November 18, 2003 @ 2:45 pm

VIBE Online Exclusive: The Source Declares Eminem Racist

by: Lynne d. Johnson

David Mays and Ray "Benzino" Scott

Tuesday, November 18, 2003, New York—David Mays, publisher of The Source magazine, and Raymond "Benzino" Scott, rapper and co-owner of The Source, at a press conference this evening at the Millennium Broadway Hotel here, publicly aired a racially and sexually offensive recording of a rapper that they claim was recorded 10 years ago by Eminem.

This isn't the first time that Benzino or The Source has charged that Eminem was racist, but this time they claim they have the proof to back it up. As the recording began, Benzino asked that it be stopped so he could explain that although the voice sounded differently than the way Eminem sounds now, that it was in fact him 10 years ago. Both Benzino and Mays reported that three white males from Detroit gave them the recording, and that it was authenticated by several others-both blacks and whites-in Detroit. Though Benzino did state that perhaps if Eminem admitted it was him, he would say that was then, and this is now. But he argued that there seemed to be a different set of rules for Eminem and that America should hold him just as accountable as they would a black male, such as Kobe Bryant or R. Kelly. The overall premise of the recorded song, said Benzino, is that "white girls are good and black girls are bad." As the recording played, a lyric sheet was handed out so attendees could follow along. "Black girls and white girls just don't mix/ Because Black girls are dumb and white girls are good chicks/ White girls are good; I like white girls," spewed the rapper in an '80s styled sing-songy tone. Followed with, "Don't date a black girl, if you do it once you won't do it twice/ You won't ever do it again because they'll take your money/ And that ain't funny/ Ao I'ma say look honey/ I thought I said it before/ But like I said again you're nothing but a big whore." Dave Mays stated that this recording is a key to unlocking a much larger picture surrounding the truth of what's happening to hip hop. Also Mays stated that the magazine would hold forums with civic leaders and the community to follow up on this issue. Mays and Benzino had aired on New York's WBLS earlier this evening with Wendy Williams, promising to give her a copy of the recording to air. The Source owners als plan to include recordings in an upcoming issue of the magazine. After playing the recording, Benzino and Mays said they would answer no questions but instead follow this up at a later date. Mays also stated that the ball was now in Eminem's court and it was on him to respond.

Article tags: VIBE, Online, Exclusive, Source, Declares, Eminem, Racist