MC Shan Claps Back at Dr. Umar's Eminem Critique: Hip-Hop Pioneer Defends Rap Legend
“Let me say something to you. And this is going to my African fundamentalism. No non-African can ever be the best of anything African. It is an insult to the ancestors. It’s an insult to the race and it is an insult to every Black person. Do you think I can go to Palestine and be the best of anything of Palestinian culture? You never see that. You think I can go to Israel and be the best of anything in Israel whether it be a cook, an instrumentalist, a dancer? Hell no. We have to stop naming non-African people as being the best of any aspect in our cultural product because it’s an insult. I can acknowledge Eminem’s talent but for you to put him at the top, that’s white supremacy bro. I don’t see Eminem building schools and hospitals. I don’t see DJ Khaled building schools and hospitals,”
MC Shan goes off on Dr. Umar after his comments about Eminem.
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap_) December 29, 2023
Dr. Umar says that Eminem can NOT be one of the greatest rappers of all time because he's NOT BLACK! pic.twitter.com/OvtQPATCDX
MC Shan, a foundational figure in the genre, took to Instagram Live to vehemently defend Eminem against Dr. Umar's remarks. Shan, known for his contributions to hip-hop history, passionately spoke out against the notion that Eminem, MC Serch, and Snow were cultural appropriators. He highlighted Eminem's genuine immersion in the hip-hop culture, emphasizing the rapper's struggles and challenges, including his well-documented battles with substance abuse.
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Shan urged a broader perspective on hip-hop, stressing the inclusive nature of the genre that has welcomed artists from diverse backgrounds. He dismissed the idea of Eminem robbing the rap game, asserting that Eminem's journey mirrors the struggles faced by many black artists. Shan called for unity within the hip-hop community and encouraged a focus on shared experiences rather than divisive racial narratives.
The hip-hop pioneer's impassioned defense underscored the complex dynamics of cultural identity within the genre, challenging Dr. Umar's assertions about Eminem's place in African culture. As the debate continues to unfold, the hip-hop community finds itself grappling with questions of authenticity, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of a genre that has become a global cultural phenomenon.