Juelz Santana Says Kids “Don’t Need To Read” And The Internet Is Like… Sir, Please
Rapper Juelz Santana is going viral for a statement that has teachers, parents and librarians clutching their pearls all at once.
During a recent podcast appearance, the Dipset rapper confidently declared that kids do not need to know how to read. Yes, you read that correctly. Or according to Juelz, maybe you just listened to it.
“They Can Just Listen To Books On YouTube”
Juelz explained that reading is overrated and unnecessary in today’s digital world because children can simply listen to books online instead. In his view, common sense is a far more valuable life skill than actually knowing how to read words on a page.
He doubled down by suggesting that traditional education focuses on the wrong priorities, and that real world intelligence does not require literacy the way people think it does.
The podcasters sat there. The audience blinked. The internet erupted.
As expected, social media wasted zero time reacting. Teachers dragged the comment. Parents frowned. Former classmates probably sighed deeply.
While a few fans tried to defend him by saying he was just speaking from personal experience, most people were like… this is not the motivational speech the youth needed.
Many pointed out that even understanding contracts, business deals, lyrics and legal documents all require, well, reading.
A Question Of Education
Juelz has been open in the past about leaving school early, and some critics believe his comments reflect personal frustration more than real guidance. While common sense is obviously important, most would agree it works best when paired with basic literacy.
Because listening to audiobooks is great, but someone still has to read them first.
When Confidence Meets Chaos
This moment has now joined a growing list of celebrity statements that made the public collectively whisper, “Maybe log off for today.”
Whether Juelz was joking, serious or simply freestyle thinking out loud, one thing is clear. The internet will not let this one slide quietly.
Final Thoughts
Having common sense is important. No one is disagreeing with that. But telling kids that reading is optional? That is a bold take that most people are swiping left on.
And while YouTube might teach you how to build a table, fix a car or cook pasta, it probably should not replace the ability to read a sentence.
Just saying.