Pharrell talks about why US artists don't perform in Africa

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

correction "not a country ."

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

americans dont understand that africa is a COUNTRY they dont understand what a CONTINENT ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE .. its not taught in their school system so you cant blame them .

[guleiro]

Nigeria is not the best example to tall about Africa.There are far better places.I´m sick to see americans refering to Africa as a country!Hello??!!!Africa have some 53 different countries and cultures.Nigeria is not = to Angola South Africa is not= to Egipt and so on...Pharrel respect your roots.Your AA music would not be nothing without your african heritage.

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@guleiro nigeria is the most populated african country, one in four africans is a nigerian you cant get away from us , so dont hate here.. okay. thanks for sharing and why would the likes of pharrel want to know about african countries these are lost people with no connection to any part of africa at all whatsoever.. we cant hate on him for that. they dont know who they are so why would we hate them for being lost thru no fault of their own.? its just that they always attack us with ignorance.

[guleiro]

@SuperQueenofAfrica I agree with you but really the world is smaller every day and it´s sad to see how ignorant ppl can be some times.greatings from Angola.

[that1kidfarai]

NAS BE THE TRUTH

[sexking83]

America: yo nig ill stab your whole crew if you talk shit

Africa: i shot down and chopped a whole village for fun

no stereotyping or racism intended

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@sexking83 It's not very nice what you say, it's really easy for you because when you go home, you can speak your mothertongue. AA are not so lucky, they don't have a their own language, which reflects their identity. so can you let them talk please like they want.

[Cerl84]

Should have kept the mike from Pharrell, with all his "artist" bs.

[Blushikami]

@Cerl84 lolwut?

[winterpark4lyfe]

dis nas

[Caugheez]

But isnt Nasir half Nigerian so.......

[landfair03]

@Caugheez No, Nas is Black American. Nas' father is a jazz musician that was born in Natchez, MS. His father's real name is Charles Jones III. However, his father has traveled to Africa and was given the name Olu Dara by a Yoruba (I think) priest and his father now uses that name. The name "Olu Dara", which is sometimes used by his father, is what confuse people about Nas' ethnicity and nationality.

[SleepyMooseDotCom]

4:00 - 5:01 should be a separate video titled "Pharrell talks BS about why they get paid so much"

[MixChick4ever]

Who ever said Chinese is smart is bull shit Asians are only smart at math and science. Most of those Asians in the university I go to can't even write a valuable essay and plus they're null in history and any other subject besides math and science. White people put Chinese on a pedestol just because they invented science and now Asians are in the lead but most scientifical studies done in America or in Europe is still dominated by whites not Asians.

[DigressBeats]

Why is the video titled "Pharrell" its NAS

[Sidew8ysEight]

Why can rock and pop have a "positive" influence on White Americans, but hiphop can't do the same for Black Americans?

[MortenTheMartian]

@Sidew8ysEight what the fuck are you talking about

[GTJR87]

I respect Nas's view. He is not being disrespectful, he is acknowledging and shedding light on views that impede many from visiting Africa. Many of such views might be seen as unbelievable but it does not mean that they are not real. Let's share light and inform people around the world of Africa's beauties so Africa's economy can continue growing even more.

[TheCytosin]

Who needs People like Nas In Africa?? Nas or Pharrel has no value to Africa! Africans in America add values to Blacks in America. Go to any American higher institution' s department of Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy etc. If you see a black face there, it is %90 likely to be an African. Rap and thuggery will get Black Americans no where! The earlier they realize this, the better. Because the Whites and Mexicans controls the fate of Blacks in America.

[kykdaar]

Well, when one ignorant Diva - ala Whitney Houston who went there carting her own washing machine and dryer because she thought the country was too backward to have basic amenities. So many of these stupid "high-fuluting" African Americans ...You know these Septic Tanks - they know more about everything - all over the world (needs to validated by them before being recognised) and yet they - with their supreme myopia don't know the first thing about their own back-yard.

owen_mshengu_sharif

[mambocameroon]

They do have a point. Smirnoff will not host an event of this caliber in an African country but guess what? They are African companies who can pay you all that. It is in the humility in which you ask and your bargaining power. Africans aren't just going to give up their cash because you think you are worth it. Plus when you come in with preconceived notions about continental Africans, they will give you what you expect, just to laugh at you later for missing the sarcasm.

[TheCytosin]

@Sunmoon5 - China is raping everybody including the once great USA! Every welfare checks and foodstamps US Govt. prints comes from China and is Burrowed from the Chinese. Africa has reached the threshold of change and things will change because we have reached the wall. I never considered Libyans or Egyptians Africans, they are not part of our equations. African kids are educated now and change is knocking on our door. Africans are most educated immigrants in western worlds behind the Chinese.

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@TheCytosin Even before the Chinese, my dear. The same in Europe

[ajahamza]

@TheCytosin Actually we are going better than the Chinese

[TheCytosin]

As African, i am glad that Pharrel and Nas refuse to go to Africa! And i'm sure Africans agrees with it. African artists are on the up and they need all the support from their own kind. No one is begging Nas or Pharrel to go Africa, they are of no values to Africa. There are tons of African entertainers that are better entertainers without a gun at their back pocket. Brandy just went to West Africa and she was all happy and gleeful about it.

[PROUDTOBEAFRICAIN]

@TheCytosin THEY ARE JUST LOST!! AND FORGET THEIR OWN HISTORY!! NOBODY KNOW WHO THEY ARE? MAYBE A BLACK BAG WITH "WHITE MEAT" INSIDE!! everybody KNOWS THAT THERE ANY BLACK FROM AMERICA!! (GO READ YOUR HISTORY BOOK) LOT OF BLACK AMERICAIN ARE LOST, THATS WHY THEY ACT CRAZY!! by joining gangs and kill each other AND BY THE SAME TIME WHITE PEOPLE RAISE THEIR KIDS AT SCHOOL TO LEAD YOU!! TIME TO WAKE UP!!

THERE ARE NO LIFE FOR TREES, when they messed up their own roots

[MuurPortal]

folx always talking about helping the "black" people in Africa. here's a crazy idea..help the ones over here first! get your own house in order first. don't see any africans coming over here to help us. they come to help themselves.

[goraddy]

Pharrell is not a dumb guy. But he makes millions. hard to feel sorry for their work schedule!

[TheCytosin]

Nonsense! Who wants Nas in Africa?? What benefit will Africa gain from the likes of Nas going to Africa?? Most Black men in America has a blinded view of Africa and Africans. Africa don't need a handout from anyone, what we need is change in Leadership and we are seeing the change we long sought. Who is Nas and Pharrel?? Who wants them in Africa?? There are more problems in inner city America than in most African cities. WE HAVE OUR DESTINY IN OUR HANDS, AND WE'LL CHANGE OUR SITUATIONS SOONEST!

[sunmoon5]

@TheCytosin Tell that to the BLACK Libyans .... change is coming yeah the NATO forces and China oh don't forget the european countries raping the riches of AFRICA for centuries

[doc362]

How do you perform in the continent knowing that the diamonds in your ear/around your neck are conflict diamonds? The missionaries that go there are paid by the same gov't that divided us & they're aim is to convert them into cretins. The commercials are just examples of visual inquisitions & child trafficking & the excuse is what? They could band together with the other artists & get at least a billion to build or cre8 something to show they wish to reconnect.

[kcmark3]

@doc362 not all diamonds from africa are conflict diamonds genius. . .diamonds are a very big export in many african countries. . .

[doc362]

@kcmark3 You actually believe that any of them would have the interest in obtaining the diamonds they're wearing from african exporters? C'mon knock it off, practically all of them have lawyers & accountants with its, burg, levi, etc at the end of their names with relative connections to the non african merchants who supply them with these fancy crystals. Whose community is benefitting? Or how about naming 5 of those african exporters that don't do business with the major ones

[PROUDTOBEAFRICAIN]

BLACK THOUGHT

AFRO-AMERICAIN:::--why American television is always showing us only a blurred image on Africa?? EX; big field, with threes, mokeys, people starve, wars??

AFRICAN;;;--because they don't want us (people of the SAME COLOR) to find each other like in the throwbacks, because they want us to find under the sun without see each other

[verygoodbrother]

I'm pretty surprised pharrell is aware of what China is currently doing in Africa, I'm impressed.

[brownsista777]

THANK YOU FOR OPENING YOUR EYES FINALLY DON'T GO THERE BLINGING THE POORS AND THE FED .....YOU CAN DIE YA KNOW THIS NOW ..OK

[ifeanyiboy23]

If anything AA hate more on Africans.

[bettylovesblooms]

What an absolute sorry mess of an excuse you are Nas. However, Pharrell is clearly able to articulate clear points that highlight the bigger issues with regards to the African continent.

[MaxineIAm]

please explain wtf Pharells statement had to do with the African people. thanks.

[oneinamillian1]

Just so everyone knows, Africa is a CONTINENT with over 50 countries, not a country like a lot of people insinuate. They all vary economically, politically even culturally.

[AyeDatgurlYvett3]

@oneinamillian1 totally agree. ALOTA PEOPLE THINK AFRICA IS SOME DIRTY CONTINENT,U KNOW WHY..CUZ EVERY DOCUMENTARY ABOUT AFRICA THEY SHOW ON TV HAS TO DO WITH POVERTY,KILLING N ALL OTHER NEGATIVE STUFF. N ITS TRUE..SOME AFRICANS DONT LIKE AFRICAN AMERICANS CUZ AFRICAN AMERICANS ACT LIKE THEY NOT ORIGINALLY FROM AFRICA. THERE ARE SOME BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN AFRICA. N PEOPLE DONT CUT OFF ARMS N BURN VILLAGES.SMH

[winterpark4lyfe]

@oneinamillian1 cuz crackers came and invaded it

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@oneinamillian1 americans dont teach GEOGRAPHY in their school systems so you hence the ignorance they tend to peddle.

[RebekahAFrimpong]

They say they want to connect with the fans and people, then they should just go and do that. They say they are apart of Hip-Hop; Hip-Hop is not just America or music it is a movement that such poor ideologies keep stagnant. If the leaders within the movement are so ignorant not to want to be trail blazers out of fear or lack of knowledge they should step down and just admit to everyone they are pop-stars pimpin the Hip-hop movement.

[jux55]

it shouldve been labeled differently. i was okay until Pharrell opened his mouth and try to make a poignant statement only to come off as a complete idiot. In short he was saying that ignorance is the reason why artists don't travel to Africa, China is about to own Africa? What the fuck does that have to do with anything in his statement?

[maharajane]

hiphop is no answer to anythin but bling bling,we dont need ur drug money in africa u broke ass retard.

[maharajane]

now i knw why he never made it,hes a retard.

[arnaudafroblue]

it's NAS

[MicrowaveWalrus]

oh wait there he is

[MicrowaveWalrus]

this isn't pharrell lollololol

[bppoupore]

@MicrowaveWalrus didn't watch the whole video #fail

[MsButterflyeffect01]

The war against arab and european starts long ago but Europeans came with guns!!!! they were to weak against that and in the opposite of indians, africans love too much life they prefer to live and not to kill themselves like natives have done. By the way spanish and portugues had already killed them all.

[moonieboonie]

exchanging oil for gold dinar would have made US and EU very poor and we can never have that!!

[moonieboonie]

Of course American television is showing how bad Africa is, they don't want black people to ever go back they want black people to stay and do the labor jobs!! If every black person goes back they could make a success of Africa... but white America doesn't want u to do that... that is why Gaddaffi had to die, he was about to make Africa into the most successful region in the world by introducing the gold dinar,, this would have cleared all the debts

[suckadickmagic]

@moonieboonie

Hahahaha, good fucking god, that has to be a joke. It has to be. No way could someone say that shit in seriousness.

[moonieboonie]

@suckadickmagic STFU u troll...

[suckadickmagic]

@moonieboonie

Ahahaha, so you -are- serious? Amazing, I love it.

[moonieboonie]

Wow I never knew how ignorant Pharrell really is!! Ok first of all how the fuck can African nations control what is shown on American television? And that image of "swollen heads and big stomachs" as how you so kindly stated represents 70% of the whole African continent!! Just because South Africa is nice and wealthy doesn't mean the rest are!! I am African I know.. and if you see some people are wealthy it's through corruption!!

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@moonieboonie I agree but the worst is they believe africans don't like them. Ridiculous!!!! I ve never heard such thing, africans don't have the time to hate african Americans... AND BY THE WAY LET S BE CLEAR THEY DIDN T SELL THEM. That's what they have been taught in their stupid school!!!! Arab and White people sell africans, they were prisoners of war.

[tonemd]

@MsButterflyeffect01 You obviously have not talked to black africans in america. I've heard the stereo type of the lazy, complaining, whining black american first hand. That's what they're talking about. And of course the same ignorance and vitriol comes from black americans toward africans. Especially from less educated black americans who still talking about "dem africans" followed by all the insults that used to be leveled AT black americans. That's the disconnect.

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@tonemd I know all these things but it doesn't mean african hate AAs. I am an African and African used to say the same about me because i live in Europe, about white ppl, about people living in the city, about everybody!!! Guess what, we say that to feel better, to improve our self esteem, 'cause you look down on us. Just say I love you, and you will see the change and if you don't add a shut up. I can tell it works!! But there is no Hate!!

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@tonemd And those ones who claim to hate AA, they don't hate you because you are an AA, but they just hate a type of people...for exemple, I hate thugs even if they are africans, i don't like 50 cents because he is promoting violence in his song, I hate rappers who talk like women were just there for sex. But it has nothing to do about the fact that you are an AA or not. It is about a certain type of people. so if you are not a thug. you don't have to feel insulted. It's social class!!

[meandmyself364]

@MsButterflyeffect01

Thank you for clearing that up! In America they do teach us that Aficans sold other Africans!

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@meandmyself364 And just to add something, the kingdom of congo lost 85% of his population during slavery. So they teach you that 15% of the population sold 85% of theirs and of course without external "help". LOL I didn't know such thing could be possible!!! Hahahah they just don't want their white children to be ashamed and so they lie.

[meandmyself364]

@MsButterflyeffect01

Wow, I never really thought about that. But, I do know that that's the reason why a lot of whites hate blacks, a lot of it has to do with guilt!

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@meandmyself364 They lie everytime and everywhere. And even the African staying weren't happy!!! Toussaint Louverture was the son of the prince of Allada, his father came in Haiti by himself not because of slavery. So you know the rest of the story...

[suckadickmagic]

@MsButterflyeffect01

Disregarding how full of shit you are (I feel like I'd be trying to talk to a child about that), why would we ever be ashamed about that? We didn't do it. Other people did. Do -you-- feel ashamed about black people beating up old ladies and mentally-retarded people in a park? Nah.

Same difference. We have no guilt over this. We have no reason to. Get a grip, racist lune. Until then, you're wholly impotent, laughable, and can't be taken seriously.

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@suckadickmagic Words of shame. So angry that your whole culture is based on the enslavement of other peoples. You are unable to develop without slavery, without lies and without manipulation, without destroying the planet with your polutions. Now you have your soldiers on every countries to steal their gold, their coltan, diamonds, their uranium (DRC) and fuel pretending you heart sent you there. But no one is fooled, everybody is watching you fall: Africa, Asia, South America :-)

[MsButterflyeffect01]

@suckadickmagic My question is why are you so angry? If I lie, tell me why boats came from Europe with guns to attack people. If Africans were selling their Brothers, there would be no need of guns to trade ... Go your way and do not stay in the garden of others. No one asked your opinion.

[xMPCxx]

If you think violence makes you hard...you are ignorant. Too all those HARD people out there. Mind over Matter.

[tazbo28]

"...is that like you know..." rofl i hate it when people do that.

[Pirate7X]

When did Nas or somebody diss Pharrell? And P brought real points about China buying up African resources.

[mixumup1]

they kno yall sum lil punk ass bitches faking it playing on tha enemy team thats why

[demax1]

yall niccas is pussy game went there like a fucking gee

[nostaljiq]

Nice post. It would be nice to have a big festival of diasporic music in Africa similar to what was done in Zaire in '74....that would be awesome! What we gonna do bout China gettin up all the land in Africa??

[SuperQueenofAfrica]

@nostaljiq interesting , so what are you going to do ? invade african countries, get africom to sort out the chinese? , am always interested to see the paranioa americans express over the chinese presence in african countries here.. as for big music festival africa we do those all the time.lol! type " FESTAC" .Better start INVESTING YOUR DOLLAR rather than just SPENDING IT ON CONSUMER PERISHABLES like, bling, cars, the club and the lastest rap itunes and white tennis shoes. lol! 

[Caineheist]

Ahh Pharrell the International strategist.....shut the fuck up.

[bubeisco]

PHARELL + NAS = DUM ASS NEGROES

[babymilo5]

@bubeisco suck a dick, pubeisco nas is self educated and and dropped his first classic album at 20 years old pussy, have you topped that? pharrel is an incredible musician and plays like 5 different instruments. You spend your time watching putting racial slurs on youtube videos in order to feel good about yourself. You are whats wrong wit the world today. Learn to appreciate the shit around you... dont waste your life

[bubeisco]

@babymilo5 nigga am afro american too, chill. am just bothered by the way they are talking shit about the home land Africa.

[yankee213456]

@bubeisco your retarded

[sugarpot340]

pharrell boy, :P

[gemenilaidback]

Nas is better educated on Africa, and he is more intelligible.Representing VA well, so sophisticated.

[wizkid407]

niggaz is stupid hip hop ain't all about violence...stupid fuck.

[SocailQueen]

Pretty much cause people are scared. My parents were both born and raised in Kenya and im 1st generation in America but even my dad knows to dress down when we go to kenya. They think we're rich in america.

[statisticianamuria]

The mdeia potrays only negative things about Africa. What you here in the News about Africa is Disease, War, Famine, Corruption, Hunger, Charity...etc.

[RichdaRappaEater]

@Rafeim but its interesting how we are looked down by everyone and we are not the only ones portrayed as violent, italians and the mob, latin americans and their gangs, you have to realize that hollywood goads african-americans into this because of the way we are portrayed in the media noones going to sell anything that wont sell, and if all people are gonna by is that trash then why not sell trash for money. It is simply ignorant that people would stereotype a whole race on the basis of a movie

[4TERRYJ]

whats in sway hat lol

[BreatheMusicOfficial]

Hey, CHECK OUT My NEW 2010 REMIX of Pharrell "THAT GIRL" ............Leave some feedback..thanks

[sebbieindahouse]

respect

[landfair03]

Nas and Pharrell spoke the truth on this one. I admire when my people keep it 100 regardless to who ever may feel offended by it.

[Boomandy3]

I love smart people. God gave us a brain for a reason. ;)

[Ghettobabi115]

IT'S THE WHITE MEN DOIND THIS BS

[RE55]

It's also the chinese who are mainly buying Africa out

[trina1126]

Gosh Pharrell is so smart I just want to kiss his lips

[trina1126]

What Nas said about Africans not liking African Americans is true most of them hate us and think they're better than us that were born in the USA

[Leticya3008]

@trina1126 how can u say that? did u ever talk with an african? i don't think that. they don't think they better, it's more that they know afro-americans have a better situation then they do. even they're the same.... i think that's something that really pissed of

[Rafeim]

@trina1126 African Americans are looked down by all the people in the world.. (except the very poor Africans, and this is because they do not have access to the media/internet).. this is because of what they sell to the world.. Talking shit.. fake gangster talks.. from the music.. In the movies portray they themselves as bad people.. (don't give the argument that Hollywood gives them bad roles as the guy from the corner or liquor store.) African Americans need to stop being ignorant

[rafaelmercer21]

@Rafeim "African Americans need to stop being ignorant"? Rafeim, please open your eyes and see truth, not what the media spoon feeds you. To generalize about african americans like that makes you look ignorant yourself.

[scarcrow23]

Most rappers that go perform in many african countries are french rappers cuz they're closer to Africa in culture and distance, even those who were born in france still go perform in africa.

[modernhumble]

this nigga nas said if they take his jewelry its their anyway.lol

[malvie33]

@modernhumble I know right..blood diamonds..deep as hell

[philanderadriaan]

@modernhumble hahaha

[Phuckyooo]

Africa has every resource imaginable, and yet they cant seem to figure anything out except living in the jungle like animals

[rdatlasmbrd]

@Phuckyooo maybe cause people stole their resources.  mainly europeans

[smuggler14]

Fuck you

[TheJomogogo]

Please go to Africa and stay there.

[utubemyspaceaim]

i wish i could make up a country that included all of africa and israel...all blacks would move back, north africa would be black again, and it would be a first world country...swahili would be our national language and it would be written in ethiopic text..oh yea, and this isnt quaddafis vision of united states of africa, well kick that bitch out

[Rachh316]

i totallt agree with dvdragon...dats some real shit ...the fact that u said most of hip hop is fake its sad but true i hate that gangsta bullshit its horrible

[dvdragon]

Reason: Hip-hop talking about violence.

Africa: Real violence

Hip-hop: I rolled up and smoked that mofo. (fake bullshit)

Africa: I cut off 7 arms this morning and burned down a village. (real shit)

[MEYEQI213]

@dvdragon This is true! But I'm not going to lie, I've been raised and seen a lot of crazy ass shit happen in LA back in the day.

[Rikishade1]

@MEYEQI213 L.a is nothing and I man nothing compared to other nations..

[MEYEQI213]

@Rikishade1 Yea i know that also. I was raised in the Visayan Islands (Area where Al-Qaeda linked terrorist harass you daily) for a few years during the 90s also. So I fairly know in comparison. LA now is one of the safest places to be in. But back in the day it was a completely different atmosphere.

[DynastyMusic11]

@dvdragon

ROTFLOL!!!

[pqstr]

@dvdragon what does hip hop have to do with US artists anyway? i thought there is also pop rock jazz blues etc. i guess i was wrong

[onecoolchickXD]

@dvdragon Agreed, I say the same thing to myself. In africa they're real about their stuff, not like american rappers.(Where they have to pull fantasy ghetto stories)to be "real". I have more respect for Nas/Pharrell after this vid <3

[gooseCha]

wow, I liked Pharrell's last statements, not so much the "wawa i work hard :(" but the fact that the us makes Africa look that way, I also liked the smirnoff statements. First time ive ever heard a corperate artists actually speak his mind. did the dude from MTV try to reprimand him?

[bkahiga]

African leaders are ambassador's of their people, they ruin their nations, the media also plays it's part and eludes showing the burgeoning middle class of Africa-- in summary, Africans do love hiphop and they're lots of countries they could go to- good points from both artists.

[Xaymaicana]

@bkahiga VERY good point about the African leaders! VERY GOOD POINT!

[mailuser]

4:58 - Give me a break. Most of people in the world that work as hard as them or harder don't get paid even a tenth part of what they get. The true reason is - they ask for a ton of money because they can get away with it, because it's the nature of the business. Show business. Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of Pharrell's work and I like Nas too.

[Leticya3008]

@mailuser they work hard?!?!?!!! hahahaha LOL

[dridridreamz]

i love nas and especially pharrell. hes so eloquent

[brazeau001]

Only French rappers rap in Africa! A tous mes lascars de Marseille et de Paris!! bbbllroppp!!

[hinnies1]

wat do u mean only french rappers rap in Nigeria, people rap everywhere in africa check "Modenine " he is a Nigerian rapper .

[mailuser]

yeah, like, Pharrell is, like, so eloquent, 'cause he, like, likes to say "like" :)

[Clayvion]

nas is very truthful

[ucfpureego]

"they can take it. Its theirs anyway". wow that was an awesome statement

[abishopobispo]

indeed man. words of wisdom from nas. funny how some would look down on that particular statement. way to keep your mind on the good side.

[isleyohio]

Would like to see more of this video. Where can we all locate it?

[Angelcakes20]

True...True...btw (I like those glasses pharrell!)