As the media firestorm surrounding N.W.A intensified, mainstream outlets largely avoided the group, deeming them too controversial for their audience. But Dee Barnes, a pioneering journalist and host of the local TV show Pump It Up!, was unafraid to take the leap. Known for her fearless reporting and deep connection to the hip-hop community, Dee had been covering the West Coast rap scene since its early days. Her show was one of the first platforms to give voice to rising rap stars, and her genuine understanding of the culture made her a trusted figure among artists and fans alike.
Dee's ability to navigate the world of hip-hop with authenticity, combined with her reputation for giving fair, in-depth interviews, earned her the exclusive opportunity to sit down with N.W.A—a group that most mainstream media outlets refused to touch. This wasn't her first time interviewing them; she had been following their journey since they were performing at local clubs in Compton. For N.W.A, Dee Barnes wasn't just a reporter—she was a voice who understood their message and the world they came from.
Before Pump It Up! gained traction, Dee Barnes was known for her relentless hustle. Starting as a local news reporter, she focused on the stories mainstream media ignored: the rise of hip-hop, the struggles of inner-city communities, and the voices of artists trying to make a difference. Her show became a bridge between the underground rap scene and a wider audience, offering artists a platform to tell their stories in their own words.
And pump it up was also the first media to let n.w.a play there songs ' straight outta compton ' and ' trapped ' in the television.
When Eazy-Duz-It dropped, Dee was the first to highlight its impact. And when N.W.A's music started sparking national debates, she remained their go-to journalist, refusing to sensationalize their message for ratings. For her, it wasn't just about the controversy—it was about giving a voice to a community that was often ignored or misunderstood.
In December 2nd 1988, Dee Barnes conducted what would become one of the most iconic interviews with N.W.A. The group gathered at a modest recording studio in Compton, their energy a mix of pride and defiance. Tupac, the group's most popular member and lyrical mastermind, sat front and center, ready to address the critics head-on.
Dee Barnes: "Tupac, your music often portrays the harsh realities of street life, but some critics argue that it glorifies gang culture. What's your response to that?"
Tupac: *"People get it twisted, man. Being a gangsta ain't about glorifying violence or telling kids to pick up a gun. It's about showing the reality of what's going on in the streets, in the neighborhoods where people are struggling to survive every day. My music is like a mirror—I'm reflecting what I see, what I've lived, and what my people go through.
When I talk about gang life, poverty, or police brutality, I'm not saying this is the way to live. I'm saying, 'This is what's happening—this is real.' A lot of people don't wanna hear that because it makes them uncomfortable, but that's the truth. I'd rather speak on the struggle and try to make people understand it than sugarcoat it or ignore it like it ain't there."*
Dee Barnes: "So, you don't see yourself as promoting the lifestyle?"
Tupac: "Nah, not at all. I see myself as a messenger, trying to wake people up. If I rap about the pain and anger in my community, it's because I want people to feel it and think, 'Why does it have to be this way?' I want them to see the bigger picture—how the system creates these conditions. Gangster rap ain't influencing; it's exposing. It's a cry for help from the hood. I'm just telling our stories so the world don't ignore us."
Dee Barnes: "What's your hope for people who listen to your music?"
Tupac: "I want them to listen with their minds open. Don't just hear the beats or the words—feel the pain behind it, the struggle. And if you're from the same struggle, I hope it inspires you to rise above it, to see that you're not alone. We can't change the world overnight, but we can spark the minds of those who will."
The room fell silent for a moment as Tupac's words hung in the air. Even the other members of N.W.A seemed moved by the conviction in his voice.
Dee Barnes: "For the kids watching this, what message do you have for them?"
Tupac: "Stay in school. I know it sounds corny, but for real, education is power. Don't let nobody tell you you can't make it outta this life. You don't gotta be a gangster to be respected. Be smart, be focused, and use your talent to build something bigger than the streets. We all got the power to change our lives—you just gotta believe in yourself."
Dee Barnes' interview with N.W.A became a turning point in how the group was perceived. While the controversy surrounding their music didn't disappear, the interview humanized them, showing the world that behind the hard-hitting lyrics were artists with a purpose. Tupac, in particular, emerged as a voice for the youth, someone who could articulate the pain of the streets while offering hope for a better future.
Dee Barnes' groundbreaking interview with N.W.A wasn't just a moment for the group—it became a cultural turning point for hip-hop. Airing on her local TV show Pump It Up!, the interview not only topped ratings but also sent shockwaves through the mainstream media, forcing them to take notice of a genre and culture they had largely dismissed. The candidness, charisma, and raw truth delivered by N.W.A, particularly Tupac, captivated audiences far beyond hip-hop's usual fanbase.
Mainstream media outlets had long avoided N.W.A, branding them as too controversial, but the overwhelming success of Dee Barnes' interview made them reconsider. Suddenly, the group's unapologetic voices were being heard across platforms that had previously ignored them. The ratings surge from the Pump It Up! episode was undeniable proof that hip-hop was no longer a niche genre confined to urban centers—it was becoming a dominant force in American culture.
In the days following the interview, newspapers, radio stations, and even television networks began vying for a piece of N.W.A's story. Major publications like The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times ran feature articles exploring the group's impact on music and society. Radio shows invited them for live discussions, where they addressed everything from police brutality to the struggles of inner-city life. Each appearance further fueled public interest, drawing both supporters and critics into the conversation.
One of the defining factors of these media appearances was N.W.A's ability to articulate their message beyond the music. Tupac, as the group's most eloquent and charismatic spokesperson, played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. In every interview—whether on radio, in print, or on television—he emphasized that their music wasn't about glorifying violence but about exposing the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities.
"We're not just rapping for the streets," Tupac explained during an interview on a popular radio station. "We're rapping for the people who've been ignored, who've been told their voices don't matter. Hip-hop is bigger than music—it's a movement."
This message resonated with audiences nationwide. For those outside the hip-hop community, it offered a rare glimpse into a world they didn't understand. For those within it, it validated their experiences and struggles. As more people tuned in to watch N.W.A on television and read their interviews in newspapers, the conversation around hip-hop shifted from controversy to cultural relevance.
Dee Barnes' interview served as a blueprint for many others that followed. N.W.A's media presence became a mix of unfiltered honesty and strategic messaging. They weren't just defending their music; they were using their platform to shed light on systemic issues, from poverty to racism. This combination of entertainment and activism drew millions of viewers, making their appearances must-watch events.
The mainstream's newfound attention on N.W.A highlighted the growing influence of hip-hop as a cultural powerhouse. It wasn't just music anymore—it was a voice for the voiceless, a platform for change. By consistently delivering their message across multiple platforms, N.W.A solidified their place not only in the music industry but in the broader social and political landscape. Their rise proved that hip-hop was here to stay, and it demanded to be taken seriously.