S. Samuel
New York rapper Talib Kweli has stepped forward to clear the air after making comments earlier this week on Rick Ross offering an initial halfway apology for date rape lyrics he dropped on Rocko's "U.O.E.N.O" track a few weeks ago.
According to Kweli, he has no personal issues with Ross but feels all hip-hop artists should be held accountable for their rhymes.
“The blogs have been getting on me saying I’ve got opinions about Ross or opinions about Lil Wayne and stuff and I’m like, ‘Yo, I’ve got opinions just like the next man.’ You know? But I’m glad through social media you can get it straight from the horse’s mouth. You can go on my Twitter and find out what I really think as opposed to trusting what a blog might have to say about me. But I’ve got my opinions just like anybody else in hip-hop and I’m not no authority on Rick Ross or Lil Wayne or anybody else. I’m not no authority. I don’t make no demands. I don’t have no power over these men. But, you know, I state my opinion just like anybody else. That opinion is, look, all these artists that have lyrics that offend people, especially Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, I’m a fan of both of these men. I know both of these men. I’m friendly with both of these men. … I someone says something I don’t agree with, I don’t have any problem with saying it’s wrong.” (Hot 97)
Talib raised eyebrows a few days ago when he publicly addressed Ross’ bars.
“I don’t care if Rick Ross is 40 years old — he’s a misguided 40-year-old person.” Strong words from Talib Kweli Monday as he addressed the recent controversy over Rick Ross’ rap verse on the song U.O.E.N.O. While Ross seems to have chalked the controversy surrounding his lyrics up to some unspecified “misunderstanding,” many are not buying his explanation. “Rick Ross condoned rape in that song … and he should apologize, and his apology that he offered was unacceptable.” Kweli continued. (Huffington Post)
Not alone in being upset, an anti-Ross protest took place yesterday (April 4) at a Reebok store in New York City.
“In remaining silent, Reebok is using it’s brand to promote rape,” said Nita Chaudhary, co-founder of UltraViolet. “Reebok and Rick Ross have crossed a line– not only does Ross brag about drugging and raping a woman, he is pushing the idea that if you don’t use the word ‘rape’ it doesn’t count. We are fed up and disgusted with Reebok, and Thursday we will bring this fight to their front steps.” (Statement)
Coincidentally, the “Boss” spoke out and further apologized to anyone offended by his record.
“I dont condone rape.Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape. #BOSS,” Ross tweeted April 4th.
“Apologies to my many business partners,who would never promote violence against women. @ReebokClassics @ultraviolet” (Rick Ross’ Twitter)
Check out Talib Kweli’s interview:
