Phil Mushnick (and Those Who Agree With Him), Tell Us Why You’re Really Mad at Jay-Z

May 8th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

No one is in denial about Jay-Z’s past. His lyrics are an open book to the lifestyle he lived and while I wouldn’t go so far as to say he glorifies it, he never hid it. There may have been a time early in his career when he did, but let’s not forget this man is 42-years-old and far removed from the drug game. Are the choices he made as teenager and in his twenties going to follow him for the rest of his life because white America can’t stand the fact that white men aren’t the only ones who can pull themselves up by the bootstraps? Jay’s straps may have been on a pair of sneakers he purchased with drug money but it’s unfair to let that distract or take away from the man he’s become and the man he’s been for several years/decades now. It’s cool if Mushnick wants to believe every other white sports team owner got all of their money through legit, unselfish, non-discriminatory business practices but we all know the likelihood that they have a little dirty money on their hands. The post writer is hardly concerned about the detriment Jay-Z’s lyrics are causing the black community, he’s concerned about his encroachment on the 1 percent.

It’s that fact that makes it so frustrating for me to read black people’s comments defending the words of Mushnick and other like-minded people. Would I like it if Jay-Z shared his $400 million-plus fortune a little more with the black community? Absolutely. Do I respect his ability to do with his money as he so pleases? Absolutely. Do I admire the hustle and the empire he’s been able to build after rising from a kid born into less-than-sub-par circumstances in Brooklyn? Without a doubt. I’m of the same mind as Jay when he says, “If you don’t like my lyrics you can press fast forward.”  His music, specifically his lyricism, is only one part of his success and I hardly think black (or white people) calling us n*ggers or n*ggas is one of our gravest concerns as a community.  I also don’t think in this day and age any white person needs the problem with them using that word explained to them no matter who else they hear using it. What the real issue is here is that no matter how far you climb there are going to be people who try to reduce you to being nothing more than a n*gger, as in an ignorant person, even when your accomplishments, as Jay-Z’s do, show you are far more. My simple advice to Mushnick would be to get comfy. There are plenty more so-called n*ggers, Beyotches, and h*es where Jay-Z came from and we want that same success.

Do you take issue with Mushnick’s comments on Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Nets or do you agree with his commentary on the rapper?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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  • http://profile.yahoo.com/KJ2TVKKT5Z6CSKWDBFCZ5U4KX4 Get real

    I don’t care for Jay-Z or rapp music nor do I buy their cd’s but why be mad because  a black is doing what white man do all the time invest their money and white people that are rich don’t give back to poor whites just look at all the poor trailer parks, back woods and mountains where poor whites live and besides I don’t remember a time when Jay-Z was poor and working to make it someone worked long hour in his place to do what he did even if it was selling drugs long hour I you take the risk no do the white man writing this bullshit help him no………………..

  • Truth0312

    Mushnick is a racist, xenophobic tool.  The use of the n-word didn’t set me off, as much as his transparent attempt to discredit a Black man who’s gotten “too big for his britches”.  

    That not withstanding, one of my biggest problems with some Black folk is that they blindly worship celebs for the wrong reasons (Jay-z included) and that they feel like they can define “Blackness” for every other Black person on the planet.  Yes, there is more to being successful than having a boat load of money.  If he didn’t have so much of it, he wouldn’t be a target.  No, Jay-z isn’t a saint,  You don’t get to be that rich by playing nice; but that doesn’t mean he’s a sellout, either.  I cannot stand when a Black man reaches a certain level of financial success, there’s always another group of Black folks so eager to tear them down.  Again, no one’s above criticism, but that crabs in a barrel mentality is counter productive.  Jay-z(or any rapper) didn’t bring drugs, materialism, and misogyny to the hood.  He, like many of us is a product of it.  I grew up listening to some of the vilest hip hop lyrics and I wasn’t promiscuous or get a criminal record.  I know many folks like me; it’s not that unusual.  Broken homes, unequal economic opportunity, and the lack of good role models is what’s killing our communities, not rap music.  Should Jay be doing more?!  Absolutely!  But, then again, so should you and I.  We can’t deride rich Black celebs for being apathetic when so many Black folks of all socioeconomic levels are the same way and at times worse.  If we want to build, it should start with each one of us.  By adopting a little sister/brother from an impoverished area, tutoring, legal classes, pregnancy prevention, stressing the importance of school, etc.  We can set a new standard for success in our communities.  It shouldn’t all be on the Diddy’s, Jays, and Talibs of the world to make it happen.  Fact is, we live in a capitalist society, I don’t see that changing any time soon.  Don’t get mad at some Black folks just because they worked it to their advantage; White folks been doing it for YEARS.  

    For all of hip hop’s detractors over the years, a man who’s interests include Basquiat, Fela Kuti, and who’s insightful lyrics into the yinyang of life’s triumphs and struggles has changed some perspectives. Wearing a Che t-shirt doesn’t make you revolutionary, but positively changing the way some people think about you and others in your community, in fact, does.  Now, tell me why some of y’all really mad?

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1326840708 Sean Lago

      Couldn’t have said it better myself (really I literally couldn’t) Lol, Madame Noire give this commenter a job.

  • Just Don’t Care

    C’mon y’all…let’s be fair and “keep it real”.  There was NO backlash like this when Magic Johnson became part-owner of the LA Dodgers.  There is a different level of respect, partly because Magic is an actual sports legend, but mostly because his business ventures and his overall lifestyle –post NBA retirement–has been positive and has given back to the Black community (Ex. urban movie theaters and Starbucks chains).   I agree that this white journalist may be harboring some sense of entitlement but again….if it were Birdman or Lil Wayne the sentiments would be the same.  Would this guy have said the same thing about Will Smith and Mark Anthony becoming co-owners of the Dolphins (which they are)?  Probably not. And honestly, I get it. Think about those dudes.. Birdman, Lil Wayne, Diddy…half the stuff they say in songs and in real life is an embarrassment to our race & culture–Jay being the least offensive, but still. So what that the NBA and  hip-hop culture have been married for a minute now,  I still don’t want to glorify a dealer-to riches lifestyle anymore than an scared old white lady clutching her pearls.  And yeah…I said it.

  • SickOfRidiculous

    I am an AA woman and I don’t see Mushnick as being racist for his comments. Jay-Z DOES call himself and other Black men “n****s”. Jay-Z DOES refer to women as “b*****s” and “h**s”. So, what about Mushnick’s statements are false or racist? IMO, Mushnick is being referred to as a racist simply because he is a White man speaking up about the ignorance, self-hate, and slave mentality portrayed in hip-hip culture. Had Mushnick been a Black man, there would be no issue.

  • Becewamu2

    Am from africa and we worry abt real problems lyk poverty so wat if someone called me a n****? I hAv beta thngs 2 worry abt lyk food.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1326840708 Sean Lago

    Aww man this was a well written article. To hell with that white man. But let me tell you what i believe. I believe Jay-Z, Birdman, and Diddy are all in competition with each other to see who will be the 1st HipHop Billionaire. And they aren’t sharing a penny with the Black community until one of them get their names in the Guiness Book of Records as 1st billionaire. These rappers love notoriety. Birdman I think is the worst tho, he

    • Caroneisha

      I totally agree with you. But I think these dudes is in some mob or underhanded type ish. IDK, that jus runs through my mond everytime I hear bout these fools.

  • just sayin

    I’m confused with ‘this’ article because Jay Z does refer to black men as n%ggas.  He does refer to black women as hoes and b&tches.

  • Gye Nyame

    It is clear to me when I read posts like this that black people suffer from mental illness…a lasting effect of slavery. I can’t believe how people stand up for this fool, who has done nothing but set our race back 2 decades. LEARN YOUR HISTORY, simply because someone makes a lot of money (which by the way was at the expense of his race) doesn’t mean they should be admired. Blacks are so used to being treated poorly that we allow men in our community to call us b*****s and h*s, and then have the nerve to say “well he aint talkin bout me”. Really conduct this social experiment: tell me what other race of people allow the least of them (ie. rappers) to determine the image that will be put out to the world? What other race of people have their men openly disrespect the women of that race? What other race of people accept this kind of treatment from the most uneducated people in their race? NO ONE will respect our culture until we respect ourselves. Stop getting mad when whites point out the obvious, and by the way Jay-Z doesn’t give a flyin fig about you, or me…check out how much he donated to his fund to help underprivileged kids…$7,000, this from a man who had a total family income of over 180 million last year. In the wise words of Spike Lee…”WAKE UP”!

    • RealTruth

      Everything you say is the truth! These idiots are nothing but a bunch of Toms getting paid to keep the black men, women and children in constant state of no self-worth with the same psychological bull thats been perpetuted on the black race since the first slave ship landed!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JAI4SRENU2A5WKRTELXXYJPDSI Kayla

    I don’t agree with what he wrote in the article, but im not gonna be jumping to back up Jay-Z.  If he gladly calls himself the N*gga in Paris, then I can’t get mad if someone wants to call him one.

  • Ksolotis

    Jay Z is the same as the pirates and slave master who made their riches off of the backs and suffering of black people. Only now, the black people don’t realize the suffering. Jay Z is no worse than THEM. This Muschrick person is stupid to think that he is offended someone like Jay Z. He’s laughing at you, sir. Quit wasting your time writing about this guy, sir and write other things like nature, politics or food.

  • not a fan

    I do feel that Mushnick is threatened by black success and power however, i do feel that we as the black community need to reexamine a few things. Jay-Z, along with other rappers, throughout his career has objectified and demeaned women, perpetuated black on black crime and promoted the use and sell of drugs to the black community among other things. No, it’s not just black entertainers that demean women of all races but I’m specifically talking about black rappers. I used to be a HUGE fan of Jay-Z but as I became a woman and followed his career, the same black people he profited from he seem to slowly abandon. His album with Kanye is evident of this. His big hit and video N**gas in Paris featured predominately people who appeared white! His song Otis, again, predominately white! I do not endorse Jay-Z, Kanye, lil wayne and whoever else in the rap game that’s about this formula! I think it’s great that they are opening doors for more black millionaires but that’s where it ends. I wish him the best in his future endeavors and I pray to God that when Blue Ivy gets old enough to comprehend things, he will explain his motives and whether or not he regrets how he got to the top. 

  • KeeKeeAlNatural

    You know what, I am black and I do not see where Mr. Phil Mushnick is racist. He is just stating how he feel. There is a whole lot of truth to what this man is saying but because he is white, it is a problem. I understand why Jay-Z has changed the team colors to black and white and it has nothing to do with race. Mr. Phil understands what is really going on in high society and he has a right to dislike what he sees. Jay-Z is a business man on a different level. He rally needs to separate his music and street credits from business on another level. People are always talking about “Get that money!” what at who’s expense? Seriously people. Seriously!

    • Ksolotis

      I guess if he doesn’t have you on the grass with a gun pressed up against your chest, you can’t see as clearly. Honey, this h****y is a racist.

    • Ms_Mara

      Of course he’s just stating his opinion, but where did that opinion come from? Sure, as a rapper he tosses the n-word around. Most of them do. But as a businessman, I hardly think he sits in meetings and uses that word. I don’t recall any of his business ventures bearing the n-word, b–ch or hoe. So what would give Mushnick the idea that Jay-Z would name anything business-related the N-word, or b–ch or hoe? Nevermind the fact that Jay-z can’t even rename the team if he wanted to. In MY opinion, this was just an excuse for him to use those words and APPEAR to be calling Jay-Z out. The NY Post has always been trashy anyway, and I see they will stoop to anything to sell. If you look at it that way, I guess maybe they have more in common with Jay-Z than they’d want to admit.

  • http://www.facebook.com/lameesha.johnson Lameesha Love-Independent John

    Yes  Mush-neck is obvioulsy ignorant however he does have a huge point, rappers like jay-z make people think its okay to talk like that, why not when they do it.

  • tery

     One last thing. He’s even seem to have distances himself from black people period, and all things urban. When the last time you saw him with a black person. All he does is boast about sitting at master’s table. He acts so Brooklyn, i’m bringing a stadium to the hood, but come on now? What are the motives here $$$$. I doubt he’d acknowledge you with a simple contact, but I wouldn’t say the same if you were some white journalist or news site. Ijs

    • tery

       typo “acknowledge you with a simple EYE contact “

    • Guest1234

      And, last I heard, Brooklyn wasn’t all that “urban” anymore.  Didn’t they move all the black folks out to make room for white yuppies and their quinoa gardens, or whatever?  I think a hip-hop Jay-Z-fronted kind of team there is very out of place.  Do the people who live in Brooklyn now even LIKE basketball? 

      I actually think moving a team there is a very bad move.  Who the heck will be the fans?  The Knicks kind of have a lock on the NY market, and Brooklyn doesn’t have any basketball fans.  Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

      • Ms_Mara

        A Brooklyn team “fronted” by a rapper from Brooklyn sounds out of place to you? lol And no, they didn’t move all the Black folks out of Brooklyn. There are still lots of Blacks, Hispanics, and everything else in Brooklyn. I DO agree that it’s gonna be hard to compete against the Knicks who play in a packed MSG (even though they suck, lol).

  • Guest1234

    Next thing you know, Ms. Victorian will be advocating giving Jay-Z awards for journalism and rocket science.  In fact, why don’t we give him an award for his ingenious discovery of the cure for cancer?  

    The guy is a n***a.  He refers to himself that way.  Why the hell would we get bent out of shape because a white person has noticed and followed suit?  Jay-Z does far more harm to the black community than some no-name writer from the NY post or whatever.  Say what you want – but Jay Z is the one making millions on the backs of poor african-americans. Not some bozo writer.  But keep kissing the celebrity a$$ and telling us all how honorable they are – no matter how low they sink.  Keep writing about how it’s so brilliant and admirable to be a n***a and to call black women bi**es and ho’s for the greater entertainment of white people.  

    Ya’ll folks need to seriously get yourselves together.  There are more important things than money.  And even if there weren’t, there are far more honorable ways to be a success.  Jay-Z is no inspiration to the black community.  He is a disgrace.  

    • KeeKeeAlNatural

      AMEN! I couldn’t agree more.

    • MixedUpInVegas

      Well said and very true.

    • F3ral Anarchy

       so a person who was poisoning the community with dope stops doing it to become a legit business man and thats wrong?  So basically you are saying that no person who changes their life is an inspiration?

      • Guest1234

        You’re an idiot.  The problem isn’t that he USED to sell dope.  It’s that he CURRENTLY calls black folks n**as, b*$#es and hos and degrades himself and the black community in exchange for a seat at massa’s table.  Reading comprehension is an undervalued skill in America today.

        So no.  I’m not saying that people who stop selling drugs can’t be inspirations.  That’s a ridiculous thing for you to get from my comment.  Take remedial reading lessons ASAP!  A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

        • F3ral Anarchy

          And thank you for reminding me what a civil debate is. 

    • Akosua123

       you stole all the words from my mouth. Spot on!!!!

    • Calikush

      ^^^^^ u betta preach, and school these fools! Excellent comment! Couldn’t have said it better myself!

  • Knox

    mushnick go sit down! jay z just smart business MAN! Ya dig!!

  • Twentyswt

    Hate is a hell of a powerful drug and that’s the problem that we as black people have.  I agree with everything the writer says because at the end of the day Jay saw more than Marcy, then Brooklyn, or the USA.   He didn’t listen to people tell him your a good enough rapper so stop.  Or your the president of Def Jam so stop.  Do I approve of some of the messages he’s spoken about no but for every big pimpin there was a song cry.  For every money cash ho’s there was an ignorant ish.  In fact people need to listen to ignorant ish because he explains how messed up society is.  How many white celebrities do all  kinds of crazy stuff, go to rehab, find religion, adopt babies or whatever and their past is wiped clean.  But how dare an ex drug dealer who chose to become a rapper/CEO/PARTIAL owner of an NBA team want more for himself.  That’s a life lesson for everyone out there.  Want more for yourself. If you know better DO Better.  And this is coming from a NAS fan.

  • tery

    It’s not the point of weather you agree with Mushnick or not. What fool would ? Yes Mushnick was being a racist, and is most likely trembling at the simple fact a black man could pull him self up from his boot straps, and every thing else you wrote…..The point is, it starts with us.  You should have
    wrote a piece on Jay and his use of the N word so freely then proceeded to call out Mushnick.

    What is Jay in particular defense when they have the biggest hit of this year titled ” N’s in Paris” ?????? How/why are we to come to his defense (him of all people) ?

     I’m waiting on Jay’s response. O wait he has none. I’m not about to defend him when I don’t like their song, and how all of their white fans think it’s cool to sing along !  He’s on his own with this one * sips tea*

    His business adventure Brooklyn Nets some see it as a black man coming up & some see it as him being used to soften the blow pushing the poor from their homes. He owns such a small % you can see he’s only the face of the product. Nothing more, or nothing or less than one of their usual endorsements. With that being said I would still marry him, but i’m not about to be fake, play dumb, jump out my body for him.  However I don’t see the need to constantly bring up his past which is something people often do !

    • tery

       I also want to say his lyrics aren’t that bad to me as far as the use of the word b  & h but I don’t listen to his music like that.  I’m more into the way he carry himself so I don’t really know. The music I have heard over the years of his I can’t say he repeatedly use those words but he seems to be that face of the rapper that does when I could probably name 20  rappers that triple his use of those words ! To me more like words he use here and there, but I could be wrong.

    • Janice Dee

      You touched on points that no one wants to focus on particularly his fans.  They would rather respond to people criticizing him (even black people) with name calling and ugly words.  The fact of the matter is the use of this word was not started with Jay and other rappers, but they took it to all new heights.  How can you be insulted by someone using a word that he used to describe himself as well as using to refer to others all the time?  This is why the word should be eliminated from our language.  People have to recognize that you can’t have it both ways, free to use the word and say we took the sting out, but then get insulted when it used against you.  I’m also glad that you pointed out Jay rarely responds (the only time I heard him respond was on Oprah) to the criticism which indicates to me he doesn’t care because he’s making his money and if it’s at the cost of his own people particularly the woman, Oh well, he’s still rich!!!!

  • LetsBeRealpeople

    I like how your site has rehashed this. Keep signing for Carter and insulting Black Intellect. Let me go back to your gossip site. There was real talk in the comments there.

  • L-Boogie

    Again, no matter how much you achieve by SOME Whites you still will be a n!gg@.  

    • L-Boogie

      But on the real, Jay-Z is the HNIC.  Get your money. You came from nothing and made yourself an empire.  I have nothing but respect and admiration for him and his wife Beyonce.  Congratulations! Do not judge this man on his past…judge him for his present.