A Mississippi news anchor, Barbie Bassett, was removed from the WLBT channel after using the phrase “fo shizzle, my nizzle” on air. This catchphrase, popularized by rapper Snoop Dogg, is often used in a friendly context. However, it also carries a racial connotation that the host may have overlooked when using it jokingly.
Barbie Bassett had faced a previous controversy in October 2022 when she used the word “grandmammy,” which is an old slave term. She later apologized, acknowledging her ignorance of its historical significance. However, in this latest incident, both the anchor and the news channel have remained silent, and it appears she was dismissed without prior notice.
Exploring The Incident That Led To Barbie Bassett Quoting Snoop Dogg Lyrics on Air
Barbie Bassett had a long history as an employee of NBC’s affiliate WLBT station. During her last appearance on the channel’s morning show, she and her colleagues were discussing Snoop Dogg‘s line of wines, Snoop Cali Blanc, and even made a lighthearted joke about getting a Snoop-inspired tattoo.
Barbie Bassett’s career took a significant hit when, during a discussion about Snoop Dogg’s wines and tattoos on the morning show, she casually used the catchphrase “fo shizzle, my nizzle” from the rapper’s 2000 single, “Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Pt. 2).”
Her use of this phrase in a hip-hop context visibly shocked one of her colleagues, and the viral clip from this moment has been widely circulated on social media, ultimately contributing to the end of her career.
What Does “Fo Shizzle, My Nizzle” Mean and Why is it Offensive?
The Snoop Dogg catchphrase “fo shizzle, my nizzle” can be translated as “for sure, my friend” or “absolutely, my buddy.” However, it’s important to note that the use of the racial slur in the original phrase is considered offensive and should be avoided.
Indeed, “fo shizzle, my nizzle” is a variation of the phrase “for sure, my n—,” where the -izzle sound is added to create a slang known as izzle-speak. Izzle-speak is closely associated with hip-hop culture and was popularized by rappers like Snoop Dogg and Ludacris, who incorporated this slang into their lyrics.
Reactions to The Mississippi News Anchor’s Removal From Channel
Initially, the response to Barbie Bassett quoting Snoop Dogg lyrics on air was overwhelmingly negative due to the significant racial connotation associated with the catchphrase. However, after her departure from the show, she has garnered some support from social media users and even a few influential black celebrities.
Charlamagne Tha God discussed the situation on The Breakfast Club, highlighting the argument that it’s not entirely fair to dismiss someone for quoting lyrics that are not explicitly offensive.
Whoopi Goldberg also weighed in on the matter on The View, offering her support for the news anchor. These comments from influential figures brought attention to the debate surrounding Barbie Bassett’s departure.
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