Jasiri X Responds to UConn's Suppression of Free Speech

Occupy (We the 99) Official Video http://youtube.com/watch?v=Oxv9kIFJh5Y

I was recently invited to perform at the University of Connecticut on November 4th as the principal performer for a "Political Awareness Rally". About a week before the event I got an email from the organizer (who ironically I met at Occupy Wall St) saying people were concerned about my performance, particularly the song "Occupy (We the 99)." I thought this was very strange because this is supposed to be an institution of higher learning that welcomes all types of ideas, plus the event was a rally for political awareness. The organizer said he would not censor me but if I performed it I might not get paid. Then I received an email directly from the comptroller of the of the Undergraduate Student Government saying specifically I could not perform "Occupy (We the 99)."

I initially agreed to perform only a set of songs the University of Connecticut deemed "not political" because the event had already been advertised around campus and didn't want to disappoint my fans by not showing up. I also did not want to let down the organizers who did a lot of hard work in putting the event together. But when I arrived at the University of Connecticut for the event I had a change of heart.

As I looked around the crowd I began to think of all the people around the world occupying for a better tomorrow, being arrested and brutalized by police, sleeping in the cold and rain, sacrificing comfort for freedom. I knew at that moment I had to perform the song, "Occupy (We the 99)" as well as other "political" songs like "Real Gangstas" (about the Wall St bankers), even if it meant I would not get paid. At some point in this movement all of us are going to have to make sacrifices if we truly want to see real change. The 1% control the 99% with promises of money, access, and comfort; we have to put our own souls above all three.

Sincerely,
Jasiri X

Real Gangstas Official Video http://youtube.com/watch?v=41s1oWM9vOQ

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• OccupyWallStreet
• Free Speech
• University of Connecticut
• Jasiri X

[ThaBlackRadical]

the industry fears Jasiri X

[abbiesdisciple1]

Keep on doing it, honey.  I'm glad that you didn't allow them to shut you down. Thank you for all you do for us...

[albondeb]

big up Jasiri X, embedded in blog, search for Irony of christmas, its at pdblacknoir

[RebelAllianceMusic]

Ha ha ha. Nice!

Reminds me of RATM being invited to play Killing in the Name of on the BBC "but, um, you guys aren't allowed to curse."

"Yeah, um. About that. Have you ever listened to the lyrics?"

[QuanZhen1911]

Jasiri X for President!

[UltraProle21]

at least OWS isn't being suppressed for the content of their ideas. try saying something conservative on a college campus. then you'll really see free speech rights violated.

[booksellergirl]

Much much respect to Jasiri X!! Bring it home, my brother!

[Muddas05]

@TheMusketITuckedIt what!! shut your ignorant behind up go do some research before you open your mouth the world doesn't revolve around you just because you dont know him means NOTHING!! i KNOW him so what your saying and i barely listen to Rap anymore since they sold out im into indie Hip Hop Commercial Rap isn't allowed in my Home around my child and im a Hard Core 80's 90's Hip Hop Baby straight out of BROOOKLYN

[leslea001]

Good job.

[chj2]

@TheMusketITuckedIt Check yaself before YOU WRECK YOSELF, HOMIE!!!!!! You have the audacity to speak without doing your homework first. Jasiri X has been STEADILY AND FAITHFULLY bringing information and KNOWLEDGE for quite some time and he's INVOLVED in actively countering the b.s. - and then, YOU, some JOHNNY COME STUPID wanna talk shit. Do us a favor - support the man or better yet SHUT THA FUCK UP!!!!!!!!

[Earth1ne]

Nice Job Brotha! Let's wake up the masses!

[angryfatass]

u know im sayyyin