FM News
Mayor Eric Adams Wants Drill Rap Removed From Social Media
Has Drill Rap seen its last days? If Mayor Adams has anything to do with it, the answer is yes!
C-HII Wvyttz (Drill Rapper) A Tragic Catalyst
A week ago, the Hip-Hop community lost a young and aspiring drill artist named Wvyttz. He was only 18 years old with a bright future. At the time, FMHipHop provided coverage on the life and career trajectory of Young Wvyttz, who was unexpectedly gunned down outside a studio.
His father then gave a compelling video showing his son’s involvement in “Drill” rap a few days later. With as much as a father can muster after losing his son, Wvyttz’s father also speaks on the increasing violence of Drill.
C-HII Wvyttz. Image source: Opera News.
Mayor Adams Uses Drill Rap For Political Gain
Mayor Adams uses this opportunity to push the social media executives to resolve the growing Drill crisis. In his address, Adams said:
“You have a civic and corporate responsibility,”
Do they? What is corporate’s responsibility to the global citizenry?
Not even Adams, who has risen to a powerful position in the NYC community, was aware of Drill rap and its message. Not until the death of Wvyttz was he made aware of this niche area in hip hop. Yet, he admits his alarm when finding out.
“I had no idea what drill rapping was. My son sent me videos. It was alarming.”
Drilling Into The Root Of The Issue
So if Adams did not know Drill and its message, it is possible Social media executives do not either. This is not to remove responsibility. On the contrary, failure to see the content your brand is putting out is not only aloof but a sign of poor leadership. However, if there was knowledge and the executives were explicit in its distribution, another dark and sinister issue needs addressing.
Response To Ban Mixed
Primarily the Response to Adam’s Drill ban proposal is mixed. Many agree those who sit at the heads of these companies indeed have a responsibility to maintain society’s goodwill. This means policing and restricting content that poses harm.
Others argue the duty is not theirs; instead, this responsibility rests with individuals. Parents, guardians, and community leaders bear the burden. It is their job to stand at the gate and guard the accessibility of this content to their sons, daughters, mentees, students, parishioners, and congregants.
The role of business is to provide a service in exchange for payment for rendering those services. In other words, they are not forcing the public to buy, listen, or participate. This is a valid point.
Adam’s Argument On Social Responsibility
Adams argues the media picks and chooses. This behavior alone is the root of the problem. Adams stated,
“It would be irresponsible to continue to give violent rap music videos a platform,” the mayor stated regarding Drill. “Twitter banned former President Donald Trump for posting what it deemed as objectionable and inflammatory content.”
The Facebook executive team was clear about their position to ban President Trump.
“His account will remain suspended until 7 January 2023, and he will only be reinstated if the “risk to public safety has receded.”
This knowledge puts forth much consternation and offers a lot to chew on?
How much are these media executives aware of? Is there an ulterior motive?
Corporate Response On The Issue Of “Drill” Rap
Major platforms at the heart of this Issue, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, have not yet responded to Adam’s proposal. While waiting for a response, Adams continues his campaign. Additionally, a source notes that the mayor plans to meet with top hip-hop artists and civil rights leaders.
This is an exciting development, a pivotal point in history where politics and artistry intersect. No one can deny the propensity to cause a far-reaching change in the music and hip hop industry is at the door. FM Hip Hop will follow this and keep you informed of developments.
Be sure to like and follow FMHipHop on Instagram and Facebook!
Written by Renae Richardson
Are you interested in reading about C-HII Wvttz’s tragic death? Check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.
