N.O.R.E. Blasts Rappers For Doing Interviews With Non-Hip-Hop Media

On March 25, 2023, at about 08:08:52 AM, N.O.R.E. Blasts Rappers For Doing Interviews With Non-Hip-Hop Media was updated.

Since breaking into the media with his Drink Champs podcast, rapper N.O.R.E. has noticed a growing trend of high-profile rap musicians giving exclusive interviews to mainstream outlets rather than hip-hop publications. The Queens native recently addressed the issue on social media, even naming some of the hosts of shows he believes aren't a true portrayal of the community.

"I have always placed Hip Hop first," he tweeted on Wednesday night. "I see men go to Ellen [DeGeneres], David [Letterman], and Zane Lows (sic) and treat them [with] more respect [than] the culture yet say [you] want Black excellence," he said (May 25).

He also stated that his concern is not one of race, citing Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King as examples of hosts who have snagged rare sit-downs with rap's biggest players. "To be honest, going to [Oprah Winfrey] or [Gayle King] is a waste of time at this point!!! Why venture outside of our culture when we can control it!!!"

While he admires David Letterman, N.O.R.E. believes that rap artists should take deep dives with people like Gillie Da King, Joe Budden, and himself before providing those opportunities to cultural outsiders. "David Letterman is my favorite, but geez, why go there or Ellen before a million-dollar game, Joe or the Champs, or even twitter sh*t!!!" he exclaimed.

Following Cardi B's debut on David Letterman's Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, the rapper and media personality has spoken out. Sean "Diddy" Combs, the owner of REVOLT, the site where Drink Champs episodes are broadcast, recently appeared on The Ellen Show as well.

I have been the best to this culture I have always put hiphop first and I see u guys go to Ellen and David letterman’s and Zane lows and treat them wit more respect then the culture but u say u want black excellence

— N.O.R.E (@noreaga) May 26, 2022

Imma be honest even going to Oprah or gal is trash at this point !!! We control our in culture why go outside of it!!!

— N.O.R.E (@noreaga) May 26, 2022

David letterman is my favorite but man why go there or Ellen before million dollars worth of game or joe or the champs or even twitter shit!!!

— N.O.R.E (@noreaga) May 26, 2022