POLL: Why Would a Rapper Depict Tupac & Biggie Having Sex On His Record Cover?
Rap is outta control. We been knowing this since the start of the '90s (when EPMD so eloquently stated it so). But even the Green Eyed Bandit's eyes must be turning blue at the artwork accompanying Philly rapper Asaad's single, “Boss Status,” from his soon-to-be-released EP "006", which depicts the likenesses of deceased rap giants Tupac and Biggie Smalls engaged in a lurid sex act inside a flowery wallpapered room. The rapper issued a statement explaining his reasons for using the artwork (read it after the jump). But we're honestly more interested in our readers' feedback.
VOTE IN OUR POLL... AND READ ASAAD'S STATEMENT... AFTER THE JUMP...
Loading ...ASAAD’S STATEMENT:
Since the release of the artwork for my single, “Boss Status,” from my upcoming debut EP entitled, 006, there has been backlash going around. So, I want to take this opportunity to explain, in my own words, the picture depicting two artists, whom I consider to be legends and arguably the greatest to ever bless the mic, engaging in homosexual activity. We are now in the day and age where this is no longer considered a taboo. But that is not the main reason why I choose this picture. Throughout the inception of the music business, artists have been continuously cheated out of their royalties and bound by erroneous contracts that essentially ‘screw’ artists over. For the record, I did not intend to release this cover to disrespect the memory or the families of Mr. Tupac Shakur and Mr. Christopher Wallace. They have become iconic, speaking for those like myself, giving the ghetto and less privileged a voice as they spoke about so many different things that affect our culture. Shakur & Wallace started out as comrades, then the industry turned them into human guinea pigs. They were embattled in a music war which ultimately led to their untimely death. In no way am I looking for publicity from this cover. My music speaks for itself. People have the option to look, or not to. Journalists and bloggers will have the option to post this on their website if they choose to do so. Again, we don’t ask that you do, but no longer shall the industry control our destiny and turn our people against one another. We have a BIGGER mission in life to speak for those who don’t have a voice and create outlets where we can all be heard.
–Asaad
