There was no outrage when Satan dated 2020. You knew it was satire. You knew It was a joke. Your laugh was not in appreciation of Satan, but an ironic acknowledgement of the joke.
You’re not stupid. You get it.
Nas was going to name that album “Nigger.” There was precedent in Dick Gregory and Randall Kennedy. But rappers don’t get artistic benefits of the doubt. The title was regarded as little more than a publicity stunt, not as irony or articulation of a complex theme. Though the content remained, the title changed, all because they thought Nas was stupid to get it.
I didn’t watch the video. But I did watch this commercial and laugh. And I do remember (Big) Nas altering his vision because people didn’t believe a rapper could be anything but literal.
You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to love it. You’re free to critique it however you feel.
But in your critiques, positive or negative, I simply ask you acknowledge that the intent behind the video was likely allegorical, even if the allegory doesn’t resonate with you.
You like rap. You give rappers the artistic benefit of the doubt. You allow artists the leeway to sell imaginary drugs, and you’re able to transcribe that imaginary hustle to your real one.
You know how to draw inspiration from the wildly exaggerated profane.
You’re not stupid. You get it. I know you do.
So act like it.
