Journalist Jemele Hill Slams YouTuber Bobbi Althoff’s Interview Style & Criticizes Rappers Who Continue To Work w/ Her
Journalist Jemele Hill Slams YouTuber Bobbi Althoff’s Interview Style & Criticizes Rappers Who Continue To Work w/ Her
It’s safe to say Jemele Hill is not a fan of rising interviewer Bobbi Althoff.
The former ESPN broadcaster took to X recently to share her unimpressed opinion of the YouTuber and added some thoughts about the current state of hip-hop journalism.
Reacting to Bobbi Althoff’s recent interview with Migos rapper Offset, Jemele Hill wrote:
“I don’t find these types of interviews particularly enjoyable or interesting. Instead it just sadly points out how real hip hop journalism has been practically erased.”
I don’t find these types of interviews particularly enjoyable or interesting. Instead it just sadly points out how real hip hop journalism has been practically erased. Some of the media teams behind these artists aren’t interested in them sitting down with credible people who… https://t.co/l1jaaWjj7R
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 26, 2023
She continued:
“Some of the media teams behind these artists aren’t interested in them sitting down with credible people who know how to tell stories and do quality interviews. Then they wonder why an artist’s real story goes untold, neglected or that artist is misunderstood.”
After one social media user responded to Hill’s post, suggesting that platforms like Althoff’s are ultimately the way to do promo in today’s age, she added:
“Offset could sit down with anybody and people will be watching. He doesn’t need to lean on someone else’s popularity.”
This is not the first time someone in the industry has addressed the issue of hip-hop artists (seemingly) not supporting the Black community or urban-based publications. Back in July of this year, famed radio host Ebro name-dropped Drake while speaking on the topic. He accused the Canadian superstar of not showing up for his people or speaking out against societal problems that Black Americans regularly face.
Ebro’s concerns came shortly after magazine journalist/editor Elliott Wilson criticized Drake following his interview with Althoff. The industry professional wrote in a subsequent reflection post:
“Moment of clarity: No disrespect to Lil Boat. Yachty’s convo with The Boy was comfy and had some cool moments. I was more so clowning the comedy shenanigans with outsiders to our culture. It would be great to hear Drake speak to us again. Even if it ain’t me.”
Despite media vets concerns, rap stars have continued to appear on Althoff’s platform. To date, the social media star has also secured appearances from musicians such as Lil Yatchy and Tyga. Other notable Black celebs such as Jason Derulo and Shaquille O’Neal have also sat with Althoff, reaching her 855,000 YouTube subscribers and 2.6 million Instagram followers.
As far as social media users are concerned, it seems Hill’s opinion has revealed how polarizing the topic is. Some appear not to mind their favorite celebs doing interviews with Althoff, arguing her dry humor style is entertaining and not meant to be taken seriously. Others, however, seem to completely agree with Hill’s take that the lack of journalism skills is indeed an issue.
What are your thoughts? Leave them for us in the comments section below!