The mixtape was met with some controversy regarding its title, particularly from Shyne, a Jewish rapper.
Personally, I find that this record title and cover are not offensive whatsoever. Ross is in no way mocking Judaism, but is instead using the concept of a Bar Mitzvah to illustrate his own success. He is using a Bar Mitzvah as a metaphor for his own wealth and success. I commend Ross on positively representing Judaism in the hip-hop world. A few years ago, this would have been an even bolder move. Here a few examples of anti-Semitic lyrics in hip-hop through the ages:
- "It cools to a tight wad, the Pyrex is Jewish" from Wamp Wamp by Clipse
- "Some tall Israeli is running this rap shit" from The Rape Over by Mos Def (referring to Warner Music Group executive Lyor Cohen)
-"...doing business with the Jews" from After The Smoke is Clear by Ghostface Killah-"Flow tight like I was born Jewish" from This Can't Be Life by Jay-Z
Recently, hip-hop has managed to stray away from these kinds of lyrics and become more accepting of Jewish culture. A few recent lyrics include:
- "Rich niggas, black bar mitzvahs/Mazel tov, it's a celebration bitches/L' chaim." from Roc Boys by Jay-Z
- "Damn it's a party crackin' like it's Bar Mitzvah/36 bitches on my dick 'cause I'm Sisqo." from Dr. Phil by Lil B
- "You blame your own shortcomings on sex and race/The mafia, homosexuals and all the Jews/It's hogwash point of views, stereotypical/Anti-Semitic like the foul words Gibson spewed/And it's pathetic" from Back When by Nas
Judaism has clearly become more esteemed in hip-hop. Partly with help from Drake, one of the most popular rappers today, who was born Jewish. In his recent video for HYFR, Drake celebrates his second Bar Mitzvah, accompanied by such rappers as Lil Wayne, Birdman, and DJ Khaled.
The video depicts Judaism in a positive way, with all the rappers seated in a Synagogue during Drake's ceremony.They then attend an after-party, which is rather tame by modern rap video standards. I must admit that despite my dislike for Drake's music, I am appreciative of his decision to portray his Jewish pride, and that he was able to be assisted by rap moguls in order to do this.
Another recently popular Jewish rapper is Mac Miller. Miller was raised Jewish and is still practicing. He has made several references to his faith and is the self-proclaimed "The best Jew in the rap game". Miller also uses his lyricism to show his faith "Thinkin' bout my people who was murdered in the Holocaust/Got me thankful just for life by itself" from PA Nights.
Does anyone else know of any references to Judaism in hip-hop?
Do other religions function similarly in hip-hop?
Still the best.
DVNNY SETH happens to be jewish. He said at one point Drake had to be his favorite rapper. Not only because of his talent, but because he loved the where he came from and how he came up in a time where there weren't many jewish rappers. He said that he doesn't get offended by many things, but he is offended by rappers(and people) who talk down on Judaism.
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