DJ Envy Questions Media's Role In Hip Hop Violence

BY Erika Marie 976 Views
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Dj Envy, Van LAthan Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - April 20, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: DJ Envy visits SiriusXM Studio on April 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
For "Hip Hop Homicides," Envy and Van Lathan are examining media's influence in the rise of violence.

A new episode of Hip Hop Homicides airs tonight and it has sparked conversations. The industry has long been plagued with tragic circumstances, but in recent years, Hip Hop has suffered the most. Dozens of artists have lost their lives to gun violence and Hip Hop Homicides investigates these cases. When these tragedies surface, fans often engage in debates about lyrics, beefs, and violence. DJ Envy and Van Lathan not only examine the topic but question the media's involvement.

"If I punch you in the face right now, but now it's on social media, now it never ends," said Envy. "Because now, I embarrass you, you want to embarrass me back the same way."

Commentary: Violent death of rapper King Von reminds us how people across the country are dancing to the music of revenge and murder in Chicago
(Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Read More: 50 Cent Debuts Trailer For New “Hip Hop Homicides” Series

Lathan brought up Will Smith and Chris Rock's Academy Awards moment as well as Draymond Greene and Jordan Poole.

"How does this brotha move on when everybody saw him get dotted like that?" Lathan questioned. "I mean, Envy, we all play a part in this."

Read More: 50 Cent Debuts Trailer For “Hip-Hop Homicides”

50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young teamed up to bring Hip Hop Homicides to WEtv. Van Lathan flexes his journalistic skills once more as the host of the show. “As of 2022, there have been a staggering number of rappers who have been murdered," he said in a trailer. "And more than half of those cases are unsolved... We’re here to bring these cases into the light.”

Viewers will take an intimate look at the deaths of some of our favorite artists. The murders of rappers like Pop Smoke, Mo3, and King Von are discussed at length, as well as the media's role. Outlets are often criticized for how they cover such news, in addition to sharing posts of people enacting violence. Videos and photos of altercations have become the norm, but not everyone believes it is edifying for Hip Hop culture.

Check out more from Hip Hop Homicides below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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