White Niggaz

At the heart of these thoughts, is the desire to initiate an HONEST conversation on the ways in which race, racialization, and racism are carried out in America. The exigencies responsible the construction of the song “White Niggaz” are rooted in the experiences of a contemporary African-American. The experiences are mine. Through a period of [un]employment and [non]opportunity, I was able to experience phenomena that reinforced and reminded me of what it means to be a “nigger” in America. Coupling these experiences with conversations I’ve had with non-blacks and their use of the word “nigger”---especially as related to “Hip-Hop”---led me to articulate thoughts on a piece of lexicon that remains just as powerful today as it did in the years 1619, 1776, 1865, 1955, 1984, or 2008. Today, “nigger” [and all the subsequent symbols associated with the word] remains as over-used and under-discussed as it has ever been. History unequivocally demonstrates that race has been an issue in this country for as long as the country as existed. This is difficult for some people to admit, but we all know it is fact. “Nigger” is as American as apple pie. –and that is one of the reasons “White Niggaz” is such an effective communication tool. The song immediately challenges audiences to operate from a position of raw truth—as uncomfortable as it may be—for the sake of having an honest discussion on the issues. If we are mature enough to begin the discussion with honesty, then perhaps we will conclude at a place of new insight…a place closer to freedom.

The organization of “White Niggaz” is Key. Dare I say, the organization of the song is just as important as the lyrical component. “White Niggaz” is built as ONE seamless verse separated by rhetoric aimed at TWO different audiences. The first part of the song is directed toward White people, and the second part of the song is directed toward Black people. Both audiences are referred to as “Niggaz” throughout the entire song. In fact, the word “nigga” is used a total of 20 times within the 1:09 verse. The portion of the song that is directed at the white audience is aimed specifically at two specific groups within the greater white community. These groups are the (1) elites and the (2) gullible group of people who have been historically used by the elites as “foot soldiers” for overt racist action. In short, this verse is directed at the Cheneys, Rumsfelds, Kochs, and Wolfowitzes AND the Reagan Democrats, Tea-Baggers, and any other poor/working-class whites who have been unwittingly used by elite groups.

The second half of “White Niggaz” is special for a variety of reasons. An obvious reason is that it is a surprise. The title, “White Niggaz,” leads most people to believe they are about to hear a song totally dedicated to chastising white people. As a result, many are surprised to hear rhetoric that critiques the black community—and challenges black people to correct their mis-steps and question their participation in the continuing destruction of their own interests. Indeed it is rare to hear this type of rhetoric, and blacks who have offered constructive critique to the African-American community, in the public forum, have been labeled “Uncle Toms” or crazy (i.e., Bill Cosby). Similar to the first half of the song, there are two distinct groups within the black community that are the focus. These groups would be the stereotypical lower-class young “gangsta/hoodrat” who idolizes rap fiction. –and the second group is the bourgeoisie black families that deem themselves far too reformed to participate in the issues that affect the greater black community.

WHITE Niggaz:
WHITE NIGGAZ---
--always wanna FIGHT NIGGAZ.
REARRANGE the GAME
Just to fuckin’ SPITE NIGGAZ.
Don’t LIKE NIGGAZ.
But, yet and still, they BITE NIGGAZ.

BLACK Niggaz:
These WHACK NIGGAZ
These fiction over FACT NIGGAZ
Insecure as fuck—so they ride around in PACK NIGGAZ.
Tis-for-TAT NIGGAZ

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