Dude, I wouldn’t fuck with Otep Shamaya. Would you fuck with Otep Shamaya? She reminds me of the cool rebel kid from one of those 80s movies, like Rudy in The Monster Squad or whatever. Like, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Shamaya smile. Have you ever seen her smile? I really don’t think I ever have.

So. All of that being said, yelling “Take it off!” at Otep during a performance is probably a really, really dumb idea. In fact, I’m sure that whatever wise ass did it at a show in San Francisco earlier this week knew it was a really dumb idea, and was doing it to get attention. Which he got. Not only did she bitch him out from the stage, but – and I’m making an inference here based on what Otep says and who she says it to – I think that some chick near the front must have actually then flashed her tits, and she gets some of Otep’s rage, too.

Still, it’s nice of Otep to end the tirade by playing match maker.

Video of the incident in question is below. It’s at the start, so if, like me, you like Otep the lady more than you like Otep the band, you don’t actually have to listen to any Otep music to enjoy this.

-AR

[via Blabbermouth]

Seems some beef’s been abrewin’ around Otep Shamaya’s politics over at The Gauntlet. Surprising, right? Here’s the short version:

1. Otep blogs about healthcare reform, blasts Republicans for spreading anti-healthcare reform propaganda (i.e. “death panels”)
2. Gauntlet commenter “CM” responds, accusing Otep of only “smashing the control machine” when Republicans are in office, thereby rendering her points moot.
3. Otep responds to CM saying she often criticizes Obama (i.e. marriage equality, indefinite detention), attacks credibility of anonymous Internet poster.

Generally speaking, I agree with Otep. I actually find Otep Shamaya to be an incredibly charming, intelligent and thoughtful, articulate person. I can’t stand her music, but that’s besides the point — Otep’s the kind of person who, if she were my upstairs neighbor or something, we’d probably hang out a lot, you know? I also have the utmost respect for what she represents as an outspoken woman in rock and roll. However, I wish she’d stop using hyperbole to emphasize her points. There’s no need to call Republicans “colostomy bags” (for example); this will only infuriate the opposition and draw attention away from the true issues at hand. Dear Otep: if you’re reading this, please try and stay away from these kinds of thin insults. It dilutes the issues and paints you as an angry liberal when you seem to be able to transcend this stereotype using ordinary words, logic and reason. You’re above that kind of name-calling, I know it.

Oh hey, and since this is a music website, Otep’s got a new album out this week that is apparently on track to sell nearly 15,000 copies. Holy crap!

-VN