Hip-Hop’s Accountability Crisis: Dr. Umar Johnson Weighs In

In a recent viral interview, Dr. Umar Johnson, a Pan-African psychologist, sparked controversy by stating that hip-hop has failed to build institutions that benefit the Black community. The debate, which took place on the podcast “Hustle Over Everything,” saw Dr. Johnson and fellow guest Mouse Jones engage in a heated discussion about the state of hip-hop.

According to Dr. Johnson, hip-hop has consistently projected an image that prioritizes individual success over community uplift. He criticized the industry for profiting from the suffering of Black people, while also sending their own children to privileged white schools. “You’re still selling death and destruction to my kids while your kids are going to $30,000 a year privilege white schools; that’s what you call a traitor,” he said. “The hip-hop community has betrayed Black America.”

Dr. Johnson used education as an example of an institution that could have been built by hip-hop, citing the success stories of some artists. He also revealed that he has been working on building his own institution, the Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy, which he expects to start working with students next summer.

Mouse Jones, who was also on the podcast, agreed with Dr. Johnson on the need for accountability in hip-hop. However, he also suggested that the industry and culture need a Me Too Movement, a sentiment that Dr. Johnson resisted. “It ain’t did shit in 50 years for the community,” Jones said. “It made individuals rich and it’s it. And it gave out a couple of jobs. So did the drug dealer.”

The complete interview is available below:

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The debate surrounding Dr. Johnson’s comments has sparked a larger conversation about the role of hip-hop in society and its responsibility to uplift the Black community. As the music genre continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether it will rise to the challenge of building institutions that benefit those it claims to represent.