Can a rap song influence people to smoke pot? The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) believes that it could.
That’s why today, the PDEA announced that it has requested several organizations to ban the Shanti Dope rap song Amatz, which allegedly promotes the use of marijuana.
The PDEA sent a letter to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (Organization of Filipino Singers), and broadcasting company ABS-CBN Corporation on Monday to urge them to ban the song, reported GMA News. The letter urged the three organizations to prevent the playing of Amatz and its “promotion in the different media stations throughout the country.”
The anti-drug agency expressed concern about the meaning behind its lyrics, specifically the lines “Lakas ng amats ko, sobrang natural, walang halong kemikal” (My high is so strong, so natural, with no chemicals added), reported ABS-CBN News.
It also questioned the lyrics “Ito hinangad ko; lipadin ay mataas pa sa kayang ipadama sayo ng gramo, di bale ng musika ikamatay” (This is what I want; to fly higher than what a gram could make you feel; it doesn’t matter if music would kill me.)
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said those lines are allegedly referring to the high one feels when smoking pot, reported The Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“It appears that the singer was referring to the high effect of marijuana, being in its natural/organic state and not altered by any chemical compound,” Aquino said in his statement. “This runs contrary to Duterte’s administration crusade against illegal drugs.”
“We respect and appreciate our artists in the music industry, however, we strongly oppose the promotion of musical pieces or songs that encourage the recreational use of drugs like marijuana and shabu (meth),” he added.
Below is a video of the song, which was produced by Universal Records. The company has yet to release a statement regarding the issue.
The 18-year-old Shanti Dope’s real name is Sean Patrick Ramos. A multi-awarded rapper, he’s known for the hit songs Nadarang and Norem.
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