Pioneering Hip Hop Journalist Dee Barnes Is Now Homeless, Sets Up GoFundMe Campaign

Pioneering Hip Hop TV Host/Journalist Dee Barnes Is Now Homeless, Sets Up GoFundMe Campaign

One of hip hop’s pioneering female figures has fallen on hard times and is reaching out for help. Former TV host and journalist Dee Barnes recently announced that she is officially homeless and has set up a GoFundMe campaign in hopes that someone will help.

If you are a die-hard hip hop fan (and old enough to remember) you’re likely already familiar with who Dee Barnes is. Back in 1989, Barnes made history when she became the first female hip hop journalist to host a broadcast TV show.

That show, Pump It Up, was groundbreaking due to its coverage of some of the most prominent hip hop artists of that time—including N.W.A. Barnes was physically assaulted by N.W.A. member Dr. Dre in 1991 at an album release party and her career ended as quickly as it began. She filed criminal charges against Dr. Dre followed by a civil suit, however they ultimately ended up settling out of court in 1993.

After that, Barnes seemingly vanished from the spotlight until the 2015 N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton premiered and she questioned (and criticized) why Dr. Dre’s assault of her and other women, namely singer Michel’le, was omitted from the film.

Now, Barnes is homeless, announcing the news on social media and providing the link to her GoFundMe page. She recently told Hip Hop DX  just how difficult the decision was to reveal her situation to the world.

Barnes explained:

“What made me finally say enough I’m going to ask for help is that quote, ‘You can overcome anything in life, but you must first be willing to live in your truth. I realized that I had come too far and had been through too much to just give up without trying.”

She continued, adding that she hopes any help received will help her regain the stability she needs:

“I had never asked for public help before, but I then remembered a long time ago while I was going through the assault trial in 1991 people were sending me checks for my legal fees. I never cashed any of them — not one — but knowing I had that support kept me strong enough to continue to face each court date. Right now, I am officially homeless. My goal with the campaign is to regain stability, which is imperative for survivors of any trauma.”

Barnes expressed her gratitude for those who decide to help her in a social media post, writing:

“Thank you to everyone for your prayers, your support, your messages, phone calls, and positive vibrations, I am profoundly grateful to you all. #CountYourBlessings”

If you would like to donate to help Dee Barnes recover from her current situation, you may do so here.

Are you surprised Dee Barnes is now homeless? Let us know in the comments!