Pimp My Oscars

James Crowder
March 6 2006, 12:54PM

I don't understand why/how this happened. The song was a central part of the film but I don't think it was an exceptional song. Catchy - yes but exceptional - not so much. I was surprised that Taraji P. Henson actually has a voice. Who knew!

mickevwms
March 6 2006, 1:13PM

It was a pleasure to see history in its making. I applaud Three 6 Mafia, for their recent accomplishment and hope that this honor will open the door for others to do the same.

nahtan serious
March 6 2006, 1:42PM

Is a rap a song...

A few years ago some people complained about the fact that Halle Berry won an oscar as a black woman playing a skank or whatever. How come no outrage over a black rap group chanting misogynistic drivel about pimping?

Why must we wallow in the glorification of negative aspects of our culture?

Sad sad sad!

MO
March 6 2006, 1:54PM

I have to honestly say that I was watching and listening as Three 6 Mafia sang and I tried to convince myself that they shouldn't win....But I really like the song and felt that it did alot to advance the story of Hustle and Flow. The hook is memorable and I will probably be singing it in my head as I walk the streets of Harlem on my JOB> Shh don't tell nobody...

striversrower
March 6 2006, 1:57PM

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY OR THINK I HAVE TO TAKE IT ALL IN ..........WE ARE STILL BLACK IN AMERICA

Nikki
March 6 2006, 2:02PM

I wonder if this win qualifies for The Boondocks "A Nigga Moment"?

chris-leo
March 6 2006, 2:08PM

coon show!!!

Bernie
March 6 2006, 2:23PM

The night The Grammys met the Oscars.

alicia banks
March 6 2006, 2:26PM

pimps are tired and played out and so was the show

peace
ab

JAXBOI
March 6 2006, 2:26PM

I guess this is why we all are entitled to our own opinions and we are not aprart of the "committee" that selects the winners. Just be happy that somebody won. Hell Brokeback Mountain has been out for what a whopping 3-4 months and they got all the hype and nominations. As much as I dispise gangster rap, I am glad at the accomplishments achieved by this group.

alicia banks
March 6 2006, 2:27PM

the song and its film were boring and HIGHLY overrated

let'e be done with all this pimp bs now

s
March 6 2006, 2:31PM

Congrats to Three Six Mafia and Hustle and Flow! Hip Hop meets The Oscars. I love it!

Kwesi
March 6 2006, 3:23PM

I'd bet if it was a "conscious" rap song armed with lyrics of black pride, black history, etc., it would not have been a thought. But if it's a song that glorifies pimping, the over-use of the N-word, violence, prostitution, etc., then "they" basically say, "Let's further corrupt the minds of their young generation by rewarding this." Maybe one day us Black folk will wake up and see what's TRULY going on. Echoing what Nahtan said, "Why must we wallow in the glorification of negative aspects of our culture." Amen!

Jason
March 6 2006, 3:57PM

I have to point out that Eminem won for Loose Yourself for 8 mile a few years ago. I guess I feel like if a white rapper can win an oscar, why can't a black rap group?

James
March 6 2006, 5:27PM

I don't think the issue is that a rap group won - I think the issue is the SONG that won is not even a high quality rap song. I don't think anyone would be complaining if "Fight the Power" would have won (or even been nominated) in this category for "Do the Right Thing." That would have been historic and apropo.

Erick
March 6 2006, 5:48PM

I haven't seen the movie, forgetting Terence Howard is in it and one of the top actors in Hollywood. I wasn't impressed by the song and find myself struggling with whether or not it needed to be nominated. I'm not a follower or rap but I enjoy certain songs. I don't like the violence, degradation of women or use of the "N' word but it is a valid and influentual art form. Artists like Queen Latifah, Ice Cube and Ice-T have produced music for soundtracks far more superior to this particular song so I am suspicious of why it won. Someone said early on in the show that movies mold the way we see the world and I believe there are many in Hollywood who want Black Americans in general and the world in particular to believe this is who we all are and this is the only contribution we have to offer.

cmoney
March 6 2006, 7:35PM

While it's good that hip hop got some recognition from the whitest industry in America, this award solidifies the the main requirement for African-Americans to win an Oscar--degrade yourself. Halle Berry acted like a whore and got an Oscar. Denzel played a crooked cop and got an Oscar (eventhough he did a better job as Malcolm X). Hattie McDaniels played a Mammie (although very well). Cuba Gooding, Jr. played a dumb athlete. Isaac Hayes made a song about Shaft (can you get any more stereotypical with the obvious allusion to the power of the black penis?). At least I know what to do when I get that casting call--Coon out!

cmoney
March 6 2006, 7:47PM

p.s., What's up with Dolly Parton? She used to have more curves than Charo. Is she having a "Whitney Houston" problem? With all of that weight loss and the huge breast implants, she looked like a skeleton wearing a flotation device!

jazzi
March 6 2006, 8:45PM

In the funniest Dolly Parton quip category, the award goes to.....CMONEY!!!!

Javier
March 6 2006, 9:17PM

The song was catchy, but its lyrics were togic, employing every degrading primitive stereotype about blacks on the planet. And the imagery of mostly black people on the stage as whores, pimps and hustlers definitely showed the world how we view ourselves. THe problem is that we accept this trash in our communities and wonder why others think blacks are ignorant, lazy, or dangerous.

James Simpson
March 6 2006, 10:02PM

I swear the comments by some of the black Americans here...Some of you guys sound so pathetic...If 3-6 Mafia were on the MTV awards or BET awards or Vibe Awards..you would all say their performance was good. However, now that 3-6 Mafia were on the whitest show on television the Oscars..you guys have a problem with them..and the reason why..drumroll please....You are worried about what whites think about us.
Why are black Americans so pathetic and self conscious? Terrance Howard is a fool and a clown..he performed the song in the movie..and on the soundtrack but he's too good to perform it at the Oscars. Rumour has it..that Oprah, Denzel, Will, and all the other powerbroker blacks..told him not to perform. Its something strange I'm am noticing that the uppity blacks..the ones with their money...try so hard to appease whites..or act white..they look down on other blacks...It seems to me 3-6 Mafia are more in tune with whom they are. They didn't hurt nobody..they performed the song..because HOWARD DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT. They wrote the damn..song...they wrote it for the movie..about a gritty experience...Leave them alone..they won the Oscar... At least they accomplished something with themselves...The people that should feel embarassed..is the black Americans..that seem to care..so much about what whites think...We are not a monolithic community..so why should the actions of a few affect your life? Get a life..

s
March 6 2006, 10:21PM

@James Simpson - Amen brotha!!!!

castiron
March 6 2006, 10:26PM

I was so ashamed when this group won the Oscar. I hate that form of artistic expression.

Mark Norris
March 6 2006, 11:40PM

For Bernie:

More like the night the Source Awards met the Oscars.
Mark

blacklatina
March 7 2006, 12:10AM

I thought that Tariji Henson looked stunning :-) I'm also surprised but proud of 3-6 Mafia...what an accomplishment.

naturalblkluv
March 7 2006, 1:04AM

My brothas and sisters, you are telling me, that out of all the movie songs from black movies made this made during the past year, they could only come up with its hard out here for a pimp. People, didn't somebody along the way tell you that everything done is for a reason? Do you think that all of these old white people voted for that song because it was a good song or to embarrass those uppity black folks who think they are their equal with a ghetto mess of a song and performance to put them back in there place? I think the answer is hell yes.

Steven
March 7 2006, 1:21AM

Of the songs that were nominated this was the only song that was vital to the film. The ohter songs were good but were almost score with lyrics. "Hustle & Flow" would not have worked as a film if this song had not been as good as it is so it won.

Marcus
March 7 2006, 2:57AM

I did not know util now that the song was awarded an oscar.

Wake up brothers and sisters....

jazzi
March 7 2006, 9:03AM

Keep one thing in mind: people are going to think what people are going to think. You can't do anything about it. People have their preconceived notions & if they are not willing to change then they are not going to change.

I can assure you that Three 6 Mafia did absolutely nothing to impact the perception of Black people. NOTHING. If they were
racist, they came to the show racist. If they thought we were nothing but dancing fools, coons, & bafoons, they thought that before they tuned in to watch the Oscars. That being the case,it makes zero sense to saddle ourselves with the responsibility of changing their perception of who we are. We have demostrated time & time again that if given a fair shake, we can compete with best of them. They are going to hold on to perceptions & images that suit them, make them feel secure in their false sense of superiority, with or without the help of Three 6 Mafia.

I don't listen to a lot of hip hop. It's just not my thing. Aside from the sexism & extreme violence & mindless shit talk, it's just not my thing. One thing I can say I do admire about the hip hop heads is that they are doing their thing, not caring what white people think. They are making their own music, creating sounds that move them. They're not thinking "I wonder if this will meet with white peolpes approval?" Whites don't even figure into the equation. They're not spending life concerning themselves with what white peolpe think or what they are going to say about them. I think thats liberating. Just do you. If others like, cool. If they don't, cool.

"Hustle & Flow" was a good movie. I liked it. "Hard For a Pimp" was good in the context of the movie but not Oscar material. But they won. Congrats to them. The way I see it is, Three 6 Mafia is doing their thing, I'm doing mine. Just because we share the same ethnicity doesn't mean they speak for or represent me. I can't tell their story & they can't tell mine. I know nothing about being a pimp, gang banger, or dope slanger. I work honestly for mine. I'm a law abiding American citizen. Three 6 Mafia doesn't make me look bad. I have no reason to hold my head down in shame. I'm not embarassed by how someone else chooses to rep themselves. I'm an individual. If whites or any other group can't see that, then they have a serious problem. If Blacks think that Three 6 Mafia or any other rap group makes us look bad, then they too have a serious problem. Apparently you must already have a very low opinion of self.

ALLEGRO
March 7 2006, 10:17AM

KEITH....I am somewhat SHOCKED by your neutral stance on this topic. All you did was merely provide a recount of the events that transpired.

How did you feel about them winning an OSCAR? Hmmmm?

Perry
March 7 2006, 10:56AM

The only thing that could have enhanced this win would have been a Terrence Howard win for his gripping performance in "Hustle and Flow." He has more than proven himself in the past couple of years. His time will come, and soon!

Jaun Mosby
March 7 2006, 11:49AM

The Oscars, as far as I am concerned, are a joke.
As Jazzi said, Three 6 Mafia are just doing their thing and I will not find fault with them because that is their thing.

But think to yourself, why did the Academy choose that song over all of the other Oscar-worthy songs of times past that failed to gain Oscar recognition.
A few years ago, Babyface wrote an entire album of original songs for "Waiting To Exhale" and didn't receive any nominations.

Babyface was also snubbed by the Academy for writing credits for "When You Believe" from "The Prince of Egypt" although he was co-writer of that song, the Academy instead awarded the Oscar to Stephen Schwartz saying that Babyface was not eligible for some reason that was never made clear to the masses.

My point being, to those members of the Academy, we are nothing but maids,coons,pimps, buffoons, whores, slaves and athletes.

Another question I have for you.

Why was Terrence Howard nominated for "Hustle and Flow" and not "Crash"?

He was just as effective as an actor in "Crash" as he was in "Hustle and Flow".

Could it be that he portrayed a Black Urban Professional in "Crash" that was harrassed by the cops instead of a pimp?

People wake up, in a world where image is everything, we need to be aware of how the media portrays us.

We are more than what they will allow others to see of us.

We are more than just pimps, whores, slaves and mammies.

In the 78 years that the Academy has existed, not much has changed. And the fact that we are cool with that scares me.

VERB
March 7 2006, 1:11PM

The film was average at best but Howard's performance was top-notch and the only reason I saw the film to begin with. I'm actually happier that he was nominated for Best Actor as a pimp than Best Supporting Actor as a TV exec. This will open more doors for him because of it. Howard rocked the part and as Perry stated, "his time will come."

Although I'm not a Three 6 Mafia fan, I am glad that they won. They were genuinely happy and excited. Their sincerity in that happiness was great.

In terms of the lyrics... Yeah, I agree that pimping should not be glorified but DUHHH, the song has to match the movie so what else would one expect the song to include? Think, people, think! Coonery resides in lack of critical thought.

The part that did in fact disturb Me was inevitable, when they had to speak upon winning the award. OMG, I got dizzy with all the gold grill work and speech that was unrecognizable to those of U/us with a relatively good command of standard English. I have no idea what they said on that stage...a translator or sub-titles would have been nice.

In terms of the song being quality...YES, indeed it was. In regard to production (with regard to movement in sound, orchestration, etc) it was stellar. Folks that don't know anything about the mechanics of sound may tend to disagree, but then again, they don't actually understand music. Those ppl tend to just listen with a basic ear and not actually understand the mechanics behind it. They don't know any better.

All BS aside, Three 6 Mafia did win. Swallow it, people.

@ cmoney...
I feel ya on the Dolly thing. I was wondering Myself what that was all about. I pray that she's not ill.

Texas76132
March 7 2006, 1:26PM

Even though I'm not a fan of rap music and the message they present, I will defend 6 Mafia in this instance. The reason they won is because Terrance Howard plugged the song. It had the best chance of winning an award for the movie. After 6 Mafia won, I heard the same blacks who defend rap of music suddenly become embarrassed by their appearance at the awards show. Black America didn't have a problem with the movie or the song, so why are some people now embarrassed when the group wins a major award on TV for the world to see? If you are concerned about the image of black Americans, forget 6 Mafia and look at Damon Wayans. He is suing the federal government because they turned down his request to trademark the word NIGGA for a new clothing line and store he wants to open called NIGGA. The government says the word is offensive. He has been in a lawsuit for more than a year and has spent several thousand dollars trying to overturn the ruling. We know very well that if he wins, there will be thousands of black teenagers (and adults) wearing the word NIGGA on their clothes. If Black America buys into this, the consequences will be positive or move or negative for years to come. Only time will tell. You reap what you sow.

The rap industry has continually told Black America over the years they are not role models and not to put them in that position. We refuse to listen. They are invited to schools all around this country to sing their songs and no one in the black community is upset by this. In fact, many black communities encourage it. The NAACP has worked with the the Hip Hop Summit for the last five years to create a new Black America, for better or worse. Tavis Smiley says the rap music is CNN for black folks. And now Snoop Dog is a bonafied spokesperson for Black America. 6 Mafia won the Academy Award because it was the most recognizable song and Black America demanded it. Don't you listen to Black Radio? They ware that song out. They also wanted the song to win. Now that we got what we wanted, why are we embarrassed and upset about the image 6 Mafia portrayed for blacks?

Derrick from Philly
March 7 2006, 1:33PM

To those who keep pickin' on Halle. Halle Berry won an Oscar for portraying an uneducated young black woman who'd lost everything and finds security in the most unlikely place--the arms of a Georgia cracka' who "hates niggers" It was NOT an easy part to play. The last five minutes of the film she displayed and conveyed very complex emotions without saying a word of dialogue.

Now, when you have watched, appreciated, and studied thousands of hours of screen actresses from Lillian Gish & Louise Brooks to Diana Sands and Jane Fonda (t'aint much of nothin' after Fonda...well Meryl Streep, of course) then you may give an informed critique as to whether Halle Berry's performance in Monster's Ball was Oscar worthy--and not just your twenty-somethin' year old opinion.

Kwesi
March 7 2006, 2:37PM

Lack of critical thought? Gosh, I can't believe you wrote that. Re-read what you wrote and YOU THINK again. Pimping movie, or pimping song to match, or whatever...my point still stands. Before you call someone else a "coon", re-read what you write BEFORE you click the "post" button to ensure that you are not what you are calling others. Think!

JLee
March 7 2006, 2:51PM

As a black man, Three 6 Mafia's performance didn't offend me at all because it captured the flavor of the movie. When Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder won their Oscars, people complained that their songs sounded "too white". Now people are complaining that Three 6 Mafia's song is "too hood rat". Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Jaun Mosby
March 7 2006, 3:52PM

After reading all of these posts, it's easy to see why we are in this state of second class citizenship.

Absolutely no solidarity whatsoever.

Halle Berry is an outstanding actress, no doubt and she did deserve the Oscar for "Monster's Ball" but so did Angela Bassett for "What's Love Got to Do With It."

Talent and ability have nothing to do with winning Oscars. It's all political.

As far as politics goes, African-Americans are on the bottom looking up and being that we are so polarized, that's where we'll stay.

Carlos
March 7 2006, 9:44PM

Black people get upset when others call us ignorant, degenerate, and ignorant, yet celebrate en mass the very depictions and actions that reinforce these stereotypes. What is a pimp? A person who uses other people for their own selfish gain. There is nothing good, admirable, nor celebratory about pimping. I saw the movie, and thought it was just average, although the performances were stellar. The most offensive thing was that it perpetuated the notion that the best route for black males to achieve success is to make music that degrades women, glorifies stereotypes, depicts black men as sex-crazed brutes, and generally makes black people look ignorant and primal. Perhaps, if the guy got his education and started volunteering at a homeless shelter as a way out of the ghetto instead of making toxic music I would view the movie differently.

VERB
March 8 2006, 10:18AM

@Kwesi
LOL...relax, pal. I (and I'm sure that no one else) is implying that pimping should be rewarded but really, what else would the song be about if the film is about a pimp? Did you even see the film? I hope you had this much disdain for Morgan Freeman after he played a pimp. This is why W/we don't get anywhere, W/we lack critical thinking. I'm hitting the POST button now...

VERB
March 8 2006, 10:50AM

@ jazzi...
I will tell you, with no disrespect to the others here, that your post was the most thought-provoking of all. I am a Lesbian BDSM Dominant and have no shame with My lifestyle whatsoever. I don't care about other ppl's opinions of Me as an individual and live as I see fit in accordance with My Creator. Even though I have no issue with the Three 6 Mafia Oscar win (cuz there's no need), I have had plenty of issues with other things (commercials, TV shows, music, etc) that have used Blacks in a very questionable light but due to your post, I'll be more critical in My judgement. That's not to say that I won't think a corporation is foul for a racist portrayal of U/us, but I will also really ask Myself if that anger is warranted or am I just really worrying about Mista Cholly gon' think 'bout U/us. Thanks for that. BE peace.

the eunuch
March 9 2006, 12:51AM

What is wrong with all of you. That's why white folks think of us and treat us like second class citizens. We out to be tired of performing minstrel shows. Have any of you bothered to look at the lyrics to the song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp."
It goes:
"You know it's hard out here for a pimp (you ain't knowin)/ When you're trying to get this money for the rent (you ain't knowin)/For the Cadillac and gas money spent (you ain't knowin)/ We'll have a whole lotta b------ jumpin ship."
There's more.
Wait I got a snow bunny, and a black girl too/You pay the right money and they'll both do you/That's the way the game goes, gotta keep it strickly pimpin, makin change off these women.
Gotta couple hoes workin on the changes for me/But I gotta keep my game tight like Kobe on a game night/Like takin from a ho don't know no better, I know it aint right.

Question: Are we that desperate to see black folks win an Oscar that we will accept something like this and even applaud it. The performance by Three 6 Mafia was shameful and yall know it.

Texas76132
March 9 2006, 10:33AM

As I said before on an earlier post, if your are concerned about the image of black people, forget about Three 6 Mafia and look at Damon Wayans. He and his family are creating a cartoon called Thugaboo. How much more of this trash can we take as as black people. Talk about blacksploitation. Geesh! Can't we get a little respect from them. That's all they produce. People like him and his family are doing more to perpetuate negative images of blacks than any southern riverboat minstrel show we have ever had to endure. If you don't have a problem with this, I don't want to hear you complain the next time a group of whites hold a thug or pimp and ho party the next time it hits the media. If this is what black America wants, and apparently it does, judging by the number one move at the box office. Don't complain when people think that's an accurate representation of blacks and begin to bring back those old attitudes civil rights groups worked so hard to eradicate. It is way past time that we in the black community hold our black entertainers accountable for the image they project. They have made more than enough money to start their own movie studio or buy their own television network to continue to do this to us. And one more thing, how come black people kept their mouths shut during the 25 years Robert Johnson owned BET but can suddenly talk about how bad the programming is when there is absolutely no difference in the in how blacks are portrayed on air? Come on black people. Disrespect is disrespect and should never be tolerated under any circumstances. We need to think more of ourselves to stop supporting this mess just because the people doing this are black. The future generations deserve better even if we don't think so.

Bill S
March 12 2006, 8:52AM

Terrence Howard was nominated for a LEAD role in "Hustle & Flow" instead of a smaller supporting role in "Crash". I think that's a good thing, really. I'd also like to point out that a lot of white actors get nominated for playing morally dubious characters. And Denzel's Oscar was his SECOND win; his first was for "Glory" in 1989.
As for the song, I assumed it was written from a character perspective, and wasn't a sincere plea for sympathy for pimps. I'll admit though, that I liked Kathleen York's song from "Crash" more, though I found the background dancers distracting. Dolly didn't get that treatment for her song from "TransAmerica", but I8 guess it's hard to come up with an interpretive ballet for a movie about a pre-op transexual with a teenage son who's a prostitute. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't have TRIED. :)

Texas76132
March 13 2006, 9:40AM

This is a post from Darryl James of www.bridgecolumn.com. I posted his article because I could not get his link to transfer.

By Darryl James
March 7, 2006

I don't think it will surprise anyone to hear me say that I'm a mad Black man right about now.

I'm angry that the image of Black men in America is once again, under attack

There has been one new stereotype added to the paradigm over the past few decades-the Black man in drag, currently re-emerging, headed by filmmaker/actor Tyler Perry.

The Black man in drag is one of the new coons. It’s hip and chic and the stereotype is comfortable for all who may have fear of a strong Black man. For white people, the stereotype presents a non-threatening Black male who won't stand up to racism or start a revolution. No one has to oppress him, because he’s self-castrated.

. . .

[Comment Edited. Full Length Articles Are Not Permitted to Be Re-Posted on This Site.]

. . .

Darryl James is an award-winning author and is now a filmmaker. His first mini-movie, “Crack,” will be released in March of this year. James’ latest book, “Bridging The Black Gender Gap,” is the basis of his lectures and seminars. Previous installments of this column can now be viewed at www.bridgecolumn.com. James can be reached at djames@theblackgendergap.com.

Derrick from Philly
March 14 2006, 4:36PM

Texas:
Mr. James sounds needs to put his philosophy and his message into his art because writing an essay ain't his forte. He sounds as though he's about to wage war. Against who? Rupaul?

Neledi
March 15 2006, 5:01PM

Pimpin' Coons! They got us again.

...First Halle as a ho, then Denzel as a deviant, and now Terrance "the hero" Howard.

Look how fast they transformed the man. He went from a nobody to an A-list actor for protraying a pimp! Even though he was quite a wimp in Crash...the overrated movie that makes white people feel better about being racists.

He really thinks he's good too. Just like a sellout negro. He talks about how "he grew up in the hood in every interview," and has the white wife to boot. Then, as if the conk in the pimp movie wasn't enough, he wore a conk in his head in real life too!

To top it all off, all of a sudden his image was converted for the oscars. "Detroit Red" cut the conk off and donned MALCOLM's glasses! Guess his vision got blurred, cause I ain't see the brother with glasses before that.

It's a hell of a subliminal message, but hey, I guess that's good.