13 Year-Old Gangsta Rapper Lil’ Mouse’s ‘Get Smoked’ Video Sparks Outrage
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSgpwhF8Dbc
Hailing from Chicago’s South Side, 13 year-old rapper Lil’ Mouse’s music video “Get Smoked” has racked up nearly half a million views on youtube.
But his profanity-laced gangsta rap lyrics – rife with references to drugs, sex, and guns – has sparked outrage on and offline.
Many are pointing to the song’s content, it’s writer’s age, and the surging murder rate in his hometown as serious cause for alarm. But in an interview with NewsOne, P. Noble – the video’s producer – argues Mouse is simply “keeping it real;” detailing the goings on in his community, while making a little money in the process.
“‘Lil Mouse is writing his own lyrics about what he sees in his community every day,’ Noble told NewsOne in an exclusive interview. ‘This is an eye opener for people about what’s really going on in urban communities. His message doesn’t disturb me. It’s what young people call, ‘Keepin’ it real.’ And this is the way the music industry is headed.’
Noble may be right.
Eighteen-year-old rap sensation Chief Keef, who hails from Chicago’s South Side, is known as the prince of violence for obvious reasons.
He recently signed a lucrative deal with Interscope Records.
‘If Lil Mouse were White and strumming a guitar,’ Noble added, ‘the reaction would be much different. He is being singled out because of what he’s rapping about. It’s a way for him to keep it real. I don’t celebrate negativity, the abuse of women, or violence, but I do celebrate a youth coming out of a situation of poverty and despair. I’m pretty sure he’s going to do well.'”
Is there any justification for allowing a 13 year-old to make a music video like “Get Smoked?”
What does it’s content and popularity say about the state of black youth, Hip Hop, and the music industry?
Sound off below!