bet lil wayne

 

Lately there’s been a rash of artists under scrutiny for their lyrics and artistic expression.  Although many might argue that artists should have the right to say what they want, corporations have a slightly different point of view. The most recent case involves Lil Wayne, rapper and CEO of YMCMB.  The New Orleans born emcee was dropped from PepsiCo as an endorser of their Mountain Dew soda product. The reason was due to an offensive reference made about Emmett Till, a young man brutally murdered in Mississippi during the civil rights era.

 

Wayne’s offensive lyrics was recorded on Future’s “Karate Chop” song. Due to the widespread negative press and disgust by Emmett Till’s family, PepsiCo decided to end their relationship with Lil Wayne. As such with Miami-rapper Rick Ross who, also, was dropped by a major corporation for his drug and rape reference in “U.E.O.N.O.”  Reebok severed their ties with the Maybach Music Group CEO, costing Ross several millions in endorsement money [READ HERE].

 

The recent string of events proves that there’s no such thing as “freedom of speech” to corporations.  The “bottom-line” in revenue dollars is what companies are most concerned with. For Reebok and PepsiCo, the impact of the negative press translated into a decline in sales. But also, the offensive and derogatory lyrics could have potentially tarnished their brands. Words can be deadly.  Yet, many artists fail to realize this and continue to degrade our women, glorify drugs and guns, and/or promote domestic violence.  At some point, artists should be held accountable for what they say.  Lyrics not only affect a company’s ability to sell products and make money, but they also confirm this negative perception of people and communities that are already oppressed.

 

At the end of the day, freedom of speech hurts us and the corporations.  It shows that some artists aren’t versatile enough to talk about other things.  Also, it shows companies that taking a risk by hiring an artist to endorse a product may not always be the best thing. You can make millions or easily lose millions.  Therefore, it is certain that the way corporations issue endorsement deals in the future will take on a different approach.  Don’t be surprised if stricter clauses are incorporated in these agreements.

 

 

What do you think?  Do you think artists should watch what they say in songs?  Let us know we’d like to know how you feel.