Dear Nicki Minaj: An Open Letter From a Father (Who Runs a Major Hip-Hop Site)

Chuck Creekmur, owner and founder of allhiphop.com, one of the longest standing Hip-Hop sites, recently wrote an open letter to Nicki Minaj about her self-portrayal on her cover for the song “Anaconda.” The reaction to the imagery has spanned the entire spectrum, ranging from ovations to outrage. Creekmur falls more along the lines of concerned and ashamed, particularly for the impact he believes these types of depictions will have on his young daughter. It’s an interesting perspective in its own right, but especially coming from one of the largest purveyors of this complicated thing we call Hip-Hop…and one of Ms. Minaj’s biggest supporters. Check out some excerpts below as a link to the full article. Where do you fall in the discussion?

Here are excerpts from Creekmur’s letter:

“Dear Nicki Minaj,

I own AllHipHop.com.

AllHipHop has been historically uber supportive of the rapper Nicki Minaj. That’s YOU, homie! When I say historically, we can take it all the way back to when you had to stand in line to get into parties or those grimy underground videos you once pumped out on the streets. You know, that period of time before Lil Wayne and Young Money. Along the way, something changed…”

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“I love the era of Hip-Hop where I found my influences. They were all over the place, ranging from Chuck D and Public Enemy to LL Cool J to KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions and others like De La Soul. Even the so-called gangster rappers had something to offer. Ice Cube, Scarface and Willie D of the Geto Boys, and Ice-T all get nods for being influential in my upbringing. I don’t know all of those that impacted you as a young woman, but how dope would it be if you transcended what people expected of you? Like, how cool would it be for your transformation to extend beyond NOT wearing blonde wigs and crazing clothing?”

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This year alone, Black people lost titans in Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee. Those women were entertainers as well and the impact they have had on the lives of their constituency can never be understated. They SERVED the people and they knew that–without that mutual love and respect, we both cease to exist. Ruby and Maya didn’t live perfect lives, but their imperfections made their greatness all the more clear. Imagine you being regarded in such a way? The way Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah and MC Lyte have been for their communities? I know, times have changed, but one thing is for sure: careers can come and go. Legacy stays.”

Click here for the full article.

Related: Ladies First: Here’s a Mix in Celebration of the Women of Hip-Hop (Audio)