My Two Cents From Cam’ron’s Recent CNN Interview – Special Blog Post

I typically do not write on these types of topics, but I just finished a friendly discussion/debate with a good friend. However, this friend does not have the insight of someone who grew up in an inner city and around individuals like Cam’ron.

The renowned journalist Abby Phillips’ recent interview with the rapper Cam’ron on CNN has sparked a wave of discussion and commentary on these social media airwaves. To start, it’s essential to acknowledge Abby Phillips as a consummate professional and top-tier journalist, whose handling of the situation was nothing short of exemplary. My critique focuses not on her performance but on the decision-making process behind booking Cam’ron as a contributor on a sensitive topic involving Sean Combs and allegations of domestic violence. Ms. Phillips most certainly deserved a better interview, but her producer should have stepped in right after Cam’ron took a swig of that horsepower and promptly cut to commercial.

From the outset, CNN’s decision to feature Cam’ron as an expert/insider or commentator on this important issue raises several questions. Known for his rebellious, anti-establishment persona, Cam’ron’s history with mainstream media is well known and he has a clear disdain for conventional formats. A prime example of this is his infamous appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s show alongside Damon Dash, where his combative stance was evident. Such a background should have prompted CNN’s producers to reconsider his suitability for a serious discussion on domestic violence allegations.

Despite Cam’ron’s offhand comment about not knowing who booked him, it’s apparent that he was well aware of his role on CNN. His reputation precedes him, and his awareness of the platform and the issue at hand was likely thorough. Cam’ron’s calculated approach to his public appearances suggests that his actions on CNN were deliberate rather than ignorant. He is known for his intelligence and strategic thinking, often using media opportunities to further his brand and message. Did you not hear him plug his show while he was speaking with Ms. Phillips.

Cam’ron’s persona is deeply rooted in an anti-establishment ethos, a characteristic that resonates with a significant audience. His new show, which offers a fresh, unfiltered take on sports and other issues, is a testament to his brand’s appeal. By choosing to divert the conversation on CNN and utilize euphemisms and colloquialisms, Cam’ron was not squandering an opportunity for a substantive discussion. Instead, he was leveraging the platform to promote his own style and brand, an approach that aligns with his public image.

The importance of CNN being careful when choosing guests is at the heart of this matter. Although the goal may have been to present different points of view, the network needs to think ahead about what could happen when they feature controversial or unpredictable personalities. Abby Phillips’ adept handling of the interview notwithstanding, the segment underscores the importance of aligning guest selection with the intended discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.

Said differently, if I may Code-Switch for a second, if you think he was a fool, you are the one he fooled. I ain’t condoning his shenanigans at all, agree or disagree with his behavior; that is not the point I am offering. Dude has a strong connection to street culture – period – that is who he is and wants to be – that is his brand. Bringing him on air to dry snitch in a formal format about a dude he probably doesn’t like at all, (remember Betha is his manz forty grand, and [Strong Language warning] Mase can’t stand the Diddler for decades [Here is a more radio friendly version of Mase’s disdain for Puff), but dry snitch isn’t gonna happen – that would be a big corny NONO in that world. He ain’t gonna go on CNN to air Puff out – he and Mase probably have a whole segment ready to go, but bon CNN… Naa… even against a very questionable character like Combs. Agree or disagree – whatevs-, I can explain for some, but I can’t make you understand.  

In short, while Cam’ron’s appearance on CNN may have deviated from the desired discussion/exchange, it serves as a reminder for media outlets – vet and have a diverse minded staff in the booth that could have warned ya’ll before hand. Ensuring that guests are not only knowledgeable but also willing to engage constructively with the topic should be paramount. Amidst the chaotic conversation, Abby Phillips’ professionalism stood out, demonstrating the difference between an experienced journalist and a guest with a different vibe and agenda. Or perhaps Cam REALLY didn’t know what the segment was about and didn’t know how to back out of it a bit more delicately and politely.

#DuoLingoforTheStreets  #BoogieDownScholar #DoubleConsciousness