Nelly scared off by protests

Written by Marty Dodge
Published April 02, 2004

Protests at a college in Atlanta caused Nelly to cancel a public appearance
there. The rapper was due to make an appearance at Spelman College as part
of his US-wide drive to find bone-marrow donors. But some students at the
historically black women's college objected to Nelly's involvement in the drive because of his portrayal of women in his music and videos.

The College's Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr Zenobia Hikes, told reporters: "Spelman is concerned about the negative images of women in
popular culture, particularly the misogynistic lyrics and images that constantly portray women in a sexual nature." Objectors reference in particular the video to Nelly track 'Tip Drill' which includes - among other things - the rapper swiping his credit card down a woman's backside. Nice.

With such strong feelings - and an anti-Nelly protest planned for the rapper's arrival - Nelly's people sensibly cancelled the drive.

Via: CMU

Marty's band, Growing Old Disgracefully, can be found at: Disgraceful Music. His Cthulhu tales can be found at Temple of Dagon.
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Nelly scared off by protests
Published: April 02, 2004
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Section: Music
Filed Under: Music: News
Writer: Marty Dodge
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Comments

#1 — April 2, 2004 @ 10:03AM — McBrady

Next time you people at Spelman need a bone-marrow transplant, think about your little protest. If you don't approve of Nelly's message, I don't, don't buy his records. By the way, I think Nelly's music is horrible but if you can use him for a good cause, why not do so. Learn to pick your battles wisely. Don't be so self-righteous.

#2 — April 2, 2004 @ 14:53PM — mc dicky

whats so bad about women being portrayed in a sexual manner? Are we puritans? Sex is not bad and evil you religious fundamentalists. Get over it.

#3 — April 3, 2004 @ 15:46PM — tina

I'm proud of those women. What's so bad about portraying women in a sexualized manner? EVERYTHING. Crimes against women have increased 3 times faster than the general crime rate over the past few years. Portraying women in sexualized manner does not help us in any way.

#4 — April 3, 2004 @ 18:52PM — spelmanite

We're doing big things...when was the last time Black women actually stood up to something? This has been going on for too long...portraying women as oversexed freaks...swipping a credit card down a woman's butt, is that sexual? or plain disgusting? Horrible message for the young girls coming after us! I am proud of Spelman! Let this be heard...we aren't taking it! We are going to stand up for your sisters if you don't, cuz each girl in those videos is someone's daugther, sister or mother...Is Nelly trying to save his sister so that she can become a "tip drill"? Let's rethink our priorities, focus on community, an stop letting money be our sole drive...its destroying our Black community...Also, we are very upset THAT NELLY DECIDED TO PULL THE BONE MARROW DRIVE-NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND-someone died because he was too coward to face up to his actions, or as he would call it "entertainment"! And we are going to have that Bone Marrow drive, because WE CARE!

#5 — April 5, 2004 @ 12:00PM — Santa Hughes

I applaud Spelman women for speaking up on this matter. We cannot let artists or any other group hide behind "causes" while demeaning women of color or any other group.

#6 — May 3, 2004 @ 12:48PM — brianne

i really like this any chance of having nelly's email address?

#7 — January 3, 2005 @ 16:14PM — Jessica

Hey Nelly will U please give me the 411 on who u are dating right now?

#8 — January 19, 2005 @ 14:50PM — DeeDee

Nelly please talk to me. I want to ask you some real questions. I love you so much. I enjoy you and only you. Please write me.

#9 — January 19, 2005 @ 14:55PM — Nelly

Wassup! You enjoy me? You have enjoyed me?

Ask away your real questions

#10 — January 19, 2005 @ 16:35PM — Douglas Mays [URL]

Nelly, yes my mind is kinda boggled over this whole incident. The image portrayed in video masking out a cry for humanity in the reality of you, Nelly, in using what assistance your notariety can provide to SAVE A LIFE!!!

Damn. Oh, monotone will put in a word for me. Stick with your crusade! A very noble cause.

peaceloveguidance

#11 — January 29, 2005 @ 00:54AM — mary

nelly i am your true #1 fan. i want to meet you so bad. i can't come to your concerts because i don't have a way there. my birthday is FEBRUARY 11

#12 — July 25, 2005 @ 22:56PM — megan

hey nelly
you are really fucking sexay but i was just wondering how old are your kids?? because i love the song you wrote bout ur lil gurl in da suit cd # 11 it is sooo cute lol well iam out lol peace love ya 4 real you are da sexiest guy on this earth bye


~~~~~LOVE YA TONZ 4 EVA MEGAN~~~~~~

#13 — August 4, 2005 @ 01:31AM — perlia

my name is perlia and i find you very attractive. i could leave nasty notes but i respect myself

#14 — August 4, 2005 @ 01:34AM — perlia

id like to meet you in person.
if possible email me

#15 — August 8, 2005 @ 07:12AM — franny

TIP DRILL WAS SOOOO PORNO!!!! Nelly, you need to know that women arn't just sex objects.

#16 — August 8, 2005 @ 14:04PM — Maria

Yo Nelly...wassup derrty?! Im a realy big fan of urs...FOSHO...;)
i just luv ur songs man...and what i most apreciate bout u...is that u realy put much effort in what u do...
I just wanna kno ur e-mail...thas all... :)
hope i'll hear from u...

PS. my e-mail is staf4agirl@yahoo.com
;)Peace out...

#17 — August 8, 2005 @ 17:40PM — Allison

Hey! Nelly, my name is Allison, I'm only 13 years old in live Louisiana and I'm from Mississppi, but any way I just wanted to let you know that I think your fine and I've been liking you ever since I've first seen you on tv. When I saw the bet awards and kelly gave you that lap dance it made me jealous, but oh well I'm just a kid and a man like you wouldn't date a kid like me. Well I just think you look good and do your thang with your shirt off that's sexy!

#18 — September 17, 2005 @ 17:22PM — jojo

nelly i want your e-mail adress
im you number 1 fan

#19 — October 26, 2005 @ 20:04PM — Natasha

well hello there nelly! i know u get these messages from the ladies all the time which is fair enough, i mean your a very popular man. this summer i met you at the beverley hills hotel i dont know if you read these messages personally i find that hard to belive as your a very busy man but i was a big fool for turning you down. i am a big fan of your work and music. continue to make good music cos i love listening to it. your my fantasy man.x

#20 — November 11, 2005 @ 08:45AM — shortcake

Although nelly's video was a little on the freaky side he would not have had a video if it was not for the womens' consent. U see we are hollering about a woman's respect but how about respecting ourselves first? U think thoes women were forced to do the video? no. it was by choice so to totally blame nelly is stupid. If thoes women would have all said no. I wont be in the video the video would not have been a success. So find the women in the video and be mad at them as well and tell them respect begins at home!!They make themselves and women look bad not nelly, he was not shaking his @ss

#21 — November 16, 2005 @ 16:25PM — nessa

as am writing to u now i can't stop cryin. so much, snice the first day i heard your voice when i was in African. i love you nelly . am your biggest fun all over the world. my sis ans bro, also loves you.i lve nelly. more respect

#22 — November 16, 2005 @ 16:27PM — nessa

i love u nelly.

#23 — November 16, 2005 @ 21:25PM — Bella

I agree that women, especially black women have a right to voice our concerns over the way our image is portrayed in society, but I believe there is a time to speak up and possibly a time to bite our tongues. Bottom line bone marrow transplants and just general drives among the black community do save lives and energize spirits. Of all demographics Blaak america ranks dead last at being donors but some where near the top of the list in needing these donors. I have a grandfather who is in desperate need of a donor and every day I pray someone will find it in there hearts to be that donor. Black life is precious and just like that family member who upsets you sometimes you grin and bear it cause hey still family and in the end of all people..why attack nelly and even if you did decide to do so..why not pick a better time than when he was requesting help not only for his sister but many other sisters who are looking for the same thing..A positive brother standing by their side and openly asking for help.

#24 — December 1, 2005 @ 18:32PM — myeisha

I agree that some visuals are very explicit in a lot of music videos. I believe they help to contribute to the mentality that women are more like objects than people. I also feel that some of the roles that women play in different types of entertainment help to contribute to dehumanizing us. By dehumanizing women it leads to more crimes against us (in example rape). However a better response to this issue would be to educate women on how to hold themselves at a higher level. I am positive that Nelly did not force the girls to be in his video. A lot of people do not realize the reality that what they do effects other people. We are all individuals but like it or not we are stereo typed every day. We need to demand respect first by carrying ourselves with more respect. Much love.

#25 — April 30, 2006 @ 04:19AM — Esther Davis

Hi Nelly, good work done.You are very talented and it seems everyone is looking up to you as their model.My piece of advice is keep on doing good, pray without ceasing and love your God.

#26 — May 5, 2006 @ 23:16PM — amber watts

I LOVE YOU NELLY , I AM YOUR #1 FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#27 — August 14, 2006 @ 15:25PM — tashie [URL]

hey nelly give me your mob no so i can call U!!!!!!!! IT WOULD BE BRILL IF U CAN COME DOWN IN 2 BRIGHTON N PERFORM 2 US! U HAVE MADE ME WANNA B A SINGER IM UR NUMBA 1 FAN 4 LYF!!! XXX

#28 — October 11, 2006 @ 15:54PM — nathsn [URL]

dude your asome rapper that i ever had you are the bitch

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