A Florida news report broke early on Sunday reporting that rapper Ace NH, real name Bill Bennett Adams III, was allegedly involved in the shooting death of two men. The incident occurred at a “makeshift recording studio” where Adams had recorded music in Lutz, Florida on Thursday evening. Now, Adams is facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed burglary.
Major media outlets labeled Adams as a rapper. Investigation of his rap sheet (pun intended) shows that he does have a fairly new discography dating back to 2019. What the media doesn’t report is the job or financial means that was supporting his rap career. Not only that, instead of focusing on the fact that Adams is a 23-year-old male arrested for a crime, the media finds it more tantalizing to identify Adams by his hobby. That begs the question…when is it ever appropriate to identify black men involved in crime as rappers?
Oftentimes, media use this tactic as clickbait to sensationalize a story and it’s quite disgusting. Not only does it tarnishes the legacy of hip hop dating back to its inception in the 1970s, but it gives the career a bad rep. Who wants to be a rapper nowadays with all the bad juju surrounding the position?
Not all rappers are bad and not all rappers glorify gang life, crime, materialism and the other pitfalls of the world. There’s actually some rappers who are trying to make a difference and impact, but they also struggle with receiving the same attention as the more controversial rappers. Even Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Chance The Rapper and Lecrae have been crucified for their career choices despite attempting to infuse hip hop with more balance and reality rap.
Rapper arrested for shooting off flamethrower on New York City bus
With the deaths of Tupac, Biggie, Fat Pat, Jam Master Jay, Mac Dre, XXXtentacion, Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, King Von, and so many more — all who have made an imprint on the music industry, pop culture and youth culture — should they be lumped in with local aspiring rappers that practice the craft as a hobby rather than a profession?
It’s evident that hip hop is so popular and influential that it brainwashes those who worship it into thinking that it’s the only way to become wealthy. So, it’s no surprise that it seems like every young black and brown, and now white, male wants to be a rapper. But, if that individual goes off and does something irresponsible, risking his entire career and reputation, that label of “rapper” shouldn’t be assigned to him. Even if he has a few self-made albums from a makeshift studio with singles that he performed at local venues. It just isn’t fair to assign the rapper label to people who have not earned it.
Local rapper arrested after attack that left another rapper seriously injured
When can it be deemed earned? When the person claiming rap as a profession can show proof of officially registering as an entity, such as via a DBA, LLC or by obtaining trademarks and copyrights. Or when the person can claim deductions and credits on their tax reports from their rap profession. Better yet, when the individual is able to fully live off of the proceeds earned from being a rapper.
Some of these so-called rappers don’t have any traces of real business operations attached to their name. There’s no website, no business cards, no manager, no office building or real studio, no invoices, no article published verifying their existence. All that they have is an Instagram profile and streaming songs — something literally anyone could set up if they have at least an ounce of interest and will.
South Carolina Rapper, Arrested In 2017 Sohum Robbery/Shooting, Dies After Being Shot
As a former intern at Def Jam Records, a former radio DJ, and now a published writer, I’ve had my fair share of interactions with wannabe rappers that treat rap as a hobby and not a profession. The traits are easy to identify. They usually do not keep their commitments, have tons of excuses, move slower than a tortoise when opportunities arise, and do not hesitate to risk their entire careers over something incredibly stupid. Luckily for them (and us), the universe rewards them for their lackadaisical attitude.
Enough ranting about the insurmountable rap clones invading the Internet. It’s nothing wrong with being an aspiring rapper if you’re about your business. What is a violation is the media trying their best to attract views and clicks by labeling every black man involved in a crime a rapper, especially if no one knows the person, the person just started his “career,” and he probably relies on a totally different job to support himself. Makes me wonder if “they” are trying to destroy the infrastructure of hip hop by criminalizing the conduits of it?
A New Pandemic Impacting The Hip Hop Community:
Houston Rapper Charged With Capital Murder in Cop’s Death
Body of missing hip-hop artist found in friend’s car trunk after crash in Miami
Murder suspect, rapper arrested in Senoia
Baton Rouge rapper Lit Yoshi told house arrest isn’t a ‘vacation;’ judge lengthens his curfew
“Rapper Conflict” Occurring In Dallas’ OakCliff
