Bobby Brown Says New Edition Never Got Credit For "Just Say No" Drug Campaign

BY Erika Marie 9.3K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Rachel Luna/Getty Images
Bobby Brown
He says the group inspired the slogan.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, America was confronted with Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign. The "War on Drugs" was in full swing as President Ronald Reagan vowed to end the illegal drug trade with the aid of the United States' federal government and military. Its effects are still felt today, as the "War On Drugs" campaign was responsible for the incarceration of people who were imprisoned for oftentimes minor amounts out illegal substances. In prison reform and intellectual circles, the "War on Drugs" is commonly attributed to being a campaign that targeted low-income communities of color with drug trafficking being just an afterthought. That is a debatable argument that is regularly discussed among scholars and those impacted by the campaign, alike.

Ronald Reagan Presidental Library/Getty Images

The former First Lady's "Just Say No" campaign was created to dissuade children and youth from engaging in drug use. It was hailed as being Nancy's concept, but in a recent interview with his friend D.L. Hughley, singer Bobby Brown revealed the entire thing was inspired by him and his former bandmates. "She got that from me," Bobby stated. "She got that from New Edition." Hughley couldn't believe it and joked, "Nancy Reagan was in the same room with Bobby Brown and nobody went to jail? That's amazing to me."

After a bit of laughter, Bobby added, "She basically asked us what do we say when we're offered drugs. We were young, we was 15, 14-years-old, and we just said, 'We just say no.' The campaign just flew from there. The 'Just Say No' campaign. We didn't get no credit but—,' before Bobby could finish, Hughley chimed in. "It's because you didn't say no later on!" he said while laughing.

Bobby added, "Well, later on in life I didn't say no. I say no now!" Check out the clip of Bobby on The D.L. Hughley Show below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.