Anti-Defamation League Fights With Lupe Fiasco Over “Anti-Semitic Lyrics”
On Monday night, Lupe Fiasco released a new song called “N.E.R.D.” where he rapped over a J. Cole instrumental and delivered this line: “Artists getting robbed for their publishing/By dirty Jewish execs who think that it’s alms from the covenant.” He then argued with people on Twitter, saying the sentiment wasn’t anti-Semitic and announced his retirement from music. Now, the Anti-Defamation League has released a statement condemning the rapper for the song. The statement notes that his subsequent tweets defending the line “clearly [indicate] that Fiasco is either unaware or unconcerned with the impact of his offensive statement.” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt elaborated:
“The lyrics about artists being robbed by ‘dirty Jewish execs’ are offensive. These lyrics reinforce the anti-Semitic myth of Jewish control of the music industry, a stereotype that has been exploited in recent years by well-known hatemongers. It is irresponsible for a recording artist to perpetuate the hateful anti-Semitic stereotype of the ‘greedy Jew.’ Even if Lupe Fiasco has concerns about exploitation of his artistic output, it’s deplorable to stigmatize an entire group in response. Fiasco has a well-earned reputation as a highly respected hip-hop artist. At a time when there are significant divisions across the country, we are disappointed that he has not chosen to use his platform and voice to promote a more inclusive message.”
After briefly setting his Twitter account to private, Lupe’s tweets are public once again. He has continued to defend the line and has been angrily responding to Greenblatt. (He also doubled down on his retirement announcement.)
Hey @LupeFiasco You have a stage to promote inclusivity. So why promote hurtful #antiSemitic stereotypes? https://t.co/bTVVvmm0cn
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) December 13, 2016
Sorry Massa….i’s do better next time, fuck outta here https://t.co/D4UNsWNkJR
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
I didn’t called them dirty becuz they were Jewish I called them dirty becuz their horrible fucking human beings @JGreenblattADL
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
Im not an anti-Semite & I’ll never be a Freier, EVER! So u can take your little condemnation & it shove up ur ass sideways @JGreenblattADL
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
How bout you & your ADL minions set up some executive ethics seminars for these THIEVES & LIARS & CROOKS defaming artists @JGreenblattADL
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
Fix the problem. Don’t condemn the victims you fucking punk. Shalom Salaam and Goodnight.
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