The Latest: Bratton says comments not about all in hip hop

By The Associated Press

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Latest on New York Police Commissioner William Bratton’s recent comments, where he labeled rappers as thugs following a multiple shooting at a hip-hop concert (all times local):

9:30 p.m.

Police Commissioner William Bratton says he meant his comments about “thugs who call themselves rap artists” and “shoot up crowded clubs.”

But Bratton said Friday night that rap music has become “an important vehicle for storytelling” in urban America and that gangster rap has often overshadowed its most important messages.

The commissioner says he’s concerned about those who glamorize violence and use it as a means of attaining “street cred” — but this isn’t everyone involved in rap and hip hop.

Bratton’s original comments about rap came Thursday after four people were shot at a Manhattan concert hall where rapper T.I. was scheduled to perform Wednesday night. Bratton blamed the shootings on “the crazy world of the so-called rap artists” who he said “are basically thugs.”

___

5:20 p.m.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and hip-hop icon Darryl “DMC” McDaniels says the New York police commissioner’s recent comments — where he labeled rappers as thugs following a shooting at a hip-hop concert — is disrespectful.

McDaniels says Police commissioner William Bratton should apologize to rappers like Chuck D, Will Smith and Kendrick Lamar, performers whose songs do not promote violence and negative images.

Bratton’s comments came Thursday after four people were shot, one fatally, at a Manhattan concert hall where rapper T.I. was scheduled to perform Wednesday night. Bratton blamed the shootings on “the crazy world of the so-called rap artists” who he says “are basically thugs.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today