Bill Cosby's artists speak out against Russell Simmons' recent comments

November 9, 1:08 PMNY Hip-Hop Music ExaminerSamantha Greaves

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Bill Cosby's artists defend his opinions. (Photo: Google)

Actor/comedian Bill Cosby is no stranger to voicing his opinions when it comes to his thoughts about the African –American community. When Cosby is not stating what is wrong with the black community he can be heard aiming his comments at Hip-Hop and its artists.

Russell Simmons recently took to his blog to discuss Bill Cosby and his thoughts regarding the new generation of young black adults. Though Russell acknowledged that he has nothing but love for Bill Cosby and his thoughts, Russell believes that the blame is being wrongly placed.

In his blog on GlobalGrind.com, Russell spoke about the backlash Bill Cosby has participated in - in regards to the thought pattern of young African-Americans and the destruction they are doing within the community. According to Russell, Bill has often times pointed the finger at the young generation of African-Americans all the while turning a blind eye to the older generation that inhabited more inner problems than what we see today.

We love Cosby and all the older types who judge and blame the poets or culture for the sadness that the poets point to from their realities,” Russell says in his GlobalGrind.com blog. “From a place of love, I am letting the older generation know that they must admit that young people are less racist, less sexist, less homophobic, less prejudice than their parents and far less than their grandparents. Mr. Cosby, you know that your generation is carrying a lot more dirt, you are all just smart enough to cover it up. Old people are quicker to destroy the planet, abuse the animals and promote wars and then act like young people are violent. Young people are more compassionate, giving, promote gay rights, animal rights, human rights, protect the environment and want to end the wars. When they point out the contradictions that come up and say it on a record and say it LOUD, you can’t believe it! The culture and the poetry is a mirror of the realities that they expressing. Instead of criticizing, let us recognize the faults of adults, because until that happens you all will continue to turn off young people from your message and further alienate them from your generation.

Read Russell Simmons full GlobalGrind.com blog.

In response to Russell’s recent comments, artists that are set to appear on Bill Cosby’s upcoming Hip-Hop project State of Emergency fired back, defending Cosby’s mission and current efforts to reach the Hip-Hop generation.

"I hope that people do not get distracted and lost in the critiques of Cosby's past comments but instead they are able to acknowledge what Cosby is doing RIGHT NOW! Cosby is taking a whole other route by investing in politically charged hip-hop that does not condemn but instead inspires and uplifts during a time when there is next to none of that happening in the music industry,” Supa Nova Slom one of the artists on the album said in response to Russell’s blog. “People need to be inspired and empowered again to get involved just as we got involved during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. This CD hopefully will inspire not only conversations, but also actions, programs, and raised self-esteem."

Jace The Great also took the opportunity to express his thoughts emphasizing intergenerational approach: "Cosby has actually moved beyond just addressing or blaming the youth. In our town hall he spoke openly to the elder generation about their involvement and accountability. Point blank the problem right now is there is a State of Emergency in our communities and we need to act fast. Cosby knowing the power and importance of hip-hop culture is using it as a means to reach more youth not to condemn them."

Bill Cosby’s State of Emergency is scheduled for release on November 24.