Bands debate using racial vernacular when covering other artists
Last night on Twitter, Trevor Wentworth of Our Last Night posed a question on Twitter: “When covering a Kendrick Lamar song am I allowed to sing EVERY word?” referring to the band's cover of Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble.”
When covering a Kendrick Lamar song am I allowed to sing EVERY word? ����♂️
— Trevor Wentworth (@TrevorOLN) August 14, 2017
Musicians from some of the biggest bands in the scene responded, sharing their thoughts on the use of racial vernacular in covers—with strong opinions on both sides of the topic.
Skyler Acord, Issues:
White ppl talking about nigga is kinda like dudes talking about abortion rights. You get an opinion but you don't get a say. If that's the
— min jun (@Skyduck64) August 14, 2017
worst oppression you feel in your life then I'm happy for you but it's never been used as a weapon against you so you'll never truly get it.
— min jun (@Skyduck64) August 14, 2017
Also the timing on this is a little strange considering the rampant nazism in the news ngl ����♀️
— min jun (@Skyduck64) August 14, 2017
Cameron Boucher, Sorority Noise:
absolutely don't do that
— Cameron Boucher (@thecamboucher) August 14, 2017
Elijah Witt, Cane Hill:
Man if you THINK you can't say it, it's probably because you can't. https://t.co/l5VRzM4sok
— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
Witt and Telle Smith of the Word Alive shared their differing thoughts on the topic:
I did, because that's the song. Kanye backed it himself actually. I guess all rappers with millions of white rap fans feel the same as you
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
At their sold out arena shows of from the royalties they get playing it on the radio that every race enjoys. I'm not racist domt twist it.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
didn't say you were racist, but you're wrong for doing it knowing that the conversation has been had over and over about the word.
— kev. (@antiquation) August 14, 2017
Listen, I'm not condoning calling someone that in a hateful way. Rapping along to a song? C'mon. CAN'T be considered the same shit man.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
No telle you're white man. It invalidates your opinion on it. :/ cmon
— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
People made 6 years later. Song has over 7 million streams and never ONCE did anybody care until yesterday. Now I'm “privileged” & racist?
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
you've always been privileged and so have I. People care now bc there's awareness. Bc POTUS can't call out the KKK. Bc racism is real.
— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
Kendrick in particular has a decent percentage of races other than black at his shows singing every word. Haven't heard of 1 fight breaking
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Out OR him ever standing up and asking anybody not black to stop singing along to any aspect. I just feel like there's a difference and that
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Has nothing to do with being privileged. I think rappers can be quite poetic and “sing” from life and pain just like I do.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
I understand your opinion. And I've never used the N word in daily life once, never will. I have many black friends who were totally fine
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
With it and told me they recognized the difference between covering a song and engaging in racist(privileged) behavior. So I did 6 yrs ago.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
I have used my same voice to adamantly push for equality and love of all. I hope 1 cover song 6 years ago doesn't invalidate that to you.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Just progress with the times. That's what I'm saying.
Keep pushing for equality and love and understand the little things are the–— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
Little things that seem like they don't matter as much are the foundations that extremist ideals are built on.
— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
I get that. But extremism on either side of ANY topic isn't right either. It hurts my heart I'm being considered the same as some asshole
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Waving a confederate flag. Or who uses that word to bring hate. I'm just not that person whatsoever.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Ur going to be lumped into that category just for BEING white sometimes. That's life. Separating urself as much as u can is all u can do.
— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
I think I'm done talking for a while. Bye y'all. I'll post about CH but it's time for a break from this public bullshit.
— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
my last thought before I go:
You're going to make mistakes. Learn from them. I make mistakes all the time but I GROW from it. Be wise.— JESUS CHRIST (@elijahwitt) August 14, 2017
Smith further explained himself:
My best friend is black, he told me “it's racist if you DON'T have the balls to own it and say it”. But that's not everyone I understand.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
I don't LIKE to use the “N” word, I did a cover. Do you think every white person who loves Kanye/Kendrick is the same as a Nazi?
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
And vice versa, no? I did not and would never use it/condone it in a hateful way. I sing along to any song I enjoy. I enjoy all music.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
I do not use the “N” word. Never have outside of that cover song.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
So you think covering a song we like and randomly calling someone the “N” word are the same? Do you think rappers don't want white ppl to
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Sing along? Come to shows? Buy CDs? But tshirts? Isn't that in itself condoning singing along/covering a song?
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
I understand your opinion. And I've never used the N word in daily life once, never will. I have many black friends who were totally fine
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
With it and told me they recognized the difference between covering a song and engaging in racist(privileged) behavior. So I did 6 yrs ago.
— TELLE (@tellesmith) August 14, 2017
Trevor explained today that the band did not use the word:
Holy fuck shut up it was a question. No we didn't say it in the cover.
— Trevor Wentworth (@TrevorOLN) August 14, 2017
What are your thoughts on the topic? Let us know in the comments below.
