Hip-Hop scholar/journalist Jay Smooth of hiphopmusic.com promptly held a forum/discussion questioning Kevin's idiotic statement. "So people of every race and class didn't listen to Run-DMC, N.W.A., or Will Smith?" Jay asked. "White kids in the suburbs never listened to [2Pac] or Biggie? Jay then dropped the bomb on him: "I'm sure Eminem himself would be the first to tell you how insulting your comments are [and] how disrespectful [it is] to the art form, [which] happens to be making you rich." In Kevin's defense, he said he was misquoted and quickly backpedaled from his comment. But in the end, Kevin was advised to STFU and never speak on Hip-Hop again.

But don't worry - surveying UPN's fall lineup, it looks as if Hip-Hop will get another point of view through lighthearted comedies this September. On Monday nights, a half-hour show titled The Opposite Sex will star rap-actress Eve (Barbershop) in what producers have described as a "witty and amorous look at the battle of the sexes."

Probably the most talk about new show from the network is the sitcom All of Us, which is inspired (and executive-produced) by Hollywood power-couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith (Ali). The show stars Duane Martin (Deliver Us From Eva) as an entertainment reporter/single father who falls in love with his son's kindergarten teacher (played by Elise Neal). Producers call the show a "humorous, fresh and timely look at the new, compassionate attitude of many young parents and how divorced parents raise their children together."

The UPN rep insists that both comedies The Opposite Sex and All of Us are not replacements for Platinum. There also is a consensus among Platinum devotees that the series will be picked up by another network - preferably by a cable giant like HBO or Showtime.