In music, creativity is always considered the sacred freedom of every artist. However, freedom does not mean unlimited. Once again, the name Jack (J97) became the center of controversy when in a new performance in Hanoi, the male singer used lyrics that were judged offensive, even directly insulting the audience and the online community.
In the song he performed on stage, Jack wrote: "How can you dare if you don't like me in real life/I sing and play for more than a lifetime of my career at work"...
These lyrics quickly spread on social media, causing a wave of fierce criticism. Many people think that the language in the song is not only tactless but also offensive, showing arrogance and disrespect to the public - those who directly nurture the male singer's reputation.
If Jack's goal is to affirm " being an artist", then this way of expressing is counterproductive. Art, in essence, is the language of emotions, a means of conveying beautiful messages and nurturing the aesthetic appreciation of the public. When lyrics become a tool to respond, challenge or lower others, it goes against the artistic spirit and cultural values that music needs to aim for.
Previously, Jack caused controversy with a rap part in the live show "Anh em ket doan 3": "If you were able to get him down with a media game, you would be a total waste/A few cups would be a house".
These consecutive scandals show the singer's lack of control in language and expressed thinking, which is worrying for an artist with a large fan base, especially young people - a sensitive subject and easily affected by stage language.
An artist can be strong and straightforward, but cannot turn the stage into a place to "fight" or affirm their personality. The stage is not a private space; it is a place of intersection between creators and the public, a place that requires respect and sophistication. When Jack chose a crap language, he not only damaged his image but also contributed to the deterioration of popular music culture standards.
This incident also reflects the loopholes in the cultural thinking of many young artists today. In the context of technology that helps music spread quickly, every song, every speech has a great influence. Therefore, artists need to be more aware of their responsibility: creative freedom cannot be separated from professional ethics and social awareness. An unreasonable wording can become a " crack" in the relationship between the artist and the audience.
Previously, after a series of private scandals, Jack's J97 Promotion management company was fined by the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City for holding a press conference with incorrect content. The consecutive events show that the male singer has not really learned a lesson about the behavior of the profession. The public can tolerate mistakes, but it is difficult to accept repeat offenses, especially when it comes from an attitude of disregard for the audience.
Vietnamese music is in the process of professionalization, requiring artists not only to have talent but also to have culture. A song may not be perfect, but it is absolutely not offensive. An artist can make mistakes, but cannot constantly justify them with personal emotions. As the public becomes more and more sophisticated, they do not seek "medical shocks" but need sincerity, respect and good creativity. Jack and young artists need to realize that music is not only a personal expression but also a culture, and culture always comes with responsibility.
