Fashion as a Political Statement

Rapper Nas and his wife, singer Kelis arrived at the 50th Annual Grammy awards this past February outfitted in ensembles emblazoned with a widely used racial epithet (see photo). I immediately dished their red-carpet spectacle as a foolish PR move from the otherwise high-minded lyricist. Was Nas pulling Britney Spears/ Paris Hilton type antics- recently usurped by the Mariah Carey/ Nick Cannon marriage fiasco? Has everyone sold their soul masquerading in this world called celebrity?

During a concert at New York's Roseland Ballroom this past October, Nas announced that his ninth studio LP would be entitled, Ni**er. The news effectively set off a blaze of controversy with Nas’ label Island Def Jam, a unit of Universal Music Group, the NAACP, and both the Reverend's Al and Jesse denouncing the album title. "The title using the 'N' word is morally offensive and socially distasteful," Jackson said in a statement. "Nas has the right to degrade and denigrate in the name of free speech, but there is no honor in it."

Admittedly, the album's title is a tad perplexing- albeit very provocative. Even in today's hip-hop climate where the repetitive use of the N-word is a prerequisite for all rap songs, just as essential as a finger-snapping beat. Nas' controversial title commands attention. After pushing the album back twice, Nas recently released the début single "Be A Ni**er Too," from the highly anticipated album. The track takes its hook from the catchy 70s Dr. Pepper jingle. With those ingredients Ni**ger has all the makings of a magna opus, and in loftier pursuits may recapture the soul of rap and its audience through a verbal trajectory via art.

- Laina Faber

In the video clip below, Nas and Kelis explain the rationale behind their attire.