Jay-Z Blasts The “Ridiculous” Glastonbury Controversy | Why The Hip-Hop Hate?
by 
Dave Parrack on June 23rd, 2008
When Jay-Z was announced as a headliner for this year’s Glastonbury festival, it caused no end of controversy, and consternation amongst regular Glasto-goers who weren’t happy with the booking. In the run-up to this weekend’s festival, Jay-Z has now come out and had his say on the whole thing.
Unsurprisingly, Jay-Z things the controversy is “ridiculous” and has been left wondering what all the fuss is about. And I have to say I agree with him, and I’m left wondering what the real reasons behind the anti-Jay-Z lobbying actually are.
It was announced way back in February that Jay-Z would be amongst the headliners for the festival, with Kings of Leon and The Verve later added. The announcement immediately caused uproar, with many Glastonbury veterans dismissing the decision as a terrible one.
Most of the criticism revolved around the idea that Jay-Z just wasn’t a very good fit for what is traditionally a rock and indie festival. There were others who clearly just didn’t like the idea of a more mainstream artist, and an American to boot, headlining the very alternative British festival.
Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher even added his weight to the controversy by describing Jay-Z as “wrong” for Glasto.
Jay-Z has now hit back while talking to Tim Westwood on Radio 1’s Rap Show on Saturday (transcript courtesy of the BBC):
“It’s ridiculous, if we don’t embrace what is new, then how do we progress? I’ve never actually experienced anything like that before.”
“It’s 2008, what is that about? That’s such old school thinking, that’s not even how the world thinks any more. So I was really taken aback (by the criticism).”
“These barriers that they have are only put up there to separate us. They are there so people have a way of filing the music but that’s not the way kids today listen to music.”
“I listen to all types of music and that’s what should happen, that’s what the world should be about, mixing culture. There’s only good music and bad music.”
I am in full agreement with Jay-Z’s comments, and can’t understand the criticism he has received. Jay-Z is, along with Kanye West, one of the best rappers in the world, and no doubt puts on a great live show. He is also a great innovator, and deserves his place at the festival.
This isn’t even the first time a hip-hop artist has played a British festival, with Eminem, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Ice Cube and Cypress Hill having all performed and been received well over the years. We’ll ignore 50 Cent getting bottled off the stage at Reading a few years ago.
If I were going to Glastonbury, then I’d be at the front of the crowd to watch Jay-Z headline, and I can’t understand the lack of respect being shown to the man. I just hope race isn’t playing any part.
[Photo Source: spcoon at Flickr]
Tags: Brit, British, Cypress Hill, Eminem, Glasto, Glastonbury, Hip Hop, Ice Cube, Jay-Z, noel-gallagher, Oasis, Public Enemy, Rap, The Beastie Boys, UK| 2.5 |
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POSTED IN: Artists, Festivals, Hip Hop, Industry, Interviews, Live, News, Op Ed
3 opinions for Jay-Z Blasts The “Ridiculous” Glastonbury Controversy | Why The Hip-Hop Hate?
Jun 23, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Dave, why even think about bringing race into this? That makes no sense.
I wouldn’t be down the front, or even in the same field when JayZ plays, if I were going. Because I don’t like rap music, simple as. I’m sure many others feel the same wa
However, I don’t buy that JayZ playing is a reason why ticket sales haven’t been good this year. There are countless numbers of stages at Glastonbury where, regardless of what is on the Pyramid stage, you can find something you will enjoy. I can’t say why tickets sales aren’t good (surely not everyone’s festival hating girlfriend’s birthday falls on Glastonbury weekend this year) but I’m sure this has nothing to do with it.
Maybe people shouldn’t be so vocal about what they want to see and not see at Glastonbury and maybe the hip hop fans that attend Glastonbury don’t quite have the voice that the rest do, but there is no need to go on about this that much more, is there? I’m sure everyone will enjoy themselves this weekend whoever they see and I’m sure JayZ will have a blast too!
Jun 23, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Race has got bugger all to do with it, why even bring it up? There are plenty of artists/band members who are black or Asian playing at Glasto.
Maybe it’s because Hip-Hop and Rap isn’t part of the essence of Glastonbury. Personally I don’t think Dance and Rave are part of the spirit of the festival either.
Think travellers and hippies, that’s how Glastonbury festival started, with people playing tunes on an old accoustic and getting stoned around a camp fire near the stone circle at Avalon. Not even some this commercial stuff feels right.
I’m not saying Jay Z isn’t good enough but Hip-Hop isn’t where Glastonbury is at in my opinion. Put it this way, you wouldn’t expect to hear Hendrix at a Rap-off or see The Arctic Monkeys at a Country Hoe-down.
Jun 26, 2008 at 12:03 am
How could you even consider Kanye West the best rapper?! Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, or Jedi Mind Tricks could wipe the floor with Kanye….
I’m sorry I just had to point that out.
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