Hi, I'm wondering how you all are thinking about JayZ and the way that both Gayle and Oprah seem to be such fans.
I don't usually listen to rap but I read the O interview with him, know that Gayle loved him and so I went searching for his songs. To put it mildly the lyrics are not my thing. Gayle plays "New York State of Mind" a lot and might be the only song she can play a clip of since it doesn't have the n word, or words referring to women that I don't like to hear. I have to say, I LOVE Alicia Keys voice and while I don't know all her songs, I do have some favorites of hers so I love hearing her voice on that clip of the song.

I know Oprah stated that Jayz's use of certain words was something that they would have to "agree to disagree" on. I understand that his explanation was that his generation is taking the sting off some of the words, specifically the "n" word. Oprah's response was something to the effect that she thought maybe it was a generational thing and that she was just in the generation that would never get over it. I don't know what the reason for others but I only know what I know for ME. I don't like the history behind the "n" word and I don't like hearing words used for women that indicate complete disrespect. I'm 42, American Born, Mexican Descent. I have no children so I'm not looking at the effect on them, I'm just thinking about the effect of all this on society at large, generations to come. I still find the "n" word as negative, I guess history class stayed with me?

I really would like to hear what you are thinking. Am I being rigid in "today's day and age"?
Do you feel like JayZ is doing the "n" word and derogatory words used for women a favor by using them so much in his music for young people to hear? He had a HUGE following already and with Beyonce at his side and people like Oprah and Gayle as fans and his collaborations with other artists, he's gone from rap and into the mainstream.

I'm resisting. lol. Am I the only one?