Stop Snitchin'

Rapper Cam'ron: Snitching Hurts His Business, "Code Of Ethics"

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on April 22, 2007. It was updated on Aug. 8, 2007.

In most communities, a person who sees a murder and helps the police put the killer behind bars is called a witness. But in many inner-city neighborhoods in this country that person is called a "snitch."

"Stop snitchin'" is a catchy hip-hop slogan that embodies and encourages this attitude. You can find it on everything from rap music videos to clothing. "Stop snitchin'" once meant "don’t tell on others if you’re caught committing a crime."

But as CNN's Anderson Cooper reports for 60 Minutes, it has come to mean something much more dangerous: "don’t cooperate with the police – no matter who you are."

As a result, police say, witnesses are not coming forward. Murders are going unsolved.

Reluctance to talk to police has always been a problem in poor, predominantly African-American communities, but cops and criminologists say in recent years something has changed: fueled by hip-hop music, promoted by major corporations, what was once a backroom code of silence among criminals, is now being marketed like never before.

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The message appears in hip-hop videos, on T-shirts, Web sites, album covers and street murals. Well-known rappers talk about it endlessly on DVDs. It is a simple message heard in African-American communities across the country: don't talk to the police.

"When I was growing up, kids used to talk about snitching…. It never extended as a cultural norm outside of the gangsters," says Geoffrey Canada, a nationally recognized educator and anti-violence advocate. "It was not for regular citizens. It is now a cultural norm that is being preached in poor communities."

Canada has been working with children in Harlem for more than 20 years. He grew up poor in a tough New York neighborhood, but says the message kids are getting today is very different and dangerous.

"People are walking around with shirts. People are going out making, making music. People are saying things that if you're a snitch it's like being an Uncle Tom was when I was growing up," Canada says. "It's like you can't be a black person if you have a set of values that say, 'I will not watch crime happen in my community without getting involved to stop it.'"

"So this slogan, this 'stop snitchin'.' It now extends to rape, robbery, murder, really any crime?" Cooper asks.

"Any crime," Canada says. "It's like we're saying to the criminals, 'You can have our community. Just have our community. Do anything you want, and we will either deal with it ourselves, or we'll simply ignore it.'"

Canada could no longer ignore it on Feb. 5, 2006, when Israel Ramirez, a student he had mentored and loved like a son, was shot to death outside a soundstage in Brooklyn.

Ramirez was working as a bodyguard for the rap star Busta Rhymes, who was making a music video.

A person who was there told 60 Minutes Ramirez was shot in front of Busta Rhymes. He died at the scene two days before his 29th birthday, leaving a wife and three children behind.

"You know, I just think of him, being shot, falling down, probably thinking, 'This might be it.' And I just wonder, who held his hand? Who caressed his head? Who told him, 'I'm gonna be here?' Who stayed with him? Who made sure this man just didn't die alone for nothing?" Canada wonders.

New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says there were at least 25 people who may have witnessed the shooting. But he says nobody has come forward to testify.

"The people that we've located, either were inside and didn't see anything. Or you'll get a version of, 'I have to work in this business. Ask Busta Rhymes what happened,'" Commissioner Kelly says.

The police would like to ask Busta Rhymes what happened but, even though he talked vaguely about the killing on a cable TV show, he refused to talk to investigators, or to 60 Minutes.

Geoffrey Canada believes it's because Busta Rhymes doesn’t want to jeopardize sales of his music and videos; Canada says being labeled a "snitch" might have damaged Rhymes' "street cred."

"One of the things that sells music is when the artist is looked at as someone who's come up from the streets. Not just any streets, but the toughest, meanest streets of the urban ghetto. And that's called 'street credibility,'" Canada says.

Busta Rhymes did put a tribute to Israel Ramirez on the video he was making when Ramirez was killed. "Just wanted to make sure people seen this so they know you ain't die in vain. Love you and I miss you, Homie. Hope we make you proud," Rhymes said in the video.

"I think that's horrid," says Canada. "I ask you Busta, as a man, if that was your son and you watched someone kill your son, would you remain quiet or would you get justice for your son? This is murder. This is murder. This is watching someone getting murdered. How do we walk away from this?"

[sal567]

What ethics? Does this person even know the meaning of the word? It's so sad when the state of mind of so called celebrities is overcome by greed (business, money, fame) rather than integrity (the right thing to do). Shame!

[muvaphknmega]

I wonder if he would change his opinion if the serial killer he refused to "Snitch On" later murdered one of his family members.

[muvaphknmega]

I think it should also be noted that the inner city community isn't always against snitching. Last year after the shooting death of Busta Rhymes' body guard. He received a lot of negative feed back from the hiphop and inncercity community for not working with police to find his so-called friends killer.

[mzsthai]

Where's the outrage for this comment? Probably never here about it anywhere else. Too bad they don't take people like this out and flog them the way they did Imus...

[rapiscrap1]

Ah yes, another nugget of wisdom brought to us by a leading "artist" from the hip-hop "culture." The phrase "glittering jewel of colossal ignorance" comes to mind.

[lononner]

Shock horror. Bears, woods, pope, catholic etc etc. Even though he in no way represents the black community, or even hip hop, is it even remotely shocking that the police force which braught us the worlds most famous examples of corruption, brutality and racism would not be trusted? Seriously?

[lastmanmen86]

My boy Cam'ron is keeping it real because he is from the streets.He just telling him how it is when you grew up in your own neigborhood and you just don't want to make a bad move on your self. So keep your mouth close because it can come back on you.

[gwlafayette]

if americans dont get over their fear of holding non-whites accountable for their actions, the country will eventually erupt into civil war. rappers are the scum of the earth and i am ashamed that america is exporting the criminal and racist arrogance of rap music throughout the world. it is a hate based "art" that glorifies criminal behavior, denigrates everyone, and it is allowed to do so simply because it is generally regarded as a black "art" form. if white country musicians were spewing hate like rappers, it would be shut down.

[olebd]

Another idiot tough guy who will be fed millions of dollars to spew his distorted values. It's no wonder the communities these scum come out of look the way they do. The rap and hip hop culture has eroded society as a whole as we know it and to anyone who defends it and believes it is a legitimate culture needs to seek help.

[warvetoif3]

I'm sorry, if a serial killer lived next to me I'm gone tell it. I got kids! As for alot of the comments about hip hop being racist you know it's not true. The white community as a whole dosen't like African Americans and saying that is just another way to say it. Cam'ron's statement dosen't represent everyone's fellings in the African American community. The white community has no idea what the (some)police do when in interacting with African Americans. Trust is an issue, and if we could simlpy trust them then the "code" would not exist.

[winchester59]

I wonder if this serial killer killed a family member of his if he would call the police. Or if someone shot him, would he just run home to mommy and not call the police. Comments like he made in this interview makes me sick and affects the relationship our kids have with authorities. He needs to grow up and mature a lot............

[winchester59]

WarVetOIF3

Please do not judge a book by it color, ALL police are NOT bad. We have bad apple in that segment of officials like we do everywhere else. Most police are dedicated individuals who have genine concern for their fellowman.....

[stophatingus]

It is very easy to shift blame from one person to another especially when that one person is YOU THE PARENT. Hip Hop has always been an easy target for, well lets just go with everyone. If something isn't going right for you blame hip hop. If you decide to go on the air and say *** 10 times or call someone Nappyheaded then blame hip hop. What ever to take to the focus off of you blame hip hop. Hip Hop was never a problem until your children in the suburbs started talking like those that were raised in a hip hop culture. Thats right Hip Hop culture, you can not understand the hip hop culture and are proving it by saying camron is a hip hop artist he is a rapper there is a huge diffrence between rappers and hip hop artists. You can sit up here and berate the culture all day everyday but the reason behind it is because your child can help but to lean with it and rock with it. It kills you because you see T.I. and Jay-z next to Dale EarnHardt in commercials. You hate the fact that Mcdonalds and so many other major corp. use hip hop jingles and songs in there commercials. So thats why everyone wants to throw stones at rappers and the hip hop community. I challenge everyone here to go to allhiphop.com and read the ways to kill hip hop and listen to one of the 100 songs listed and then tell me that hip hop artists are the scum of the earth and that all hip hop does is tear down the black community....

[awaxru]

ITS THE GOVERNMENTS FAULT SNITCHING IS DESPISED IN THE STREETS! OUR SOCIETY REWARDS SERIAL KILLERS FOR SHARING INFORMATION!(DONT FORGET SAMMY THE BULL & GOTTI)THAT COUPLED WITH THE DRUG GAME.IN THE STREETS WE DONT VIEW SELLING DOPE AS WRONG WHEN OUR OPTIONS APPEAR TO BE SELL THIS DOPE & EAT FOOD OR STARVE.THEN WE GET SNITCHED ON FOR FEEDING OUR FAMILIES THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW HOW TO & GET MORE TIME IN PRISON THAN CHILD MOLESTORS DO!THEN OUR KIDS GROW UP ON THE STREETS WITH SINGLE MOTHERS STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET BECAUSE PAPAS IN PRISON & THE CYCLE REPEATS. WE`RE NOT AS DUMB AS YA`LL THINK WE ARE. STOP SNITCHING ALREADY!(UNLESS ITS ON A CHILD MOLESTER OR RAPO & I`M NOT EVEN CONDONING THAT,I JUST DONT CARE IF YOU DO)

[stophatingus]

I am the black community, all we see is hip hop artists and ball players trying to help the community. Where are you and where were you in our defense when the police MURDERED Shawn Bell thats why snitching is against the code of ethics. Because the cops will murder you and save themselves. Have you ever heard of the Blue Wall ? What is the diffrence between the Blue Wall and people saying stop snitching ? The government and its officials will always attack hip hop and so will you but take a look inside your self as a parent before you insult my culture.

[rohink-2009]

No talent moron. Why even give him air time? Who cares what he has to say.

[olemiss85]

uh, yes I uh, dig, is it? Take my daughter. I won't call the MAN?, the police, I mean, just leave my BMW out of this. When you do get rich though, maybe we can share car tips, okay? And besides, my gosh *** kids just love your music. That's my money paying for it, Mr. Keeping it REal

[sevenveils]

Rapper, Hip hopper, grasshopper, it doesn't matter what you call a lawless person with anarchist ethics.

He declares he is a real chicken by stating ""I wouldn't call and tell anybody on him %u2014 but I'd probably move" to the question what would he do if he found out he's living next to a serial killer. bock bock brawwwk!
No street creed there.

[olemiss85]

hey "I am the black community" , thanks by the way for convicting the Duke players ahead of time. Helping you double standard folks is exactly what I want to do. I will vote to increase spending for law enforecement so we can have more officers in your neighborhoods so you will feel safer. Or where can I send my nickle?

[olemiss85]

No talent moron. Why even give him air time? Who cares what he has to say. posted by rohink.

please try and be fair here. He may be very talented. Have you heard his "music" Mr R'hink. Don't judge his music against his apparently being an idiot until you hear him sing/ you may like his beat even if you don't like his message. Now come on, be fair, don't judge him, I am sure he wouldn't judge you...

[mandemac-2009]

I think that it is a real shame that people like that idiot would be more offended by people like Imus that may say something stupid than people who would actually do something stupid, such as break a law. Code of ethics? He should say code of no ethics. That particular mind set has nothing to do with being black. Nowhere in my community while I was growing up was I taught to not help someone in there time of need. So for instance, if my law abidding neighbor was assaulted or house broken into, and I knew who it was, I would tell it. Not all black folk tolerate senseless crimes and are willing to do something about it. Not all black folk feel like they should always have to look over their shoulder in their own neigborhoods. He may call it snitching, but I call it ridding my neighborhood or society of a nusiance that may come back to haunt you. It's that mindset of "I'm going to get mine or die trying", that in my opinion is taking a toll on our younger generation. Anything for that all mighty dollar. I hope he knows that when he dies he can't take the cash with him.. People like this numbskull need to realize that life is not a hussle and everything is not against us. So, it doesn't matter if he is a rapper of hiphip artist, he's still a jack***.

[fawnaleah]

It only took me one line to figure out this guy is an idiot, to me it just shows that he has no respect for human life. He is a coward and as far as I am concerned not an asset to the human race or any race what so ever. I don't think he has to be concerned about ever being abducted by aliens because one look at what is in his brain and they will throw him back. hopefully with out landing first.

[hypnotoad72]

Ethics? Ethics!! Try "Cowardice" instead. He admits he'd just quietly move away. C-O-W-A-R-D.

Rap used to be about speaking up against sin and trying to be about society. (Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, et al, had some thought provoking stuff.) What the hell is rap about these days? Not the same thing; not when dweebs like Cam'ron see fit to act solely out of self-interest; not caring who may be slaughtered because he doesn't see fit to give a ***.

"street cred". Give me a break.

At least Cam'ron is being honest. So many in our Country are not when they sit back and let other people hurt innocent lives. Oops, I meant Cameron - not Cam'ron, his street name. Mustn't mix the street name with the real name. Kinda like street cred vs real cred. One's phony; the other isn't... funny, that - does he really have EITHER?

Thank you for the article, CBS.

With luck the media will also show people who do put their "cred" at risk. Whistleblowers, Samaritans, et cetera...

[hhusted]

Many of those rappers are morons. If I knew I had a serial killer next door, I'd have him locked up so fast, it would make his head spin. Anyone who doesn't help fight crime is an idiot.

[shala6]

olemiss85, You are one of the Klan Cowards that want to be "in Da Hood". You probaly want a to be "down". Have you seen the news on how many blacks have be exonerated after DNA test show that a white woman lied on them. You go to prison for 20 years, and then talk. Don't live in a "White World" and throw stones. Those Duke players were not going to jail no faster than you and you were not there.
Trust me where he lives the police probably don't care who got killed. They only investigate if it is black on white crime. We are both from Mississippi we know that! Just look at Miss's history. That nickle you want to send, place it on a good ethical education for yourself!
Stop telling on yourself, you have been to the "black community", for what I don't know.
Your comments and dialect is very convincing.

[neatera]

N*** music, huh? If it is such n*** music then why are whites always trying to steal it and make it there own. Why is it that when someone black makes a comment, it has to be the views of all blacks. I am black and I thought what he said was the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Yes, he does make good music, but I don't agree with what he said. Whites love to comment on stories like this because it makes them look superior when the only reason why most of you have anything is because it has been handed to them. Whites carry suitcases, alright. They carry suitcases with their cocaine to snort on the inside.

[eqiphi]

hhusted sounds as p****y as Cam'ron. I wouldn't speak in anonymity what I wouldn't speak in public, first of all.

Second, Cam'ron is living a surreal life- he's rapper, gets paid money off his "gansta" image and 60 minute is nothing but another stage for him. Let something happen to that precious lil' child of his, and then see what he would do... In fantasy it's a lot easier to talk about than in reality being about it.

If anything, a majority of the minorities wouldn't report a crime due to the fear of it coming back on them- a real fear issue not a social fad of being "hard".

Finally, as I see it- there are really only 3 types of peoples...Cool, A**holes and Wierdos/Sickos. And Hhusted, you and Cam sound like y'all fall in the middle category. Dead in the middle.

[jairod]

Clearly a case of twisted logic inculcated by the culture that approves of cop killings. Such thinking is rooted in the "mafia" mentality and has spawned the likes of this rapper. Gansta-rap is for the weak-minded, fear-driven (black or white or any other nationality, race, culture - you name it) that thinks it's cool to be anti-social. Well, anti-social behavior is tolerated to some degree in children. But, most children grow up and take responsibility for the society in which they live and add to the betterment of that society. Tearing it down without being mindful of the "rule of law" is self-ostrisization - which they, the gansta-rappers, whole heartedly endorse. Stay outside of society and society will shun those that work against the rule of law. When you grow old (ganst-rapper), and your wondering why you have nothing - no friends but those that want to take what little you have - no way to make a living, no sense of self worth, no way to appeal the society you rejected, when yhou realize that you brought this upon yourself, that won't be as bad as when you realize that you enabled your children to leave as bleak a life as you have. Then you will see the worth of the "rule of law."

[dapdon]

OK LISTEN IDIOTS, the best way to win an argument is to find the dumbest person to represent the opponent, to make yourself sound superior. What camron fails 2 get across is the REAL reason "stop snitchin" was internalized. Pigs have made the relationship, btwn them and the urban community, an adversarial relationship (Rodney king, sean bell, OJ-Fuhrman, and the list goes on for days) Cooperating with the same people who illegally stop us everyday, frisk us without cause, and etc is NOT COOL. Also, the term snitching does NOT refer to a nice group of citizens in the 'hood watch program, it's the other criminals who look 2 weasel out of their own time by giving some 1 else up, by wearing a wire and falsely befriending them, and other sleezball tactics. So if you're not into crime and ur a normal citizen ur expected to cooperate.. GOT IT BOZOS??? lol

[jairod]

dapdon: You haven't answered the question about "snitching" on a child killer/molester. What do you say about that? Are you on the side of the pedophile if it is deemed snitching? Or do you side with the children and serve to protect them from the vile predators? Whkere do you stand, dapdon?

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[okidoki75]

Its so sad to see the people my children have to listen to, and we wonder why the black society is suffering so much. As a black man there is nothing to celebrate in what Camron has said, infact it bleeds my heart to see were the dream of such greats like Martin Luther have gone. Do you think Martin Luther would have told on a serial killer living next to him, yes he would, and infact the serial killer would be lucky not to get mass mobbed by a group led by Luther himself.

What has happened to the saying,"If you can't do the time don't commit the crime". Why do we wonder why every black dominated hood, is prone to crime,its because of trash talking idiots like this, that spread nonsense and brainwash our society. I weep,though there is very little i can do, but i will start by making sure that idiots album is not in any of my kids collection, or anywhere in my house.

[lanaedawn]

Then these people who live in these neighborhoods have no one to blame but themselves and their own idiocy for the danger they live in everyday.

[ecuadoriana]

"Rappers appear to be concerned about damaging...
their 'street credibility'"

"Street Cred"- More like Street Crud.

This guy promotes the protection of criminals because of some BS "code of ethics"? Obviously he has no children who have ever been molested or shot down by drive by drug/gun gangsters.

When I was a kid the neighbourhood kids & I had our cool club house in a strip of woods next to one kid's house. We plotted, planned & defended our club house untill we were called in for dinner. Then came the fateful day when we moved on to high school, college, careers, marriage, children, responsibilities. The club house now only exists as a childhood memory.

This whole "gang mentality" is just a sad bunch of little boys who refuse to grow up & be men. Real men don't need to be part of a club house gang. Real man stand as individuals & take care of their families by feeding, nurturing, teaching & loving them. Not by being "bad boys" strutting around trying to take over "the turf".

Oooo you "own" the turf. Big whoop. Puh-leeeze! Pull your pants up from around your ankles, buy a belt or pants that fit, & get a life that doesn't require you to every day proove how stupid & childish you can be.

[toldyouso21]

That is not why people do not snitch, especially people in the 'hood'. In the hood, the police is seen as a criminal gang, many minorities and others can tell you or even point out the cops on the take, the ones who frequent neighborhoods for ***, the ones who sell drugs, the ones who beat or even kill minorities. For this reason, nobody trusts the police and this is taught from day one. Think about it, a policeman rapes you--who are you going to call? the police? I know of 2 instances that can illustrate my point. When I was 13 a policemen called me to his car, when I got there, he had his pants down and tried to pull me through the window, I got away and ran even though he yelled for me to come back. From the time I was 15 to about 29, I was routinely stopped by police and asked for dates or asked if they could do a "body search" heh, heh (NOT). I did not do drugs, I was not a criminal, I did not even speed (much), they never gave tickets, just told me I was beautiful and how they wanted to get to "know me". When I was 21, I saw 3 policemen in front of the YMCA holding a black kid about 9 years old. The kid was screaming as one officer held him and the other two punched and kicked him--I asked what was the matter and was told , that I better get my *** out of there and mind my own business or I would be next. Help the police? Why?

[toldyouso21]

People in the ghetto learn early that the police are NOT their friends, they first hear it as words spoken by peers or even parents--but as they grow up, they see it for themselves. From rapes, to drug selling, to shake downs for money or information, police in many urban areas conduct themselves like rival gangs, anyone seen the movie the professional? THAT is how many cops act in urban neighborhoods--crooked, dirty, and if you report them, 9 times out of 10, you just bought yourself more trouble or even you may get killed. Because you never know who is in it with who and the system that is broken does NOT work most of the time--and who wants to take the chance. The bartender who got beat down by the cop in Chicago--without the video, would not have had a case...in fact it is highly likely that she would have been set up and arrested for something if she had told--THIS is the reality people in the 'burbs' don't want to know--but the facts are--those bad apples eventually make it to the best of neighborhoods, and then they run for DA or maybe even US Atty general--and they get it and they spread the stink all the way down.

[briannorwood]

And what do you expect from an uneducated thug?

[toldyouso21]

The minute a person "snitches" they are a marked man or woman. Not only will they be targeted by whoever they told on, but the police will use the snitching as leverage. "If you don't keep helping us..." "If you don't go undercover for us and find out more..." "If you won't work for us..." then we will tell .....that you snitched.

This threat is made even if a person never snitched. The best way not to be targeted is to be like lil kim--don't see, hear or say anything--because the other part of the story is--snitches are expendable. They get killed by gangs, or others, and dirty cops often will be the ones to set a snitch up to be killed--after all, when they have no use for them anymore--who cares? Even police do not respect snitches.

[pghlady3]

Why on earth is CBS waisting their time with this person. Every day I wake up to yet another murder in our area, the family of the dead person is screaming, and crying 'why, why,why', but when the police show up to find out who did this and why, they didn't see anything, they don't know anything....fine, don't talk to the police, and sooner or later, they will all be dead because this one killed that one for killing a family member. Go ahead and kill yourselves off, then there won't be any more murders....

[toldyouso21]

it is a hate based "art" that glorifies criminal behavior, denigrates everyone, and it is allowed to do so simply because it is generally regarded as a black "art" form. Posted by GWLafayette at 03:00 AM : Apr 20, 2007

Actually it just describes the all too true reality of the streets and originally was just underground street poetry set to music for other blacks. It was whites that, upon how fascinated suburban white children were with rap--parlayed it into a billion dollar industry. Rap will esixt whether it makes the big bucks or not--because it is describing a very real life experience--keep in mind that most black teens do not have the money to pay the price for CDs, it is white teenagers that support the industry (70% of people who buy rap are white) It is all about the money--but what you should also realize is that many of the things in the rhymes are TRUE and that should upset you--that this is/was their life. People rarely choose the lives they lead in the ghetto--but like with most circumstances--they work with what they have. If they are all out for themselves, the may sell drugs or hustle and not care who they hurt--in this way, they have a lot in common with a politician who says and does anything (like send our kids to wars based on lies) to keep the power and make money. The only difference is--one is doing illegal stuff and the other is doing similar stuff but they say it is legal.

[stophatingus]

OleMiss85 are you serious ? How about we try to keep it civil, lets be adults about this topic. would that work for you ? If not then let me know because there are a few other web sites and blog forums where we can actually discuss this w/o the 1500 character limit. You are just making yourself sound stupid. By the way if a serial killer lived next door to me I would move also. I would have been called the cops, pulled my children out of school, bought a few guns and waited for them to kick his door in. I'm also a firm believe in the real reason the Stop Snitching Campaign was started diffrence between Cam and the rest of the culture is common sense.

[jolsonbear]

Here comes Cam'ron tucked in tail
Hopping down the ignorant trail
HIPity HOPity -- The Jungle Bunny's on His Way!!!

[toldyouso21]

Remember the cop in "The Shield" or the cop and his crew in "The Professional" would you want to help that cop do anything. What Cam'ron did not say, but probably is true--is that he would not tell on a serial killer--but if that person probably would be killed by somebody else. He would not say it--but most blacks would say, if a serial killer lived next door and they knew for sure it was a serial killer (which is highly unlikely since 98% serial killers are white males) but if one did, he and some of his friends would get rid of the guy. That kind of thing is not tolerated in the 'hood. In the hood people get killed over 'making paper' money. They get killed in drug wars (over money) , over a woman (money), over turf or gambling or snitching (money) blacks rarely kill for sexual pleasure and they do not make killing a hobby--for them --it is the cost of doing business or a payback--it is not a fetish.

[toldyouso21]

WarVetOIF3

Please do not judge a book by it color, ALL police are NOT bad. We have bad apple in that segment of officials like we do everywhere else. Most police are dedicated individuals who have genine concern for their fellowman.....
Posted by winchester59 at 07:57 AM : Apr 20, 2007


Unfortunately, the good ones are quite rare in the ghetto.

[jjp735i]

He may be suprised to learn that parents who see the interview or read about it may not allow their children to buy his music. What parent in their right mind would want their kids to follow such a person as, as....what rapper was this? I forgot about him already.