I’ve been heads-down packing and moving the past week+ and I can’t say I saw this one coming, but there is no doubt you have to #BoycottRhymesayers .
WTF right? Several of the past blogs read like RSE fanboy posts, but here we are. I’m thankful for the bravery of Psalm One and many other victims that have spoken out against the violence, misogyny, and gaslighting. She hasn’t been quiet about being blackballed by the label since 2015, but some recent incidents have brought it back into the light. Read the Brooklyn Vegan article about it for details.
In close proximity, Doomtree’s P.O.S has been called out for his abuse, misogyny, and violence toward women over an extended period of time as well. There’s a video from Dessa about it here.
Let us also be sure to mention Aesop Rock and his involvement too. Kimya told us he’s not her friend, that was the tip-off right there. Today’s second video tells the story.
Other abusers outed in these incidents were DJ Fundo, Dem Atlas, and Astronautalis.
My white male privilege allows me to blog about this topic and consider its implications. The timing and casualness isn’t something the victims had the option to. In discussing it with Stacey, this is clearly not a situation unique to RSE, music, or scenes so much as it’s the reality women have to live with every day.
What am I going to do about it?
I ask you, whomever you may be, to say it with me: #BoycottRhymesayers
I’ve removed RSE artists, P.O.S, and Aesop Rock from all my Spotify playlists, iTunes, phone, etc. Had to be >50% of the list.
I took down the videos for Atmosphere, P.O.S, and Aesop Rock songs from the past blogs. I’m keeping the words up as they don’t financial benefit anyone and the experiences and memories based on those songs are real. No matter how awful the artists turned out to be.
Not spend anymore time or money supporting them
Listen
Psalm One “Where you been hiding”
An entry for NPRs Tiny Desk concert series, and a hell of a good song. Love the shout out to today’s #3 artist Jean Grae as well.
I ain’t hiding, I had to get my self seen,
Psalm One
That’s what happens when you rage against the ma-chine.
Kimya Dawson “Whispers”
This song tells the story of why Aesop and Kimya are not friends. There are some clever and uncompromising lyrics masking some justifiably enduring pain. To share your passion together must make it that much worse.
She shared this tweet to go along with the song:
They’re aren’t enough words in that Thesaurus app of yours,
Kimya Dawson
To convince me to forget.
There is imagery about flightless birds that reminds me of a “classic” Atmosphere lyric that has taken on a whole new meaning to me. “Discretion is the name of my cement feathered bird.” He talks of shooting down, catching, and caging “birds”. Cement feathered in that they couldn’t fly away and would be under his control. Ugh.
Jean Grae & Quelle Chris “Gold Purple Orange”
I heard Jean on a few different episodes of my all-time favorite podcast The Cipher Show. Musically I heard her first when Jean, along with Royce da 5’9, were featured on Pharaohe Monch’s track “Assassins”. She takes down two of best on that one.
As for audio visual content, this record works better. There is Karaoke style lyrics, Eric Andre & Hannibal, and rhymes doper than their incredible outfits.
