SDSU Gangsta Rap and The Minstrel Shows Discussion

I am unable to clearly understand the criticism as I do not see the clear connection between gangsta rap and the minstrel shows. I believe the comparison was made because Spike Lee and Stanley Crouch thought that gangsta rap was merely an illustration of the very same stereotypes that the minstrel shows displayed of black people. However, I believe it is pretty different when white people are the ones who are performing in black face as opposed to black people embracing whatever they choose to embrace. Another reason I can’t entirely agree is because the minstrel shows were put on for the sole purpose of white people’s entertainment; however, gangsta rap was not for the sake of white people by any means, nor was it created for their enjoyment. I believe the demographic and the largest consumers of gangsta rap was most likely black teenagers and young adults ranging from 16-30. This is different than the demographic and consumers of the minstrel shows, who were primarily adult white, wealthy individuals. For these reasons, it is difficult for me to understand why that criticism was made, though I understand that some black people do not want to be represented by gangsta rap and the associations that come along with it, as they are, to some extent perpetuating certain stereotypes and prejudices.