Beenie-Babies

The rapper “Beenie Man” is renowned for his somewhat controversial lyrics. I was first introduced to his music by some of the ‘hip hop’ crowd in school. I can’t say I was a big fan. I believe the first lyrics I picked up on where “I want a dude who will do me in the van / A thug that can handle his biz like a man”. (“Dude”, Beenie Man Feat. Ms. Thing). I thought, charming.

It was only later that I heard his name again, this time in connection with complaints about homophobic lyrics. Such lyrics included (easily offended look away now) "Hang chi chi gal wid a long piece of rope" [Hang lesbians with a long piece of rope] and "Tek a bazooka and kill batty-fucker" [Take a bazooka and kill gay men].

I don’t know about you, but I don’t see how such lyrics could be easily misunderstood – seems pretty clear to me. However, Beenie Man, after facing complaints, having concerts cancelled and the like, thinks this is an unfair translation. He was quoted in “The Independent”, saying the true meaning of his lyrics have been misinterpreted due to cultural differences.

Last month groups of black gay and lesbian bloggers and activists protested about the artist's inclusion in a HIV/AIDS benefit organised by LIFEbeat, a music industry AIDS organization. The concert organisers cancelled the event after days of complaints. His concert in Brighton (British Gay Mecca) was cancelled, and across the water, two Canadian concerts were cancelled.

In the modern media controlled world, it is surprising how much influence singers and celebrities have on young people. While I am all for freedom of speech, I am not for homophobia and hate.

If my disapproval of Mr. Beenie Man and his music is because I don’t understand his culture, I don’t want to. I fully support calls from gay and lesbians everywhere to bring to light this mainstream homophobia.