Music
Drake and J. Cole apologize for lyrics about autism
by Mark Teo
July 23, 2013
"Jodeci Freestyle" caused a stir for lyrics that were perceived to be disparaging to autistic people.
Drake and J. Cole received plenty of heat for the lyrics on “Jodeci Freestyle,” which caused a stir for lyrics that were perceived to be disparaging to autistic people. Thankfully, Drizzy announced that he’ll be pulling the offending verse from the song, and for good reason: “I’m undoubtedly the hottest and that’s just me bein’ modest,” raps Cole on the verse. “Go check the numbers dummy, that’s just me gettin’ started. I’m artistic, you niggas is autistic, retarded.”
Understandably, the lyric caused some outrage—amongst both media outlets and the autistic community. Some took recorded impassioned videos on YouTube, including the one below, which went semi-viral.
Thankfully, both rappers have issued apologies.
“Recently there’s been a trend that includes rappers saying something offensive, only to be attacked for it in the media and pressured to apologize,” wrote Cole on his Dreamvillain blog. “I have to be completely honest and say there’s a part of me that resents that. I view rap similar to how I view comedy. It’s going to ruffle feathers at times.”
What followed was a heartfelt apology from Cole, who apologized to those with autism, expressing admiration and empathy to their families. He apologizes repeatedly for his insensitivity, ignorance, and and pain he’d caused. “To the parents who are fighting through the frustrations that must come with raising a child with severe autism, finding strength and patience that they never knew they had; to the college student with Asperger’s Syndrome; to all those overcoming autism. You deserve medals, not disrespect. I hope you accept my sincere apology.”
Drake was quick to respond, backing the sincerity of the “Power Trip” rapper. “J. Cole wrote a beautiful and moving apology to individuals and families affected by autism who were understandably hurt by a verse in ‘Jodeci Freestyle.’ I share responsibility and offer my sincerest apologies for the pain this has caused,” Drizzy wrote on the OVO blog. “Individuals with autism have brilliant and creative minds, and their gifts should not be disparaged or discounted. This was a learning lesson for both of us, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try to right this wrong. J. Cole and I believe that it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song.”
Check out the original song below.
