The always active Project Islamic Hope and Najee Ali, have taken exception to the content of UPN’s Platinum. A show about two brothers building and running a label. In a statement, Ali said, “After viewing UPN hip hop drama Platinum it’s apparent that the producers and writers have created a show based on focusing on the worst elements of hip hop. It’s gangsterism, violence, misogyny and brutality, the Platinum premiere episode highlights the violence and ignorance in hip hop that has become synonymous with young people and black culture.
Platinum producers have stated their intentions are to keep it real. The only thing they have kept real is the glorification of violence and brutality that hip hop needs to move away from. We have lost Tupac, Biggie, Jam Master Jay and many others to this type of ignorance and self hate.”
UPN was quick to respond with their own statement, saying, “UPN and the producers set out to make a realistic show in “Platinum.” This critically acclaimed series is edgy, sexy, the language is raw and the series is at times violent. There is nothing else like it on television and it is a very honest behind-the-scenes look at aspects of the Hip-Hop industry. Some of the executive producers, writers, directors and even stars come from the Hip-Hop world and know first-hand about this industry. It is their experience that they are retelling in “Platinum.” So, while we respect Mr. Ali’s opinion, we believe our viewers who are fans of Hip-Hop music and fans of good television will very much enjoy this show.”
I would suggest watching the show and deciding for yourself whether or not it is just entertainment or if it glorifies hip-hop’s demons.
