When students return to Virginia Tech later this month, they will be greeted by a concert, on Sept. 6, aimed at helping “the university community move forward” following April’s massacre on campus.
Some of the musicians who will perform at the free concert are Virginia’s Dave Mathews Band, John Mayer, and Phil Vassar. However, it’s the inclusion of controversial rap artist Nas that has some concerned and even upset, including the families of some of the victims.
What has the families upset are some of the lyrics in Nas’ songs. Some of the lyrics glorify shooting and murder, themes that may not be appropriate for this concert given April’s shooting. School officials should have taken a harder look at Nas’ lyrics before agreeing to allow him to be part of the concert.
Virginia Tech officials are still going ahead with the scheduled list of musicians and that includes Nas. That is a completely irresponsible position, in my opinion.
