ICE CUBE'S LYRICS ARE FILLED WITH HATE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 19, 1992                   TAG: 9202190366
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
ICE CUBE'S LYRICS ARE FILLED WITH HATE
YOUR ARTICLE Feb. 7, reporting on Ice Cube's upcoming concert at the Roanoke Civic Center, pointed out that his latest album "Death Certificate" contains lyrics that incite bigotry.
The album contains blatantly anti-Semitic and racist lyrics, and includes calls for violence against Jews and Koreans. (The hate-filled lyrics are in the cuts "No Vaseline" and "Black Korea.")
The Anti-Defamation League has urged record companies to disassociate firmly and forcefully from any expressions of bigotry on the part of artists and sponsors. If leaders in the arts wink at such blatant bigotry, they send the message to millions of young Americans that these sentiments are acceptable - a message carrying destructive implications for the future of American democratic pluralism. It is imperative that they speak out publicly against offensive rhetoric.
The use of the phrases "White Jew" and "put a bullet in his temple" can only serve to incite anti-Jewish feelings among Ice Cube's young listeners.
On "Black Korea," Ice Cube says: "Pay respect to the black fist or we'll burn your store right down to a crisp."
Such lyrics are outrageously irresponsible. It would be an atrocity should Ice Cube's words embolden angry people to put a torch to Korean-owned businesses.
In view of the immense popularity of Ice Cube among African-American youth, the damaging impact of the artist's message can hardly be overstated. MIRIAM SEEHERMAN Chairman, Virginia Board IRA GISSEN Regional Director Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith NORFOLK

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB