James Cox’s Post

Are rap lyrics being weaponized to criminalize black creativity and artistry?🕵♀️ The debate is whether rap lyrics should be afforded the protections of the First Amendment, just like other art forms. Erick Nielson argues that rap is, “made-up stories told from the perspective of a made-up character” and as such is really poor evidence. Some would argue, that rap lyrics embody self snitching and confessions of criminal activity. This debate is brought to the fore in the ongoing RICO case of Young Thug. Where the prosecution seeks to rely on lyrics by Young Thug as admissions of criminal activity committed by himself and members of the Atlanta Street Gang “Young Slime Life” while his lawyers argue that rap as an art form typically glamorizes violence, sex and drugs and as such use of such lyrics in court would have a prejudicial effect on a jury in a criminal trial. Rap as an art form in the US hailed from communities (predominantly black) that were overpoliced, over-criminalized and over-incarcerated. These harsh realities were central to the art that brought rap into the American mainstream in the 1980s. In essence, rap was an outlet to address the social and political issues of their time using the depiction of violence, drugs sex and police brutality as a means to challenge the status quo. Therefore, is it not a fatal error, that when artists draw on these themes (violence, drugs and sex) as homage to the classics or as a desire to speak on these topics, they are often interpreted as admissions, or confessions in taking part in the scenes described in their art? Rappers are thus, denied the artistic leeway that artists of other genres enjoy instead there is an insidious bias where rap is believed to be literal and autobiographical. In Zimbabwe, we have witnessed undertones of this criminalisation of lyrics. When Winky D released his album “EUREKA,” it caused pandemonium, with the EEG (Economic Empowerment Group) lobbying for Winky D to be banned from performing in the country amid claims his music was anti-government and police would show up amid his performances to disrupt his set. In response, fellow artists like Holy 10 distanced themselves from Winky D and launched unfounded attacks on his integrity just to appease the powers that be. However, there are times when lyrics have been admissions of heinous crimes painting a gruesome picture in such minute detail that only the perpetrator would have known. So the question is should lyrics be protected speech and enjoy protection like other artistic expressions? 

📣 We should aim to do the right thing always, not only when it makes us look good. A number of high profile UK creatives, from Sting to Stephen Fry, wrote a letter to the men-only Garrick Club ahead of its Tuesday vote to permit women to join for the first time since 1831. As they put it, "we write as Garrick members who produce/co-produce and manage over 35 current productions in the West End and regionally. The current very public controversy over this issue has put us all in an untenable position. Our relations with female artists, co-producers, authors, cast members, members of our creative teams, backstage and front of house theatre staff have all been jeopardised by the recent publicity to the point that, without serious progress being made to finally address this anomaly, we won’t feel able to continue as Garrick members". Setting aside the question of why such exclusive bastions of elite privilege exist in the year 2024, the gentlemen's letter implies that this exclusion is somehow wrong because the world is now watching, thus making these individuals' existing association look bad, and not because the club was always problematic in the first place. One should not only care about equity when called out by others; being humans of principle means we care about it always, including most notably when it is requires standing up to friends. This is especially the case when you are already privileged AND doubly so when it pertains to something you *chose* to associate with. This is not their place of employment, which may have made them fearful about speaking up against its principles lest they compromise their livelihoods. I fully understand the difficulty of such situations and how much harder it is to do the right thing then. But these men had a choice whether or not to align themselves with the Club's values - which have been starkly obvious for centuries now - and they still made it. Writing about it now in this way is disingenuous in the extreme. Beware of 'allies' who cannot even stand with you when the choice is easy. #leadership #ethics #equity #inclusion #womeninbusiness #gender #garrickclub #exclusion #ally #allies #women #dei

This was the 𝗘𝗗𝗡 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 "𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆", where dance field and care professionals, researchers and local citizens came together to discuss the role #dance plays in society and how socially engaged dance projects begin to trigger new reflections about the #wellbeing of dance professionals themselves. https://lnkd.in/d2zNfzwR

Background: Puff Diddy, also known as Sean Combs, is a prominent figure in the music industry, renowned for his success as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Despite his achievements, recent events have cast a shadow over his reputation, as allegations of serious crimes including rape, abuse, and exploitation of prostitution, as well as involvement in drug trafficking and illegal firearms use, have emerged. The situation escalated when law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, conducted raids on Diddy’s properties in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking. Challenges: 1. Legal Proceedings: The allegations against Diddy span a range of serious crimes, each carrying significant legal ramifications. The legal proceedings surrounding these accusations are complex and require thorough investigation and legal representation. 2. Reputation Management: Diddy’s reputation, built over decades in the music industry, is at stake. The negative publicity surrounding the allegations could tarnish his image irreparably, impacting not only his career but also his personal life and relationships. 3. Public Perception: The media coverage of the allegations has sparked public interest and scrutiny. Maintaining public trust and credibility amidst these allegations is a significant challenge for Diddy and his legal team. Response: 1. Legal Defense: Diddy enlisted the services of attorney Aaron Dyer to defend against the allegations. Dyer swiftly responded to the raids, denouncing them as the start of a witch hunt. He emphasized Diddy’s innocence and cooperation with authorities while condemning the excessive use of force during the searches. 2. Public Statements: In addition to legal action, Diddy and his legal team have issued public statements asserting his innocence and challenging the validity of the accusations. These statements aim to shape public perception and mitigate the reputational damage caused by the allegations. 3. Media Strategy: Diddy’s legal team has employed a strategic media approach to counteract negative publicity and control the narrative surrounding the allegations. This includes engaging with media outlets to provide updates on the case and address misinformation or speculation. Outcomes: 1. Ongoing Investigation: The investigation into the allegations against Diddy continues, with law enforcement agencies and legal representatives actively involved in gathering evidence and building their respective cases. 2. Legal Proceedings: Diddy’s legal team continues to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding the allegations, preparing for potential litigation and defending against any criminal charges that may arise. 3. Public Perception: The outcome of the case will ultimately impact public perception of Diddy and his legacy. Regardless of the legal outcome, the allegations have already left a mark on his reputation and career trajectory.

Audition Announcement! Join us for our 2024/25 season: "The Spongebob Musical", "A Year with Frog & Toad", "Flora & Ulysses" and "The Prom"! Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, recognizes the need for expanding the participation of artists who have been historically underrepresented on stage due to race, ethnicity, disability, gender expression, and sexual orientation. We endeavor to cast these individuals in roles where race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or the presence or absence of a disability is not germane and in which their identities align with those of a character. Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. Wheelock Family Theatre pledges to produce and celebrate theater that is representative of, and centers characters as well as actors who share the diverse and intersectional identities as those that exist within our audiences. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/esg3_Gey

Discover 10 weird facts about Billie Eilish at https://lnkd.in/gju--n8f (#BilieEilish, #singer, #femaleSinger, #voice, #femaleVoice, #tarantula, #phobia, #TourettesSyndrome, #Tourettes, #entertainer, #superStar, #singingStar, #sensation)

It's #DeafLGBTQWeek and Pride is just around the corner! Event Organizers: here's your reminder to contact local interpreting agencies and resources to create truly inclusive events for celebration and fun! Video description: A rainbow flag waves across a cloudy sky, upbeat instrumental music plays in the background. The words flash in hot pink "Is your" ... "Pride Event" ... "Accessible?" The interpreter icon appears and the video displays the final text "inclusivity" before transitioning to Inclusive Communication Services' animated logo. #Pride #InclusionMatters

Soniya Gaikwad, 25, a popular dancer from Kolhapur and her peers have been accused of "obscene gestures" and FIRs slapped against them during a performance on September 13. Following this, they have lost their future performance contracts and all means of livelihood, especially during the ongoing festive season.  These charges against women dancers in Kolhapur are not merely legal issues but a reflection of ongoing societal struggles over body autonomy and artistic expression. Despite a Bombay High Court ruling in October 2023 clarifying that provocative dance is not legally obscene, Soniya has been named the primary accused in an FIR filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing wrongful restraint and obscene acts in public. The legal definition of ‘obscenity’ remains vague, rooted in colonial-era laws, and disproportionately affects performers from marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. The term "ashlil" has been weaponized against artists, impeding their economic and cultural success. Historian Shailaja Paik, in her book The Vulgarity of Caste, explores how this term stifles the ability of Tamasha performers to gain respectability, illustrating the intersection of caste, gender, and artistic expression. With the recent ban on 21 dancers from performing, these issues have become even more pressing. Many, like Divya, report significant financial losses and reputational damage, highlighting the systemic inequalities in the industry. The crackdown on dancers is not a new phenomenon. Last year, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra criticized "vulgar" performances, perpetuating the stigma surrounding traditional dances like Lavani. Lavani, an integral part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, has evolved to include influences from Bollywood, yet remains heavily policed when performed by women from lower-income communities. Writer Bhushan Korgaonkar points out the hypocrisy in this policing, noting that dance moves acceptable in films become targets of scrutiny in community settings. This dynamic highlights a broader societal issue—while women's performances are celebrated in elite spaces, they face censure when expressed by marginalized groups. As highlighted by Nitya Vasudevan in her analysis of public women and their bodies, this case exemplifies a broader struggle over mobility, economic independence, and agency for women in public life. It challenges us to reconsider how we define obscenity and who gets to perform in public spaces. For an in-depth look at the challenges faced by Kolhapur's dancers amid these legal threats, read the full report by Shreya Raman. https://lnkd.in/eZTHpHQK

Is Diddy's Charm Just A Deceptive Facade? Join us as we explore the enigmatic personality of Diddy in this gripping panel discussion. Delve into personal anecdotes revealing the duality of his charm and the underlying allegations. Discover how charisma and accountability collide in the world of fame and music! Don't miss this intriguing conversation! #Diddy #CelebrityCulture #MusicIndustry #Charisma #PanelDiscussion #Allegations #Duality #CelebrityStories #FameAndAccountability #EntertainmentIndustry

On Tuesday night I went to Cardiff to watch the much celebrated Taylor Swift Eras Tour and it was a night full of magic and also a lot of reflection from me. There are a lot of opinions about Taylor and I am not here to comment about her politically or economically - what I am here to talk about is excellence in your craft. The Eras Tour was FLAWLESS! I watch about 50-60 gigs a year and I am very particular about musical excellence and this was a masterclass. Every single facial expression, hand movement, costume change, and key change was executed to perfection. Taylor was focused and on form more consistently than any artist I have ever seen. She was engaged with the audience for every second she was on the stage and her performance was second to none. She is a testament to what attention to detail, diligence, and focused attention can achieve for a person’s career. This is absolutely true of every business I have ever worked in. If your team delivered to your clients in the way that Taylor did to hers, you would never worry about cash flow again. Getting flawless performance like Taylor might not be a reality for every business but imagine if you got 10% closer. What would that mean for your bottom line? If you want your team to #BeMoreTAYLOR then let's have a chat - their performance is your growth. #TaylorSwift #ErasTour #Cardiff #LiveMusic #ConcertReview #BusinessExcellence #AttentionToDetail #CustomerEngagement #PerformanceMatters