So I get that she sees herself sought of like a female version of Malcolm X looking out her window to protect herself from predators.
However, I think it wasn't well executed so it actually corrupted the legacy of a very revered Black Icon and Martyr for Freedom. Also I think she would have done better dressing like Malcolm with the gun and could have made the same point.
Some persons and contributions are just sacrosanct and you don't do things to taint their legacy. We are seeing this with Dr. King's image too Photoshopped to sell gold chains and activities that are questionable.
The free flowing use of the N'Word and ambiguous poetic statements towards Black men with meager economic means really sent disturbing and mixed messages about her intent. So she has a controversial and popular video that emits more heat than light. I think it was a missed opportunity and actually devalued what she was attempting to say.
I know Nikki wasn't addressing all Black men but she actually taps into a sentiment by a lot of people, Black and White, who feel Black men are just Triflin N*ggas.
In a way she is helping to perpetuate the same stereotypes that rationalize the killing of a young Black male like Jordan Davis or Trayvon Martin. Music and lyrics like this take on an inflammatory life of their own given the context of our times and images of urban young people.
Then while she's using the N'Word she evokes images of Malcolm X and for a lot of people it is a mixed message at best and twisted message for most. I think we do have to stand up to this type of expression to profit off controversy at any cost so utilized by the corporate hip hop industry.
So I understand Nikki's message but I feel we have to stem the tide of this kind of disrespectful art.
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