to say it.

      Just like I agree with my right to say he's not a real musician.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:40 pm | Report abuse |
    • umm no

      There is a big difference between showing something hapening in a movie, or even discussing real events and telling people to go out and do it.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:41 pm | Report abuse |
    • CriticalThinkingRequired

      No, this is NOT an example of protected "free speech" as defined by the Supremem Court. Free speech is protected when it is expressed as an affront to or disagreement with the Government without fear of reprisal. Free speech is NOT carte blanche'. One is not allowed to yell "Fire" in public places without seeing and actual fire; one is not allowed to make a false police report or call to 911; one is not allowed to slander another; one is not allowed to incidte to riot; those and many other expressions of speech are neither '"free" NOR "protected." Neither is inciting to illegal activity (statutory rape and immoral unwanted behavior.) Might be a good idea to learn the law before supporting another's right to engage in any particular activity. Jus' sayin'....

      February 16, 2012 at 8:53 pm | Report abuse |
  40. Debbie

    To: mark, jimtanker & Sebastian:. Well said-couldn't have said it better myself. Children learn what they live via, first and foremost, the parent(s), then internet, television, videos, and peers. The saying, "Do as I say, not as I do", is nothing but a double standard. We need to monitor and control not only what they view, but also who our children associate with. We (including children) are all known by the company we keep.

    February 16, 2012 at 6:07 pm | Report abuse |
  41. SO WHAT

    Any young kid that commits murder in most states gets tried as an adult right? Why? Because the states believe they are intelligent enough to know the difference between right and wrong, so as this 45 year old rapper named Too Short is sending messages that kids will pick up and end up in jail, thats not the rapper's fault: 1. Dont listen to his crap 2. you know whats right or wrong 3. stop blaming freedom of speech expression on music 4. CNN stop making stupid articles so I can read them.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:57 pm | Report abuse |
    • ucfknightman

      Number 3 is wrong. It isn't music, otherwise...100% correct.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:44 pm | Report abuse |
  42. analysisparalysis

    Too many Urkels on your team that's why your wins low.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:56 pm | Report abuse |
  43. maryann

    Bravo – but let's look at a lot of videos, not only rap videos, and try to get all "performers" to send better messages!!

    February 16, 2012 at 5:55 pm | Report abuse |
  44. Albro

    So, the kids could end up in jail. Jail is "Rapper School" anyway. They're just perpetuating their own sub-human culture, and you KNOW, you cant say anything against their "culture"!

    February 16, 2012 at 5:55 pm | Report abuse |
    • ucfknightman

      Rap is pushed by WHITE-controlled media conglomerates and marketed into inner cities to subdue black Americans. It's a very intriguing marketing strategy and vicious circle of underachievement and ignorance. No wonder people of African descent outside of American condemn their American counterparts and do not associate.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:43 pm | Report abuse |
      • Lukos

        Suge Knight, Jay-Z, Tony Martin, P Diddy, Dr. Dre, etc. Yeah....no African-American music executives pushing rap music, eh? Remember...as long there is money to be made, anybody will sell anything to anyone else to make the green. White, black and brown people push crap rap music, drugs, guns and violence onto stupid and subseptible people of every color known to man. The prisons are filled with people of every race who are dumb enough to be influenced by these idiots, just more black people consider rap "their" music, and the dumb ones find themselves in prison after paying too much attention and credence to the gangsta life.

        February 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm | Report abuse |
  45. humtake

    Any person who does something because a rapper told them to should just be locked away anyways. I think this is a great way to pick out the stupid people of society and put them in their own society. Anyone who commits a crime and then blames it on someone else is a true criminal and should be off of our streets. Only those who take responsibility for their actions should be allowed to live in our society. Unfortunately, that would mean there would be no more liberals, and this country needs them to maintain the balance.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:44 pm | Report abuse |
    • David

      What's with people being so quick to want to lock people up? I work in a customer service department, and more than half the poeple I talk to are stupid should we lock up half the country? Who will pay for that? We need to educate kids. parents need to take more responsibility in their childrens upbrining, and that includes jr high to highschool age. That is the bottom line. Rappers are entertainers. Saying that stuff sells records. You also get people trying to harp on lyrics of actual songs. To me it's not a big deal. If the parents are smart they don't let their kids have access to these things. Regardless of who the video 'targets' it's the responsibility of the parent or guardian or school to keep it out of the minors view.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:01 pm | Report abuse |
      • The Guy

        David, your absolutely right. Parents need to be completely involved in their childs life. After all, my parents were completely involved in mine....at least until I turned 15 and forced them out of it.

        Personally, I would never let my daughter listen to the filth that comes out of this fools mouth. Yes, there is the chance that what he's saying is only so he can sell records and make money. But what is that saying out today's marketing? You have to up-play the degradation, molestation, and rape of little girls in order to turn a buck? I'd much rather listen to the other side of the coin, thank you. You know, the one where the father tells the boy coming over "If you touch my little girl, I will turn you into a eunich." It advocates the protection of our children, now giving tips on how it's best to take away their childhood because you wanna get laid.

        February 17, 2012 at 9:34 pm | Report abuse |
      • Tasha

        Exactly what I said, stop placing blame and hold yourself accountable for your children period. Why are middle school kids listening to This kind of Rap in the 1st place? lol...when I was a kid heck I couldn't listen to Rick James LOL. Point is people are always looking for someone else to blame.

        February 17, 2012 at 9:38 pm | Report abuse |
  46. Jordan

    The man can say what he wants. This is a free society last time i checked. The 90s have come and gone. This is the world we live in. DEAL WITH IT. Teach your kids right from wrong. Get involved. Too Short got his. And regardless of what he said, and how you may feel, at least he said how he really felt, THE TRUTH.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:40 pm | Report abuse |
    • Tim

      Jordan, you are a moron. Too Short "got his" is a terrible justification for what the guy says. But lets be honest, 90% of what comes out of the "urban culture" these days aka black culture is repugnant. The destruction of the traditional family, an emphesis on athletics, rap music and money instead of education and moral character. So yes Jordan, the man can say what he wants, and we all can call him a moron, a piece of trash, and a nobody. The problem is that the people that feel this way most likely go to this stupid website, listen to his music, or live in the neighborhoods and go to the schools of kids that do. This is typical self-destruction from the black/urban subculture that continues to keep their own people down and out. Good job.

      February 16, 2012 at 5:57 pm | Report abuse |
    • Albro

      A woman in Texas was JAILED for saying n-i-g-g-e-r in public, so that'freedom of speech' thing, I guess it depends on your skin tone, huh?

      February 16, 2012 at 5:57 pm | Report abuse |
      • Tex Gritter

        I think you just summed it up in a fairly succinct fashion. Someday, when Ammerikka is tired of living like a third-world country under the rule of the Great Kenyan Chieftan, maybe they .......Oh, well. Maybe I won't say what I started to say. i just installed a nice, new door. I would hate for the Federal Bureau of Intestinalations to kick it down.

        February 16, 2012 at 7:34 pm | Report abuse |
      • Kam

        You should stop lying.

        February 16, 2012 at 9:37 pm | Report abuse |
    • NorCalMojo

      She's not trying to get the government to censor him, she's just pointing out he's trash.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:45 pm | Report abuse |
  47. Jay Markowitz

    Is there a reason Carolyn that you avoided mentioning the problem with the entire 'thug life' culture? Rhianna is beaten, Chris Brown shrugs it off, and everyone righteously shows their disgust. But then Rhianna gets 'thug life' tattooed on her knuckles and swears she 'down wid it' and nobody bats an eye that she endorses the very rules the enable her abuser in the first place.

    XXL celebrates thug life and you don't make that connection? What an utter fail on your part. Either make a stand against this cancer in your culture or stick you head in the sand and continue to sell out your children's future. Your call.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:39 pm | Report abuse |
  48. Memerizer

    In the mid 90's, around the time I saw THUGS and CRIMINALS being lauded by Rolling Stone and SNL, replacing R&B, Soul and Funk I KNEW there would be consequences to them gangsta rappers becoming part of popular culture.

    I warned people. DOn't celebrate their mess. So you reap what you sow. You turned the other way, you facilitated, you didn't snitch, etc. etc.

    This is what you get. Because as a people, you didn't stop it. You can complain about it now, but youth culture now knows only this as "cool".

    You can't change a culture, thug culture is now part of popular culture and you have to accept that idiots like this will influence children, yes, CHILDREN to think as stupid as they do.

    The new minstrelsy doesn't stop, year after year, I'd had hoped that it would die off like Disco did, but it hasn't and entertainment industry to music industry (if it actually exists) to even Anderson Cooper laughing at rappers, etc. etc. cultural acceptance and laughing this vile stuff off, is what continues it. We all have a hand in it still being here.

    Look at the Grammys. They STILL place Chris Brown in shows, give him awards, media still gives him attention and entertainment (not music) companies still promote and build money generating pablum around him. And then idiots who bought into thug hip hop B_S start saying they want him to beat him up.x

    Nothings going to change unless you get your own act together and take this ___ down.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:28 pm | Report abuse |
    • theotormon

      I don't like that ugly stuff either, Memerizer, but crime rates in this country are in a steady decline, so I don't know how you prove the culture is in a moral tailspin.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:02 pm | Report abuse |
  49. mike

    Can any of you people spell?

    Too $hort kicks ass. Stop skirting around censorship! If you don't want your kids influenced a certain way, be involved in their life.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:20 pm | Report abuse |
    • Fearfighter

      Really Mike! As a father of young boys, I am in their lives daily but I cannot control the crap that other parents allow their kids to listen to and if my kids want to make friends then they are impacted by it to. Your logic is selfish and immature..TooShort is a straight idiot for telling these kids that crap..I hope you have daughters DUDE!

      February 16, 2012 at 5:47 pm | Report abuse |
    • NorCalMojo

      He's free to say what he wants and I'm free to call him and his fans trash. Freedom of speech is a great thing.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:47 pm | Report abuse |
  50. Danceby

    Did the Lord tell MR. TD JAKES to pick MS. Houston, and remake Sparkle!!
    Some are making MS. Houston a Joke! Boosting their personal fame and name ( Black People should boycott the movie). Enough!! of slick, people misusing us, and misguiding us. TD Jakes who this film belong to, did not begin 10 years ago (that's PR talk). When the remake of Sparkle film began MR. Jakes and them knew. MS. Houston was struggling with addiction. This was about the time Clyde Davis too got her to make the last LP she recorded a little over a year ago. No one helped her but instead put her in a situation of pressure. Public light, to benefit there ego's Both MR. Davis and Bishop TD Jakes. How do a man of God produce a secular movie ( SPARKLE) who SONY, picture bank rolled MR. Jakes with a 40 million dollar deal. Make a movie about a drug addicted singer, who die due to drug use. Serlect Whitney Houston as a lead in that movie. Now every one wants her last works; they blind sided her. To get her to perform WHEN SHE WAS NOT WELL!. As JESUS would say Vipers!!! And John of the Bible too would declare. What about the addicted people in TD Jakes Church, He manage for JESUS CHRIST how do you explain, the above choice. Did the Lord tell MR. TD JAKES to Pick MS. Houston and remake Sparkle!!

    February 16, 2012 at 5:10 pm | Report abuse |
    • Dan

      Please stop posting until you learn english, sentence structure, grammar, etc.

      February 16, 2012 at 5:18 pm | Report abuse |
    • Chaplain

      Drug addiction is definitely a spiritual battle. Who could better identify with the sruggles associated with that demon than an awesome woman who knew God and was acquainted with the entrapments that lead to addiction. Danceby, its not always about obtaining the money but how its used. Hopefully it will be distributed for the Good and impact positive changes.I met Bishop Jakes many years ago and can truthfully say he is sincerely about a good work. Hopefully, you will understand as time goes on that everyone is not out to capitalize or exploit

      February 16, 2012 at 5:46 pm | Report abuse |
  51. Danceby

    Race at CNN and Fox. You ask me the reported is the one turned out. That is the thing in news; when blacks are going to be stomp mida they get black reporters who is all to glad to kick blacks.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:09 pm | Report abuse |
    • Dan

      English much?

      February 16, 2012 at 5:14 pm | Report abuse |
    • mikaman3000

      Hey Pavlov, how's about euthanizing your dog Danceby

      February 16, 2012 at 5:32 pm | Report abuse |
    • To Dan

      Your intelligent critique of his English usage is... "English much"? Wow. You know you're more pathetic than he is, right?

      February 16, 2012 at 8:50 pm | Report abuse |
  52. Danceby

    You ask me the reported is the one turned out. That is the thing in news; when blacks are going to be stomp mida they get black reporters who is all to glad to kick blacks.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:08 pm | Report abuse |
    • Topsy

      What the hell? I am sorry you did not graduate high school.

      February 16, 2012 at 5:29 pm | Report abuse |
    • Chaplain

      Danceby its obvious that you are struggling with some unresolved conflicts. "Prayer changes people and people change things" Please consider becoming a progressive change agent instead of spitting out venom. It may not seem like it but you are Loved try returning love you'll feel better.

      February 16, 2012 at 5:56 pm | Report abuse |
    • Taxx

      Can you please translate into English?
      What does stomp mida mean??? I can sort of figure out the rest of the text, but those two "words" have me stumped.

      February 16, 2012 at 6:10 pm | Report abuse |
  53. Danceby

    you ake me the reported is the one turned out.

    February 16, 2012 at 5:05 pm | Report abuse |
  54. Doodlebug

    Ways to instantly get a girls interest. 1 – Asking her how her day was, how things are going, and be sincere w/o using empty stupid compliments. 2 – Don't touch her w/o her permission, treat her with the utmost respect. 3 – Don't try to be who you are, don't talk yourself up, don't drop names, just... be yourself. and let her decide if she's interested in who you really are.

    February 16, 2012 at 4:58 pm | Report abuse |
    • Doodlebug

      opps i meant 'dont try to be who you aren't'..

      February 16, 2012 at 4:59 pm | Report abuse |
  55. Sebastian, MS LMFT

    This shows that we are all responsible to guide our children, to be aware of the music that they are hearing, to talk to them about the difference about right and wrong. As I coach parents about appropriate parenting behaviors; I coach them to understand that they set the tone for how their children will be judged once they step outside the home. I set the expectations for my child's behaviors. As a parent the buck stops with me. I am well aware of my child's behaviors because I taught her. We need to step up and teach our children how to behave. It is not up to the schools teachers, celebrities, or anybody else to set the tone or the expectation. That needs to come from me as a parent.

    February 16, 2012 at 4:19 pm | Report abuse |
  56. jimtanker

    My definition of rap – A $hltty rhyme put to stolen music.

    Pull your damn pants up and get a job.

    February 16, 2012 at 4:10 pm | Report abuse |
    • Suleiman

      My definition of "jimtanker": Redneck.

      Hop off your tractor, switch out of the overalls, and stop saying "Get 'er dunnn."

      February 16, 2012 at 5:38 pm | Report abuse |
  57. bob

    what do expect from a wannabe old thugs or gansta, rap is a the ruin of society and youth. blacks were doing much better until rap and hiphop cam along.

    February 16, 2012 at 4:07 pm | Report abuse |
  58. Mark

    As a father to 3 young girls and a young boy. This crap bugs me too. I mean when I was young the message was not much differnt. I grew up in the 80's and it was songs about partying with groupies and "she's only 17" kind of things. It did NOT ever glorify taking by force or offer details how to assult a girl. I mean let's be real here, it really shows the level of ignorance when a full grown man thinks that women/girls get turned on by groping. A real man will portray a message in the order of "I know you are raging with hormones and would love to touch her, but if you really like her, then don't disrespect her. Control yourself and those things will come when you are mature enough to handle it". Good advice for your community Too $hort keep the unplanned pregnancies coming because that has been working goof for you, hasn't it?

    February 16, 2012 at 3:58 pm | Report abuse |
  59. douginator

    And this is news?

    February 16, 2012 at 3:53 pm | Report abuse |
    • Retired Army

      Well......you didn't have to read it, did you?

      February 16, 2012 at 5:10 pm | Report abuse |
    • Dover

      From Webster:
      Definition of NEWS
      1
      a : a report of recent events b : previously unknown information or c : something having a specified influence or effect
      2
      a : material reported in a newspaper or news periodical or on a newscast b : matter that is newsworthy

      So, yeah....it's news. Next question?

      February 16, 2012 at 7:05 pm | Report abuse |
  60. MEGAN

    Such a nice story – if thugs like this keep on degrating women they way that they do here in the "Good Ole' U.S. of A" we'll be ranked right up there with the ingrates in the Middle East!

    February 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm | Report abuse |