Russell Simmons Sounds Off On The FCC And Censorship

Concerning the The FCC's decision to fine Pueblo, Colorado radio station KKMG-FM $7,000 for broadcasting the Eminem rap song, "The Real Slim Shady," rap impresario Russell Simmons has released the following statement:

Throughout American history, the young and creative culture has always been accused of crossing the line. Whether it was the writings of Mark Twain or musical genres like Blues, Jazz and Rock & Roll, when we look at these forms of expression in retrospect we see that they weren't bad at all. In fact, such expression has proven to be the most profound catalyst in realizing the American promise.

The attacks from the mainstream on the Hip-Hop community's 1st Amendment right to have freedom of speech are wrong and unconstitutional. In this country's past, no matter how differing the points of view on various issues have been, we have worked hard to not place infringements on our democratic right to express. The U.S. government has never crossed that line.

The Hip-Hop community, no all of America, should be outraged at this blatant act of censorship on our brother Eminem.