THE FACTS
In a statement rapper Roxanne Shante apologizes to fans over confusion about her post-music career.

THE SPIN
After Slate did some digging Roxanne Shante was put on a blast for fabricating a story about her getting her music label to pay for her college education through a clause in her recording contract.

Well, “Dr. Shante” has released a statement and it reads:

“I would like to thank my long time fans and supporters for your continued support. I am humbled and grateful to all of you for that. Without going into all of the details as of right now, I would like to apologize that this story regarding my post recording career has caused such a ruckus. The entire story will be revealed at a later time.

Throughout my career and life, I have been faced with many challenges, both professionally and personally. Like all of you, I am human, and may have not made the correct decision all the time. And, like anyone else, I would like to think that my entire life or career is not judged by one error or mistake.

It is very easy to criticize someone and I have left myself open to criticism. That is fair. There are plenty of people that will attest that I have done a lot for them. It seems though, that negativity gets more attention than positivity.

All I can say to that, is before you level any further criticism and cynicism, walk in my shoes. I am making this statement to apologize to the people that truly care about me for any angst that this situation has caused, and to thank them for their continued support. I am proud of what I have been able to do for so many others, and would like to let those persons know that I will continue to be there for them no matter what.

I am proud that during my twenty plus years as a pioneer in the Hip-Hop industry, to have opened doors for those who came after me, such as MC Lyte, Salt N Peppa, and Queen Latifah to name a few. I will have no further statement in regards to this matter at this time.”

YOUR SPIN: Do you feel bad for her?  Tell us here.

Image courtesy of cyberpress.com

(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)

THE FACTS
Nia Long lashed out at artists who take roles away from trained actors.

THE SPIN
Nia Long sounds like a bottle of Lawry’s in a new interview with the U.K. magazine Pride.

She told the magazine: “If you’re a singer not an actress, you should sing. If you’re a rapper, you should rap.”

Diana Ross, Will Smith (her old boss), and Queen Latifah would all object to her comments about artists turned thespians.

When asked what she thought about Beyonce’s performance in Obsessed, Nia quipped:

“I didn’t see Obsessed, so I can’t comment, but it’s just not about how talented you are anymore. It’s about, ‘How much box-office revenue will this person generate?’ When you see certain people – we won’t name names – they just don’t have the skill, and no one in their team has said, ‘You need acting classes.’”

She added:  “If you take time to develop your craft, God bless you. Jamie Foxx is an example of both [actor and singer].

She also vented about the lack of quality roles offered to Black actresses in Hollywood: 

“If you were able to take all the Black actresses and the choices we’ve made collectively, it’s a pure reflection of what you see on film. People need to work. But the content? The opportunities for Black actresses are more widespread today, but the quality has suffered.”

With respect to Nia, who is a talented actress, much of this sounds a bit whiny.

First off, Beyonce put her own money into her last two films. If you can’t find quality roles, why not create your own projects? Beyonce did.

If people with no kind of celebrity can grab their webcams and turn themselves into brands I don’t know why a known actress with access to the best and brightest of Black Hollywood can’t do the same.

I agree with her, but there’s a certain way to articulate your opinions. That ain’t it.

Someone needs to remind Nia of this interview she did with Essence back in 2007:

Gabrielle: That’s a tough lesson we all have to go through. It’s like, no matter how much you hate on somebody, it doesn’t change your life. I mean, you feel kind of okay in the moment as you’re dogging somebody, and then at the end of it you feel [bad] —and you still don’t have a job.



Nia: And you won’t get one because you’re putting all that negativity out there!



YOUR SPIN: Do you agree with Nia Long?  Tell us here.Image Courtesy of poemcees.com

(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One.  TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)

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