Simmons’ group backs Eminem

The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network has weighed in on Eminem’s side in the flap over a 10-year-old tape capturing him reciting a free-style rap denigrating African American women.

The organization, the largest national coalition of hip-hop artists and record company executives, issued a statement Wednesday calling the tape “regrettable and disturbing.” Network chairman Russell Simmons added, “These lyrics are disgusting, but the oneness of hip-hop culture has transformed many young people in trailer parks around the country away from their parents’ old mind-set of white supremacy. We believe Eminem’s apology is sincere and forthright. He continues not only to be an icon of hip-hop, but also has evolved into a good soldier who gives back ... to the community.”

The tape was made public this week by founders of the Source hip-hop magazine to back their contention that the Detroit rapper is a racist. Eminem quickly apologized, calling it “something I made out of anger, stupidity and frustration when I was a teenager.”

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Randy Lewis