Dr. Dre Detox Album

Legendary Hip Hop Producer Dr. Dre

For six years Dr. Dre fans have been anticipating the “Detox” album with the release date once set at late 2008. The album promises a new style of drums derived from live instrumentation and artists such as Jay-Z, Nas and Lil Wayne are expected to appear on the album. Fans were at one point beginning to wonder if the album was some kind of ghetto myth however as little was being heard from Dr. Dre himself, and the expected release dates kept being passed with little reason as to why. Eminem has recently come forward however shedding light on what’s been taking place behind the scenes. Em said: “He was working on Detox, he basically put that aside once we got on the road with my record, which I’m extremely grateful for-you know.” Speaking on his plans after “Detox” Dre said: “I’m going to put this record out, promote it, and then become a hermit,” Dre explains. “I’m going to stay in the studio and produce.”

E-Own

Eminem Relapse Banned

Eminem’s TV commercial for his new album relapse has been banned from TV. The rapper is no stranger to such controversy and his naked body in a bath tub full of blood proved to be a bit too much for censors. The 20 second long commercial is still widely available on YouTube along with the more family friendly Family Guy Relapse commercial. The banning of the commercial will undoubtedly generate interest in the clip and aid the promotion of the Relapse album.

E-Own

Eurovision Song Banned

Eurovision 2009

Georgia have been forced to withdraw from the Eurovision song contest after having their proposed song banned. The song “we don’t wanna put in” was said to be mocking The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The event is to be held in Russia in mid May which only added to the controversy. According to Eurovision rules no lyrics, speeches or gestures of a political nature are allowed within the contest and the song was deemed to be breaking this rule. The song which would have been performed by Stephane and 3G was seen to be protesting against Russia’s war on Georgia. The Georgian group had the option of revising the lyrics of the song but instead chose to opt out of the competition. Mr Putin’s spokesman commented saying; “We should only regret that the Georgian contestants instead of concentrating on the art, use such a popular contest for demonstrating the pseudo-political ambitions, or-simply speaking-their hooliganism.”

Industry Accepts Chinese Censorship

Google China

Google have launched a music download service to operate in china, however any music that had been previously banned by the Chinese authorities isn’t available via the download site. “When you’re in the music business in China you know you have to follow the regulations,” said Lachie Rutherford, president of Warner Music Asia. Google have rarely contested China on censorship issues since its introduction to the Chinese market several years ago. Undoubtedly much of the material banned by China won’t be as a result of foul language or absurdity, but simply views which contradict or undermine the Chinese government.

Canada Gay Rights Boycott

The debate concerning homophobic lyrics being banned has been sparked once again by Canada. A Canadian coalition is calling for not only a boycott of Reggae music from the Canadian people but also for Canadians to stop visiting the Island of Jamaica. This move is being proposed to impact the Jamaican economy through lack of tourism and in turn force the government to step in and do something about the anti gay lyrics. Jamaican Dancehall artists have found their downloadable material being subjected to censorship. Entire albums which included songs with homophobic lyrics have been deleted from download sites. Sizzla, Buju Banton, Elephant Man and T.O.K are amongst the artists involved in the controversy.

Dancehall Artist Sizzla

Bribed Censorship

Senegalese Rapper Didier Awadi

Rappers in Senegal are being offered financial rewards if they agree to sing positive lyrics about political life in the country. In contrast rappers who refuse to comply with this often find backdated tax bills emerging as well as death threats. Such threats are taken seriously with beatings being widespread in the country. In Senegal 70% of the population is under thirty years old so Hip Hop has a big audience amongst the Senegalese people. The Government as well as the musicians recognize this and its seems the battle between freedom of expression and corruption will continue amongst artists such as Didier Awadi and the Government.

Eminem Radio

Eminem

Eminem’s Satellite radio station has continued to flourish. The station plays uncensored and uncut Hip Hop twenty four hours a day and due to Satellite radio being a private industry material isn’t subjected to the rules of the FCC. Eminem throughout his career came under much scrutiny by censorship boards such as the FCC and after reaching Platinum Status in his career retaliated by creating a platform from which he could exercise freedom of expression. The Channel “Shade 45″ has been running for four years and continues to attract a list celebrities and music personnel.

Youtube Blocked

Daniela Cicarelli

In a bizarre twist of events Youtube was blocked in Brazil.  Brazilian supermodel and TV personality Daniela Cicarelli was filmed getting abit close to her boyfriend while on holiday in Spain, and naturally the clip ended up in Youtube. The case went to court and Youtube was ordered to get rid of the videos but every time one video was deleted another emerged. The video was collecting more hits than any other video in Brazil with views reaching into the millions. Youtube was later sued by the model Daniela and the judge ordered youtube to be banned in Brazil. Many waited to see whether the ban would actually happen and to the surprise of many it did. Youtube has however now been restored in Brazil and somewhat ironically Daniella appeared on Youtube to give viewers her side of the story. Many in Brazil and indeed throughout the world will be wondering if blocking Youtube was the right thing to do…

Online Great Wall

Internet Police

In January this year China launched a  campaign against internet pornography. Many now fear though that the camppaign is simply a cover for a more sinister purpose. Political and Human Rights websites have dissapeared from China’s webspace despite having no pornographic content what so ever. Amnesty International’s website no longer exists in China. Commenting on the situation the Press Feedom Organization said: “The Olympic Torch is now definately extinguished and the government’s much vaunted liberation is no more. The campaign against political dissidents is now very much in the open.” It seems China’s Online Great Wall is still firmly standing.

“XXX”

Scene From Shakespeare's Hamlet

Parliament have been discussing play censorship to the point of banning the XXX symbol from posters and leaflets associated with plays. Parliamentary Under secretary for the Department of Culture Kim Howells argued against the move to censor plays saying: “Should Hamlet be altered because the violence or references to incest might disturb children? Many of the greatest plays produced in this country could face censorship if the amendment was accepted.” The move received strong opposition when proposed and it remains to be seen whether Parliament will move to impose stronger censorship on plays…