Not everyone in hip-hop is happy that Bill Cosby wants in.

In an open letter addressed to the famous entertainer and community activist, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons called out Cosby for what he perceived as efforts to consistently insult and downgrade young African-Americans.

As Cosby and his group, The Cosnarati Band prepare to release their album, “State of Emergency,” they respond to Simmons’ criticism.

From HipHopWired.com

Jumping to their leader’s defense, Supa Nova Slom and Jace The Great of the Cosnarati Band have both released statements on the issue.

Slom contends that while he respects Simmons, he should focus on the positive contributions that Cosby’s made to the community rather than critique his efforts.

“I respect Russell Simmons for all of his contributions to Hip Hop culture but I hope that people do not get distracted and lost in his critiques of Cosby’s past comments but instead they are able to acknowledge what Cosby is doing RIGHT NOW! Cosby is taking a whole other route by investing in politically-charged Hip Hop that does not condemn but instead inspires and uplifts during a time when there is next to none of that happening in the music industry.”

Jace The Great did not acknowledge the Hip-Hop veteran, instead he sang his praises to Bill saying,

“Point blank the problem right now is there is a state of emergency in our communities and we need to act fast. Cosby knowing the power and importance of Hip Hop culture is using it as a means to reach more youth not to condemn them.”

Bill has yet to release a response of his own.

TAGS: Bill Cosby, hip-hop, Russell Simmons, urban communities

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