Jay-Z has really been speaking out lately. His latest comments had to do with his feelings about music saying that, “There is no such thing as black music.”  Jay recently shared his thoughts after a performance at the University of Arizona where he shared the stage with artists like Kelly Clarkson and Third Eye Blind.

Recently, Jay has been quoted saying that the “gangsta” no longer exists. To some, his latest comments may have been a bit radical but Hov is definitely speaking out about the state that Hip-Hop is in and the barriers that this genre seems to often times hold.

According to Rap Radar, Jay had this to say:

“On the show as well were Third Eye Blind and Kelly Clarkson,” Jay explained. “I thought that to be the oddest pairing ever but, soon realized, it’s what I’ve always professed. There is no such thing as black music or white music only good or bad music. It’s stupid cool to like things that are not like you, and that goes for outside of music. If you’re an African American you can have a Jewish friend…I think concerts like this should happen more often…I’m putting that into the universe..next up Taylor Swift and Uncle Murda!!”

I’m forced to agree with Hov on this comment. Music crosses racial barriers because it’s deeper than color; good music touches the soul no matter who is behind the mic. So why has Hov all of a sudden been speaking out? Who knows the reasoning, but I think it’s a very good look for Hov to be speaking his mind.

Like I’ve said before, hopefully this will prompt other artists to step out and speak on it. I’d be interested to see what they have to say on this issue of color and music.

Whether you agree with Jay or not is irrelevant, I’m just glad a rapper is finally being quoted for saying something intelligent. Keep speaking out Jay!

Nas & Kelis Call It Quits

After many rumors have surfaced, it is official; Nas and Kelis are finally calling it quits! According to TMZ, Kelis has filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce papers were filed in court on Thursday, April 30th.

This is what TMZ had to say on the issue: “Kelis wants to end her marriage to Nas, even though she’s 7 months pregnant. Kelis filed for divorce today in L.A. County Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences. She is asking for spousal support and child support. She is also asking for joint legal and physical custody of their unborn child.”

Daaamnnnn Dammmmmn Dammmmn! First Treach and Pepa now this?

I don’t know about anyone else, but I was rooting for these two, especially with their first son due early this summer. We need more strong couples in Hip-Hop and they were definitely holding it down for a while!  Nas and Kelis had seven years together. They met back in 2002 at one of Diddy’s MTV Video Music Awards after parties.

This news has also been confirmed by Kelis’ lawyer Laura Wasser who told E! Online, “I can confirm that she has filed for divorce,” she wrote in a statement. “We request the media to respect her privacy during this very difficult time.”

Well, even though I’m truly sad about this, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Good luck you two!