The hot topic last week was Morgan Wallen’s misuse of the english language leading to him being “suspended” by his record label and dropped by the Academy Of Country Music AND a whole slew of media outlets including CMT and all major radio. While this site does not cover traditional country music news, many of the other country rap blogs did chime in creating conversation inside the genre. One in particular, DYLAN TALKZ, raised an interesting point that while Wallen’s actions were “fucked up” the ensuing “cancelling” of Wallen was just as unsettling. Especially considering some of the past actions of other music stars. Dylan specifically referenced Justin Beiber who on multiple occasions has been caught dropping the “N-Word”. See Dylan’s blog HERE.
All of this led me to ponder who else in the music industry has done worse with much lesser consequence. Wallen’s actions certainly broke no laws and we all know there are and have been several music artists that have actually been to PRISON and who still have their record deals and membership in industry organizations.
Lil Wayne, for instance, is on the same label as Morgan Wallen, Republic Records. Wayne has had multiple gun charges including one as early as last month and even served eight months in 2010 in Rikers Island. Never at any point has Wayne been dropped from Republic and even released a new single less than two weeks ago. And I’m sure his Grammy membership is still intact.
Don’t get me wrong, some of these folks needed a good cancelling but it shouldn’t be up to the media or corporations to decide. Let the people do it. R Kelly and Phil Spector are good examples of the people making their own decision. Let them keep making and selling their music and see if anyone buys it. If there is real outrage, they will feel it in their pockets. It’s ironic that the industry that has fought the good fight against censorship has found itself censoring as well.
Not to pick on Lil Wayne, there’s a long list of musicians with real rap sheets that have never been cancelled. Some even made music for their labels while in prison or jail.
Here’s a list of music stars who have been or are currently incarcerated and some of these are even in their respective music Halls Of Fame.
Paul McCartney
Tupac Shakur
David Allen Coe
James Brown
Steve Earle
C-Murder
John Phillips
Rick James
Chuck Berry
David Crosby
Ike Turner
Merle Haggard
Kodak Black
Julez Santana
B.G.
Tekashi 6ix9ine
Soulja Boy
Bobby Shmurda
and there are many more.
To add to the hypocrisy, Wallen’s label Big Loud/Republic only “suspended” the singer, which I interpret as “we are not letting you out of your deal in case we have a chance to make money off you later”. If I were Wallen, I’d walk into the Big Loud office today and demand a full release, start recording an album on my own and then do it alone Upchurch style. Morgan has a massive fanbase so the hard work has already been done. He won’t ever get radio again but he doesn’t need it and he’ll make more money than he ever would staying on his current label. Just my two cents.
My question is why the N word is allowed in other music genre? I mean seriously. He apologized. Move on. I hear it every day. Do I like the word no? But there are other words I like less. The political climate is afraid. Period! End of Rant.
I think Morgan is a brilliant song write and like you said other artists have done bad things and are still recording. He made a mistake and he’s sorry get over let him play his songs.
I am now a bigger fan of Wallen. Cant stand that this one word is causing this guy or for that matter any WHITE person so much trouble when rappers use the word freely in their music. (if you can call what they do as music) IF the word is so “hurtful” then it would not be used in the black community. I don’t see the blacks being punished in any way for their racial slurs that are aimed at the whites. So sick of double standards!
This with him is all is screw up. Just like you stated in ur post there has been other singers has done wrong but yet they didn’t get suspended or have their music taken off the radio. His label record is been nothing but a hole. Why make a big deal out of this b/c he was in his on yard minding his own business and who ever took the video was in the wrong for doin that. Like the old saying what comes around will go around krama is a b**ch for the neighbor
I ove Morgan and support him always I bet all of the people that has canceled him have probably said the same words some point in their life they just don’t want to admit it but yet they’re doing this to him. I bet all of the people that has canceled him have probably said the same words some point in their life they just don’t want to admit it..but yet they’re doing this to him. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone!!!! I love you Morgan and think your a great artist. Love your music and your voice!!!
I could not agree more!! The cancel culture is truly disturbing. Let’s hope people realize this before it is too late. Yes, Morgan messed up, but what ever happened to helping someone who may need it?
I said that he should produce his own music . Toby Keith did it and there are a lot of musicians like Upchurch, Colt Ford, Big Smo and The Moonshine Bandits just to name a few. These people are getting it done without mainstream radio ! Surely Morgan can too! I am proud to say I support and am a fan of his. I don’t agree with what was said , but the punishment doesn’t fit the crime!
👍👍👍👍👍👍Thank you!!
This is the BEST article that I’ve read on this topic. The hypocrisy runs deep. It’s truly a shame. And, I completely agree with your final thought. I know he feels bad, but at some point he has to stand up for himself and realize that he deserves better than this. If these people aren’t going to support him and be in his corner, I can assure you, his fans are.
So sick of people playing God, we are all human, leave him the hell alone
I totally agree if it had been anyone else it would have been ok. And I always said we all have said something wrong drunk or mad. And I will continue to support him. And one more thing he was in his own yard neighbors need to mind there own business they must been jealous of him. People mind your own business and get a life. Keep your head up Morgan wallen much love 💘.
If this word is so offensive to the black community, then they would be outraged at the word in rap music. If I was Morgan wallens I would get a good lawyer lawsuit if they dropped me for that but keep rappers signed on with the word in their lyrics it’s double standards
my question is this , I live in nashville several artist are known here for keeping up their image , they are protected even by the police dept , their image is fake , they do terrible things to people and then have the person charged if they open their mouths , the manipulate, use, lie, steal, cheap and destroy then they laugh and act like they are so Christian and clean ,Satan was an angel too once . although yes I understand that wasn’t a great choice of words and the world takes offense to everything these days , that was a guy hanging with his buddies doing nothing wrong to anyone and his label and radio families abandon him and hang him out to dry , someone please kick the neighbor who did this in the mouth and he apologized gezz . why don’t we prosecute some of these holier than thou assholes that abuse the privilege, use their power to ruin people lives and expect to be protected and they are . best wishes to Morgan
The social media / brand management lynch mob at work. Control the message. Come out hard against early, and hopefully it does not gain traction over time, and in the end quietly popping champagne as record sales climb. Don’t get your knickers in a knot over this we (the fans) are all dupes being played.