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Tuesday, December 05, 2006
  • Flavor of Love 2 (VH1)
    Flavor of Love 2 (VH1)

    Skin Color, Stereotypes and "Minstrel Rap"

    The use of the N-word and the recent popularity of so-called "Minstrel Rap" songs and VH1's "Flavor of Love 2" show are raising concerns about the depiction of black people in the music industry. Today, the Rev. Jesse Jackson explains why he's calling for entertainers of all races to stop using the N-word altogether. We also talk with Duke University scholar Mark Anthony Neal and New York Times pop music critic Kelefa Sanneh about the fine line between racial satire and racial stereotypes. Also: the Brooklyn-based indie rock band Grizzly Bear's second album has been called one of the best of this year. They perform live in studio and share with us their "must-have" music.

Racial Stereotyping in the Music Industry

The use of the N-word and the recent popularity of so-called "Minstrel Rap" songs and VH1's "Flavor of Love 2" show are raising concerns about the depiction of black people in the music industry. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Duke University professor Mark Anthony Neal, and New York Times pop music critic Kelefa Sanneh weigh in.

Grizzly Bear gave us two songs with great harmonies. The Brooklyn based band just returned from a disastrous European tour where all their gear was stolen.

Grizzly Bear

The Brooklyn-based indie rock quartet Grizzly Bear performs live music from their latest album, "Yellow House."

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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