Ode to a White Rapper

Asher Roth’s recent success has had many hip-hop devotees terrified that the worst is happening: the death of black music. But is Roth really so dangerous? Touré investigates.

Published May 19 2009 1:44AM EDT

articles/2009/05/19/ode-to-a-white-rapper/toure-asher-roth_27184_o3dclb — Jason DeCrow / AP Photo

articles/2009/05/19/ode-to-a-white-rapper/toure-asher-roth_27184_ecolso

Before rapper Asher Roth’s album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle, came out three weeks ago, some black hip-hop fans were afraid of him. They weren’t scared of him; they did not fear him robbing them (as 50 Cent's early image suggested) or shooting up their schools (as Eminem's did).

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Ode to a White Rapper

Asher Roth’s recent success has had many hip-hop devotees terrified that the worst is happening: the death of black music. But is Roth really so dangerous? Touré investigates.

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Touré