Over a Year Later, mtvU Lifts ban on Invincible’s “Ropes” video

Back in 2009, Detroit emcee and cultural mouthpiece Invincible sent mtvU her new video for the song “Ropes,” featuring Tiombe Lockhart, off her debut album, she had no idea how much controversy it’d create. The tune was written to help bring awarness to issues of depression and mental health, and the accompanying music video by Mr. Complex is a strong cinematic statement that should’ve made it a placement shoo-in on mtvU. Shortly after submitting a final version of the clip, the folks at MTV let Invincible know that her video was approved to air. Unfortunately, MTV’s “Standards Department” stepped in and rejected the vid at the last minute calling “problematic” with “suicidal undertones.”

Invincible responded to this rejection, quickly shooting a viral video outside of the MTV’s Times Square headquarters, asking viewers what they thought of the video being censored and whether they believed it was “problematic” to speak openly about depression, mental health, and suicide. The mtvU rejection became a story in itself as media outlets such as Salon, True/Slant, and All Hip Hop blasted MTV for their decision and Invincible’s supporters sent personal letters to MTV demanding that the video be played. It has taken some time, but as of today , “Ropes” is premiering on mtvU. The video found supporters at Half Of Us (halfofus.com), a project housed within MTV that confronts issues of mental health on college campuses. It’s a good look for Invincible, and a sign that even when giant, corporate media tells you “no,” if your message is powerful enough, eventually they’ll come around. 

Tags: Half of Us, Invincible, mtvU, Shapeshifters, Tiombe Lockhart