tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7210808931697333236.post3963435289430696212..comments2023-09-16T04:35:48.772-05:00Comments on FunkyPundit: A Funk Doc Funk Blasttomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731216793449263743noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7210808931697333236.post-3028660838950423952007-02-14T22:10:00.000-05:002007-02-14T22:10:00.000-05:00"Now maybe I'm wrong and it's just that Hilliard k..."Now maybe I'm wrong and it's just that Hilliard knows little of West African culture (ever heard of Fela Kuti, Ali Farka Toure, or Tony Allen?) or, perhaps, simply suffers some sort of weird obsession with slavery, but it sounds to me like she's trying to start a new coastal beef -- with Africa's west side."<BR/><BR/>Hello Tom,<BR/><BR/>I came across your wonderful critique of my Akon feature and figured I drop you a line to help clarify some points you attempted to make.<BR/><BR/>1 - I am very aware of the illustrious careers of Feli, Farka and Tony. However, Akon has done something all three of those men have not—become an international superstar with the record sales to match all while being a relatively new artist. You’ve mentioned these three artists, but do you think the American population is familiar with their work they way they are with Akon’s. Did they ever have a public stage to address the masses the way Akon does via TRL, 106 and Park, Myspace.com, etc. That’s what I mean by “positive international representation” when you figure the majority of the images we see in the American media of Africa are coups, the janjaweed and refugees. <BR/><BR/>2 – As an African-American I am in no way trying to sensationalize of fixate on slavery however, for our young readers there needed to be a picture painted of where Akon comes from. Everyone knows 50 Cent grew up on the mean streets of South Side Jamaica Queens and sold drugs. Well, there is another reality out there.<BR/><BR/>Just thought I’d share some insight.<BR/><BR/>Next time, direct your questions to me. I always respond. It’s way better than assuming…especially for someone wanting to become a journalist.<BR/><BR/>Chloé A. Hilliard<BR/>News Editor, The Source Magazine<BR/>chilliard@thesource.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com