John Legend Releases Statement to New York Post Over Racist Cartoon

New York, NY – Political cartoons in major newspapers sometimes stir controversies with the people that they affect. At different times it may be overlooked or it may be picked up as an issue. In this case, one cartoon was dubbed racist and insulting by R&B recording artist John Legend, it was published into the New York Post on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. That racist cartoon went beyond the realms of comedy and blatantly comprised an offensive visual description that covered many issues that would upset anyone. It depicts the author of the stimulus bill compared to a crazed chimpanzee being shot and killed by police for attacking a woman in Stamford, Connecticut.

John Legend went into action and sent an open letter to the New York Post inciting his anger on the published racist cartoon to the editor who allowed the cartoon to pass his approval. This was the entire open letter:

Dear Editor:

I’m trying to understand what possible motivation you may have had for publishing that vile cartoon depicting the shooting of the chimpanzee that went crazy. I guess you thought it would be funny to suggest that whomever was responsible for writing the Economic Recovery Legislation must have the intelligence and judgment of a deranged, violent chimpanzee, and should be shot to protect the larger community. Really? Did it occur to you that this suggestion would imply a connection between President Barack Obama and the deranged chimpanzee? Did it occur to you that our president has been receiving death threats since early in his candidacy? Did it occur to you that blacks have historically been compared to various apes as a way of racist insult and mockery? Did you intend to invoke these painful themes when you printed the cartoon?

If that’s not what you intended, then it was stupid and willfully ignorant of you not to connect these easily connectable dots. If it is what you intended, then you obviously wanted to be grossly provocative, racist and offensive to the sensibilities of most reasonable Americans. Either way, you should not have printed this cartoon, and the fact that you did is truly reprehensible. I can’t imagine what possible justification you have for this. I’ve read your lame statement in response to the outrage you provoked. Shame on you for dodging the real issue and then using the letter as an opportunity to attack Rev. Sharpton. This is not about Rev. Sharpton. It’s about the cartoon being blatantly racist and offensive.

I believe in freedom of speech, and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I’m personally boycotting your paper and won’t do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well.

You should print an apology in your paper acknowledging that this cartoon was ignorant, offensive and racist and should not have been printed.

I’m well aware of our country’s history of racism and violence, but I truly believe we are better than this filth. As we attempt to rise above our difficult past and look toward a better future, we don’t need the New York Post to resurrect the images of Jim Crow to deride the new administration and put black folks in our place. Please feel free to criticize and honestly evaluate our new president, but do so without the incendiary images and rhetoric.

Sincerely,

John Legend

At press time, the New York Post has yet to release an apology nor has statement to John Legend been sent.

Keep posted to 24hourhiphop.com for updated as this situation develops.

R&B Vixen Christina Milian Graces the Cover of KING Magazine

New York, NY –The Illest Men’s Magazine has always been able to provide the most stunning women in the industry portrayed on their magazine in the sultriest of ways you could imagine. Between models and R&B vixens, they’ve been able to showcase them in a way that maybe you can judge a book by its cover. After Mya’s two different showcases on the magazine, let’s see if this next R&B vixen can top hers.

For their 50th issue for April/May, King Magazine will be showcasing the recently MySpace Records signed Christina Milian. Many people have waited for her to grace Playboy, well King got one over on Playboy and she’ll be posing in the most interesting bikini pieces. Quite honestly, that’s probably the farthest she’d ever go to keep her dignity within the industry.

Checkout the amazing cover of his R&B Vixen:


This issue will hit newsstand on February 24th.

Kanye West Graces the Cover of Details Magazine

New York, NY – I’m not sure that the Louis Vuitton Don has any intention of not wanting to be popular amongst practically the world, regardless of what he said in his blog months back when he was dealing with paparazzi. And despite rumors of him wanting to pose nude or what not, he is still doing magazine shoots left and right whenever the occasion arises.

Kanye West recently provided Details Magazine with an exclusively interview where he graced the front cover in a GQed look for their March issue. As we are all aware, Kanye loves hearing the sound of his own voice as he continues to overexert his egotistical side during an interview Details is entitling ‘The Unraveling of Kanye West.’ Here is one quote that practically says it all:

“Put this in the magazine: There’s nothing more to be said about music. I’m the fucking end-all, be-all of music. I know what I’m doing. I did 808s in three weeks. I got it. It’s on cruise control. Man, we talked about music for God knows how long! Now let’s talk about how my fucking sweater didn’t come back right from Korea. That’s what’s interesting me.”


It’s evident that he prefers talking about his fashion sense and his choice of clothes than what made him famous in the first place, his music. There is even video of the interview posted on Details.com, brought to you by Men.Style.com. Check it out for yourself.