In a recent online exchange, G Herbo found himself at the center of controversy after accusing media figures DJ Akademiks and VladTV of exploiting violence in Chicago through their coverage of gang-related issues. During a podcast appearance, Herbo suggested that these platforms should contribute financially to charitable organizations to compensate for the harm they perpetuate through their reporting. However, critics quickly pointed out the inconsistency in Herbo’s stance, given that his own music often glorifies violence and gang culture.
DJ Akademiks fired back, questioning Herbo’s credibility in lecturing others about the consequences of violence in Chicago when his lyrics contribute to the very culture he now criticizes. Akademiks highlighted a particular song lyric where Herbo promotes violent behavior, implying that if anyone should be held accountable, it should be the artists themselves who profit from such narratives.
The discussion escalated with Akademiks drawing a stark analogy, comparing Herbo’s calls for accountability to a hypothetical scenario where a member of the KKK lectures on racism. He emphasized that while Herbo has made some charitable donations, it falls short of the responsibility that comes with his public persona as a rapper. Instead of pointing fingers, Akademiks argued that Herbo should focus on his own contributions to the issues plaguing their community.
The dialogue around accountability in hip-hop is further complicated by the rise of drill music and its association with violence, not just in Chicago but also in cities like New York and Jacksonville. Akademiks noted that while crime has always been a problem, the proliferation of this genre has exacerbated the situation. He called for artists to take responsibility for their impact, rather than deflecting blame onto the media that reports on their actions.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, 50 Cent is poised to receive over $200,000 from Young Buck in a long-standing bankruptcy case. The court has allowed for the liquidation of Buck’s assets, which includes vehicles, jewelry, and even his music catalog, to settle debts with creditors. Young Buck’s estate has amassed around $1 million from these sales, although substantial legal fees have already consumed a significant portion, leaving a smaller amount for remaining creditors.
50 Cent’s relentless pursuit of repayment highlights the complexities of financial dealings in the music industry, especially when trust has been broken. Buck’s attempts to reconcile with 50 Cent and rejoin G-Unit have been met with skepticism, as his history of untrustworthiness looms large over any potential collaborations.
As the discussions around responsibility within the hip-hop community continue, it remains to be seen how figures like G Herbo will adapt their narratives and whether they will embrace a more proactive approach to addressing the societal issues reflected in their music. The conversation is far from over, with both Akademiks and Herbo likely to continue their exchanges in the public eye.