Kendrick Lamar calls out white fan for rapping n-word onstage with him at concert

Budi · May 22, 2018

MiraculousSwidge said:
I really don't see how the fuck this blew up.like it did. Kendrick handled it better than I think most people should be expected to, the woman apologized and corrected it, end of story.

Well like usually, the "outrage" happens in the social media with people not involved in the situation. Let it be Twitter, Facebook or forums, it doesn't make a difference how the people involved handled the matter when there's a fight to be had.

Bellspek said:
I would actually love to see this as a separate thread. I don't think it should necessarily be discussed in this context, as I don't think it should take away from the issue at hand... it's not like because he says bitch that she can use the nword... but yeah, would love some commentary on the popular use of the word "bitch" and its consequences.

Here you go https://www.resetera.com/threads/wh...o-refer-to-woman-as-b-in-hip-hop-music.37131/ it's closed but plenty of pages to catch up on.

SurrenderDorothy · May 22, 2018

AgainstTheCurrent said:
Seems ridiculous to me. It's in the song, she wasn't using it in any other context than repeating lyrics he already wrote.

You can't have a word that can only be used by certain skin colours.

I don't listen to much rap or hip hop but if the word is in the song, I'm gonna sing it. Freaky Friday is a recent example.

RoKKeR · May 22, 2018

Damn, these threads always seem to go the same way. "It's in the song" is such a weak ass argument, and so is "it's too hard to omit when you're singing!"

If that's such an inconvenience to you then maybe don't listen to the song or go to the concert. Just don't say the word if you're white, it's really not too much to ask.

I don't know much about this particular situation but it seems to have been handled as well as it could have been.

GeekyDad · May 22, 2018

Gordon Shumway said:
Again, not one of my white friends says that word in song next to me..they just blank it out. Ain't hard..

Why is it necessary, though? What is the meaning of the word when a black person says it? And why is that meaning somehow changed when a white person says it?

Tabs2002 · May 22, 2018

gaogaogao said:
do rappers want white fans? let us know by how you write the song.

raterpillar · May 22, 2018

Djkhaled said:
Lol the fuck? That sounds like something I'd see written in The_Donald

Pretty standard stuff from that poster.

OutofMana · May 22, 2018

GeekyDad said:
Why is it necessary, though? What is the meaning of the word when a black person says it? And why is that meaning somehow changed when a white person says it?

MadJakeChurchill · May 22, 2018

Djkhaled said:
Lol the fuck? That sounds like something I'd see written in The_Donald

Think he's referring to Dankula's Nazi pug thing.

Trouble is, the situations aren't the same. Saying a slur isn't the same as saying "harm the minority group" as Dankula said numerous times.

ZackieChan · May 22, 2018

Djkhaled said:
Lol the fuck? That sounds like something I'd see written in The_Donald

I think it happened recently. There was a thread about it. Some girl posted rap lyrics using the word as her Instagram bio and caught some criminal charge, iirc.

Enzom21 · May 22, 2018

GeekyDad said:
Why is it necessary, though? What is the meaning of the word when a black person says it? And why is that meaning somehow changed when a white person says it?

You don't know what nigger means? Does the connotation of the word "monkey" change depending on if the person is black or not?

Mister X · May 22, 2018

It all depends on intent imo.

gaogaogao · May 22, 2018

Tabs2002 said:

have it your way, its going so well.

Deleted member 5086 · May 22, 2018

This thread has been temporarily locked. It will be reopened once we have reviewed its contents.

Deleted member 5086 · May 22, 2018

The thread is now reopened. Please approach this discussion with the thoughtfulness that it deserves. Thank you.

Deleted member 179 · May 22, 2018

Obviously she shouldn't be saying that. It's dumb and I don't care if it's in the song. Good on her for recognizing her mistake and on Kendrick for letting her keep going.

On another note, while it is obviously insulting for white people to say that, whenever I hear a white person say that word the the biggest cringe of my life. 99% of the time that I hear it they're trying to be cool or some shit and it just hurts my insides.

Viva · May 22, 2018

Ta-Nehisi Coates has provided the perfect analysis on this

Black people shouldn't be expected to stop using the word, other people need to take the responsibility and learn from it

Budi · May 22, 2018

MadJakeChurchill said:
Think he's referring to Dankula's Nazi pug thing.

Trouble is, the situations aren't the same. Saying a slur isn't the same as saying "harm the minority group" as Dankula said numerous times.

No it's probably this https://genius.com/a/u-k-woman-char...ing-grossly-offensive-rap-lyrics-on-instagram

Elegant Weapon · May 22, 2018

I've been a fan of hip-hop my whole life. We would rap along to the radio all the time to the radio edit, since kids.

It isn't hard to censor a word or two, at all. That's a poor excuse for thinking a word in a song absolves all polite decorum.

And trust me, racism won't end if white people were "allowed" to
say reclaimed racial slurs. I hate when some white person says my 87 grandma shouldn't say nigga because they can't. Fuck you.

How could white people even reclaim a slur many still use against black people? It would just be a circle of privilege; all the "cool" benefits of black culture with none of the dehumanizing inconveniences and ongoing marginalization of actually being black!

"Everybody wants to be a nigga, but no one wants to be a nigga"

Deleted member 2171 · May 22, 2018

GeekyDad said:
Why is it necessary, though? What is the meaning of the word when a black person says it? And why is that meaning somehow changed when a white person says it?

It's almost like context and history matters and white people can give up one word with no harm to their existence or having to JAQ-off every time this comes up.

TheGhost · May 22, 2018

That whole set up seemed like bait.
As someone that has been going to hip hop concerts for 15-20 years it's weird to see this only becoming a thing rappers are only discussing now. Then again back then if you dropped the N bomb in front of a rapper from the 90's on stage they would have just stomped you out and the crowd would have erupted in cheers.

Yasuke · May 22, 2018

Zeno said:
Yeah. Seems like it was partly done for him to make his point on this. Seems like things turned out well though.

This is what I assumed, and I'm cool with that.

Make an example of her and show white folks you not even allowed to say it onstage at a rap concert when you're rapping along.

As if they shouldn't fucking know that already. Tired of them being babied smh.

TheGhost said:
That whole set up seemed like bait.
As someone that has been going to hip hop concerts for 15-20 years it's weird to see this only becoming a thing rappers are only discussing now. Then again back then if you dropped the N bomb in front of a rapper from the 90's on stage they would have just stomped you out and the crowd would have erupted in cheers.

Yeah, so weird that black folks finally feel empowered enough to stand their ground on this topic en masse.

Deleted member 2809 · May 22, 2018

As DT crew said in their most recent video about it, I think Kendrick could have at least given her a heads up like "you know you shouldn't say the word right" before the bit, doesn't hurt and it would have avoided some bad PR.

Jtendo '82 · May 22, 2018

And if this hurts Kendricks bottom line, so be it.

Tiopes · May 22, 2018

The only problem I see with this situation is calling a white girl to the stage when you know something like this may happen. She apologized and everything, but the girl can get booed, harassed at social media later for being a supposed racist or something that she may have done because she was nervous and the word slipped as it's on the lyrics of the song. Imagine being at the stage with your favorite artist, singing along with him and trying very hard to not mess up in front of a huge crowd.

Ashes · May 22, 2018

Viva said:
Ta-Nehisi Coates has provided the perfect analysis on this

Black people shouldn't be expected to stop using the word, other people need to take the responsibility and learn from it

Pretty much. Interesting that he used "fagot" and "bitch" too as words he would choose not to use. Maybe some rappers (all races) could learn a thing or two about refrain.

SmarmySmurf · May 22, 2018

I agree with him. When you're alone is one thing, in public you need to think about what you're saying even when repeating lyrics.

Kayant · May 22, 2018

julian said:
Seriously. I was trying so hard hard not to quote people while reading this thread...

...deleted a few since tensions seem high.

I like Coates, but I did not like this clip. The audience member asked him to explain why you can't repeat song lyrics, but literally every example he gave was about direct communication between two people and how people address each other. He even goes so far as to explain how his wife and her friends call each other "bitch" but he knows he can't say it while repeatedly saying the word "bitch" - and he can do this because context and intent is what is actually important. Him saying it in this context is fine because he is not actually calling her a bitch. But his answer never gets into this.

It's a good answer, but to a completely different question that wasn't asked.

Lol. Ok, probably the best answer.

To me that doesn't really matter as much as the point he is trying to bring across - Certain words being acceptable when used within a group of people. He also still addressed the question about not being able to repeat song lyrics as Staticneuron posted part of his quote -

"So here comes this word that you feel like you invented and now somebody will tell you how to use the word that you invented. 'Why can't I use it? Everyone else gets to use it. You know what? That's racism that I don't get to use it. You know, that's racist against me. You know, I have to inconvenience myself and hear this song and I can't sing along. How come I can't sing along?'

I do agree intent is also important which is why situation like this it is rightly called out so the individual can learn from them. It's still a racist act whether or not her intent was malicious. Important thing as said earlier is to identify and educate.

Stoof · May 22, 2018

Wow it really sounds like there were a lot of non black people in the thread that find it impossible not to say the n-word. I'm white and if I'm singing along I just don't say it, it's not hard.

Enzom21 · May 22, 2018

lordlad said:
(P.S. I am not white).

Are you black? If not, what does you not being white have to do with anything?

remiri · May 22, 2018

Just say 'Brothas' instead. BT did it in his raps, you can do it too!

Yasuke · May 22, 2018

Shugga said:
As DT crew said in their most recent video about it, I think Kendrick could have at least given her a heads up like "you know you shouldn't say the word right" before the bit, doesn't hurt and it would have avoided some bad PR.

Kendrick told a white woman she can't use a racial slur. There's no bad PR in this for him.

Cocksman · May 22, 2018

What a corny publicity stunt. Kendrick knew what he was doing. If you don't want a certain group of audience members to sing a certain lyric maybe that word shouldn't be used in your Lyrics at all. And certainly don't bring a white person on stage to rap a song that drops that word a few times. Could have brought up a black audience member up on stage to do that song if you have a problem with white fans singing along.

Deleted member 2809 · May 22, 2018

Yasuke said:
Kendrick told a white woman she can't use a racial slur. There's no bad PR in this for him.

No I mean the whole incident could have been avoided. Obviously people in the crowd and on the internet get mad, plus the internet noise. I think he'd rather not have the story pop up at all.

Enzom21 · May 22, 2018

Jtendo '82 said:
And if this hurts Kendricks bottom line, so be it.

Explain that this could possibly hurt his bottom line?

acheron_xl · May 22, 2018

Stoof said:
Wow it really sounds like there were a lot of non black people in the thread that find it impossible not to say the n-word. I'm white and if I'm singing along I just don't say it, it's not hard.

And if you have to say something to keep the flow up, it's not like the English language is devoid of two-syllable words that could substitute.

Gordon Shumway · May 22, 2018

SmarmySmurf said:
I agree with him. When you're alone is one thing, in public you need to think about what you're saying even when repeating lyrics.

Basically. We sensor ourselves daily for plenty of other reasons..this isn't any different.

OsakaDon · May 22, 2018

OK, I actually think this is an interesting question. So black rappers are producing mass media entertainment (music) which is intended to be listened to and most like sung along with by hundreds of thousands or millions of people. So the music people produce is for the entertainment of their audience, right? They are not sending private messages to select members of their own personal group. So isn't it a little strange to be peppering in words you don't want people using in your music?
Also isn't the usage of the word in a certain context racist? I mean if it's being used as a term of endearment in the song, and you are singing the song, which is an attempt to replicate the meaning and message of the original writer, how does is become racist? In the context of singing the song you are becoming the personal of the original author are you not?

I think its an interesting debate. I could easily see a case for both sides.

Dodongo · May 22, 2018

Andrew Korenchkin said:
I agree with Kendrick. If you want to rap along and you are not black, DON'T say the N-word. You skip over it.

I say my cat's name instead

maximumzero · May 22, 2018

" Hey come up here and sing with me but don't forget to sing the edited version!"

Blader · May 22, 2018

GeekyDad said:
Why is it necessary, though? What is the meaning of the word when a black person says it? And why is that meaning somehow changed when a white person says it?

Try opening a book someday.

OsakaDon said:
OK, I actually think this is an interesting question. So black rappers are producing mass media entertainment (music) which is intended to be listened to and most like sung along with by hundreds of thousands or millions of people. So the music people produce is for the entertainment of their audience, right? They are not sending private messages to select members of their own personal group. So isn't it a little strange to be peppering in words you don't want people using in your music?
Also isn't the usage of the word in a certain context racist? I mean if it's being used as a term of endearment in the song, and you are singing the song, which is an attempt to replicate the meaning and message of the original writer, how does is become racist? In the context of singing the song you are becoming the personal of the original author are you not?

I think its an interesting debate. I could easily see a case for both sides.

The context of the word is defined by the person saying it.

Hero of the Wild · May 22, 2018

I like how she (and presumably many in the crowd) didn't realise they were supposedly being racist until it was pointed out.

Yasuke · May 22, 2018

Shugga said:
No I mean the whole incident could have been avoided. Obviously people in the crowd and on the internet get mad, plus the internet noise. I think he'd rather not have the story pop up at all.

That's dumb, especially considering it seems staged.

Kendrick's the type to pull something like that just to make a point about white folks using the word.

Deleted member 2809 · May 22, 2018

Yasuke said:
That's dumb, especially considering it seems staged.

Kendrick's the type to pull something like that just to make a point about white folks using the word.

Idk, apparently she's getting some harassment online so that's not the brightest idea.

Elegant Weapon · May 22, 2018

Jtendo '82 said:
And if this hurts Kendricks bottom line, so be it.

What, are whites going to stop coming to Kendrick shows because he wants them to not say nigga when they rap along?

Like.... lmao Anyway, I think Kenny has more money than he knows what to do with and he's frugal as fuck. He'll be fine standing on principles too many whites still refuse to have

Deleted member 8433 · May 22, 2018

Seems like everything worked out and the situation was handled nicely from both sides.

Cant say the same about this thread though.

PoppaBK · May 22, 2018

FyreWulff said:
It's almost like context and history matters and white people can give up one word with no harm to their existence or having to JAQ-off every time this comes up.

Sure but it is just kinda arbitrary. They are hearing it, they are saying it in their head, its the act of verbalizing it that creates harm? I'm just not sure how anything changes if someone enunciates the syllables or not when in the context of quoting someone.

TheGhost · May 22, 2018

Cocksman said:
What a corny publicity stunt. Kendrick knew what he was doing. If you don't want a certain group of audience members to sing a certain lyric maybe that word shouldn't be used in your Lyrics at all. And certainly don't bring a white person on stage to rap a song that drops that word a few times. Could have brought up a black audience member up on stage to do that song if you have a problem with white fans singing along.

Or he could have ya know, talked about it before the start of the show and addressed his fans. But he needed his gotcha moment as most people do now adays.

When MC's wait 20+ years to address this to fans of all races that are not black it's just going to fall on deaf ears. Unless people think all the white people in the audience actually stopped reciting all lyrics containing that word after that moment.

honestrade · May 22, 2018

If it's in the lyrics people around the world are going to sing it regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, language, etc. If that's so upsetting, don't put it in the song.

Yasuke · May 22, 2018

Shugga said:
Idk, apparently she's getting some harassment online so that's not the brightest idea.

If she agreed to it *shrug* sucks, though.

If she didn't, gotdamn right she's being harassed.

OsakaDon said:
OK, I actually think this is an interesting question. So black rappers are producing mass media entertainment (music) which is intended to be listened to and most like sung along with by hundreds of thousands or millions of people. So the music people produce is for the entertainment of their audience, right? They are not sending private messages to select members of their own personal group. So isn't it a little strange to be peppering in words you don't want people using in your music?
Also isn't the usage of the word in a certain context racist? I mean if it's being used as a term of endearment in the song, and you are singing the song, which is an attempt to replicate the meaning and message of the original writer, how does is become racist? In the context of singing the song you are becoming the personal of the original author are you not?

I think its an interesting debate. I could easily see a case for both sides.

There is no case for both sides.

Jesus Christ, ERA. Pls.

Gordon Shumway · May 22, 2018

Why are so many in here acting as if white people are all mentally challenged and can't blank/change a word? Why do you think it's ok to say that word in front of any black person no matter the setting? Do your black friends let you? Is that it? Geezuz..making people sound like shit lol.

Kendrick Lamar calls out white fan for rapping n-word onstage with him at concert

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