S. Samuel
Maybach Music Group leader Meek Mill is ready to move on from the controversy surrounding his "Amen" anthem by issuing a public apology to anyone who took offense to the church-themed hit.
Appearing on BET’s “106 & Park” this week, Meek finally laid the matter to rest.
“People find all types of stuff offensive,” Meek told “106 & Park” hosts Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. “I don’t think no preacher or no church approve of any type of rap music — because rap music, period, is a lot of bad stuff said. But at the end of the day, it’s real life. And me, I wasn’t trying to disrespect no religion or anything like that. My whole family is Christian. I have a half Christian, half Muslim family, the situation, the song, that’s what energy it felt and if anybody feel disrespected, I ain’t do it in that way. And I ain’t drop the song with bad intentions. I did it just because it was a good feeling — that’s the feeling it gave me so I said, ‘Amen, church.’ I didn’t do it with bad intentions at the end of the day.” (“106 & Park”)
Philadelphia’s Pastor Jomo K. Johnson has since reacted to Meek’s words and dropped his “Amen” boycott.
“This apology was the condition for lifting the Call-To-Action boycott. Therefore, I want to say as a follower of Christ, that I completely forgive Robert Williams for this song because Jesus has completely forgiven me. While I have made the choice not to listen to or support any artist that promotes blasphemy or misogyny in their music, I appreciate Mr. Williams being willing to acknowledge his wrong. It is my sincere hope, that he, along with all popular rappers with their fans, will embrace God’s total forgiveness by turning from the sin promoted through mainstream Hip Hop, and trust solely in Christ for salvation. Christ died for all the evil we have done and spoken. And it is only through repentance and faith that forgiveness can be found. I want to say thanks to everyone who chose to cover this story, and a special thanks to all those who supported me.” (Statement)
Last week, they both clashed head-to-head during a radio interview.
Right as the on air conversation between the two began, Meek voiced his concerns. “This looking like you trying to get famous, or you need some attention, because you could have came to me and said anything you wanted to say,” he said. “I mighta helped you. If you needed money for your church, I mighta woulda gave you that money. I mighta even remixed the song with Kirk Franklin. Anything you wanted to do. You went about it like you looking for attention and fame.” Johnson retorted, “My plea to you is to turn from sin, turn from blasphemy, turn from unrighteousness, that you’re purporting in your music–turn to Jesus Christ and receive eternal life. It doesn’t matter how much money you get, without Jesus Christ you will be lost eternally.” The Pastor said he had once served four years in jail, for aggravated assault on an officer, and God changed his life. (XXL Mag)
Over the weekend, the “Amen” music video premiered online.
Meek Mill and Drake party it up on the Club Paradise Tour like only two of the most in-demand rappers can in the visuals for their collaboration. This, of course, means that along with the shots of the duo on stage doing their thing, the video is packed from beginning to end with model chicks, bottles of liquor, and luxury cars. Oh, and famous friends, like Waka Flocka Flame, French Montana, Fat Joe, and J. Cole. Sounds heavenly, right? “Amen” is taken from Meek Mill’s mixtape, DreamChasers 2. His debut album, Dreams & Nightmares, is out on August 28. (Neon Limelight)
Check out Meek Mill’s interview below:
