How do feel about this?

Brent Heilman · Jun 24, 2011

I was looking around online today and saw this:
http://www.freemasoninformation.com/2011/04/jay-zs-playing-with-us-now/

I really don't know how I feel about this but I am pretty sure it isn't that good warm and fuzzy feeling. I wasn't sure if anyone else had seen this or not.

JJones · Jun 24, 2011

What they did to the S&C just seems wrong to me but the entire concept strikes me as utterly disrespectful to the craft.

I had to work hard to complete all my work for each degree so I could finally wear Masonic regalia but now every gangster/rapper wannabe will be wearing the S&C.

Brent Heilman · Jun 24, 2011

I agree. They couldn't just stop at the S&C either and also included the eagle from the Scottish Rite. To me it is utterly distasteful.

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Benton · Jun 24, 2011

Brent Heilman said:
I agree. They couldn't just stop at the S&C either and also included the eagle from the Scottish Rite. To me it is utterly distasteful.

Same here, it's rude at best. Monetizing a symbol used by others solely for profit? Not right by anyone's standards I think.

Bro. Stewart P.M. · Jun 24, 2011

*I just threw up in my mouth*

Mlugo1247 · Jun 24, 2011

Disgusting

LRG · Jun 24, 2011

A lawsuit should be brought against them.
for what? take a pick

Brent Heilman · Jun 24, 2011

It is a shame to see this. It really bothers me to see this kind of thing. No good can come from it.

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Bro. Stewart P.M. · Jun 25, 2011

LRG said:
A lawsuit should be brought against them.
for what? take a pick

I am not sure that we have a foundation to stand upon here.

I am unaware of any "trademark" pertaining to the usage of the Square & Compasses. Someone feel free to correct me if I am wrong...

Brent Heilman · Jun 25, 2011

I believe you are correct Bro. Stewart.

Benton · Jun 25, 2011

Class action lawsuit on behalf of all Masons?

I know, no trademark. Still.

LukeD · Jun 25, 2011

Bro. Stewart said:
*I just threw up in my mouth*

Me too, then out my nose. Total disgrace. Anyone see the points on the Compass? Wonder why they went with that, or if it just proves their ignorance.

MikeMay · Jun 25, 2011

LukeD said:
...or if it just proves their ignorance.

That pretty much sums it up right there...

Bro.BruceBenjamin · Jun 25, 2011

I have been following all the 'hype' on Jay-Z and Nas since Jay-Z and Rick Ross released the song entitled "Free Mason." Jay-Z whose real name is Shawn Carter according to his own words is not a free mason. The media have created all the hype around Jay-Z being in the illuminati and him being a devil worshipper all of which is just hype.

One thing is certin he is a smart business man. All of the attention has done one thing for his music and clothing line and that is increase sales. Like it or not Jay-Z is drawing attention to freemasonry.

The question is how are we as freemasons going to respond?

Bro. Stewart P.M. · Jun 25, 2011

Bro.BruceBenjamin said:
I have been following all the 'hype' on Jay-Z and Nas since Jay-Z and Rick Ross released the song entitled "Free Mason." Jay-Z whose real name is Shawn Carter according to his own words is not a free mason. The media have created all the hype around Jay-Z being in the illuminati and him being a devil worshipper all of which is just hype.

One thing is certin he is a smart business man. All of the attention has done one thing for his music and clothing line and that is increase sales. Like it or not Jay-Z is drawing attention to freemasonry.

The question is how are we as freemasons going to respond?

All that I can tell you my Brother is this; I can not support this.

MikeMay · Jun 25, 2011

Bro.BruceBenjamin said:
Like it or not Jay-Z is drawing attention to freemasonry. The question is how are we as freemasons going to respond?

I don't have to like it, but the fact is, attention "IS" being drawn. Our response should be one as men of upright character, prepared to give an answer as people ask questions. Some people will accept the truth, some will remain caught up in theories.

Brent Heilman · Jun 25, 2011

MikeMay said:
I don't have to like it, but the fact is, attention "IS" being drawn. Our response should be one as men of upright character, prepared to give an answer as people ask questions. Some people will accept the truth, some will remain caught up in theories.

Sound advice. I am sure that most of us here will do the right thing. As for the rest I will not answer for them but I pray they do as we will.

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LukeD · Jun 25, 2011

Guard the West. Hopefully the attention will draw good men. Time will tell.

JTM · Jun 26, 2011

I personally don't mind the jay z songs about masonry.

Beathard · Jun 26, 2011

It is a shame that people use masonry as a way to gain fame by defaming it's good name, but it has been done for centuries and we are stool here. Keep up the good work brothers and this too shall pass.

Some of the words in the song are actually pretty good. If you ignore the curse words, some of it is pretty good.

It is not the first time a song about freemasonry was recorded. Remember the typical American phenomenon of the Grand Mystic Royal Order
Of the Nobles of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine? Ray did not exactly paint a positive picture.

It's all marketing. Any marketing, good or bad, can have a positive result in the long run if you are ready to respond appropriately.

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How do feel about this?

Brent Heilman

JJones

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Brent Heilman

Benton

Bro. Stewart P.M.

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Mlugo1247

LRG

Brent Heilman

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Lead Moderator Emeritus

Brent Heilman

Benton

LukeD

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MikeMay

Bro.BruceBenjamin

Bro. Stewart P.M.

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MikeMay

Brent Heilman

LukeD

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JTM

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Beathard