Do You!

Russell Simmons’ new book Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success has landed onto the New York Times’ Bestsellers List. Co-written with journalist Chris Morrow, Do You! outlines 12 steps used by the mogul to achieve personal and professional success. The 320-page hardcover book, which hit stores Apr. 24, features an introduction by business tycoon Donald Trump.

In a recent interview, Simmons used what he wrote in his book to expand on his recommendations to the recording and broadcast industries. “The last chapter of my book… is about the inner voice. That’s what makes hip-hop so special — and poets in general — because they listen to the inner voice. That’s why they say things that people are afraid to say that are right in front of our faces. In other words, we are so unconscious as a society that we ignore the misogyny. We can turn on Cops and want to know why every other call is a man beating his wife, but we never discuss the misogyny in a meaningful way. We can travel to what looks like battle zones in urban communities, where people feel like the police are occupying forces, and never discuss why there’s a ‘No Snitch’ campaign that’s been there since before I was around — it’s the code of the streets, not the code of rap. The point I’m making is that hip-hop spits truth to power on a regular basis. Most power doesn’t like this truth because it’s truth that’s generally overlooked. So what I said about misogyny — the language is offensive and scary, but the artists who are painting a picture use the language as a reflection of the dirt and the misogyny that exists in our society. So the reason that I made this statement is to protect the artists and protect the ears of the people who are interested in hearing the records in their most honest form. This is a move to stop the people who are working toward censorship. At the same time, it’s a move to clear up the commercial airwaves.” Click here to read more of the interview.

I actually think Russel Simmons is taking a good approach to the hip hop language debate. As a hip hop leader and mogul, I wouldn’t even believe him if he agreed to censor lyrics. I don’t think his position as a hip hop pioneer and businessman would allow him to do that. But I am glad that he has been willing to address the issue, listen to where opponents of misogynistic lyrics are coming from, and continue the dialogue. I still stand by our “Minus One, Plus One” efforts and believe that the small changes that we do individually will influence others.