The Chicago rapper responded with a Twitter storm.
Lupe Fiasco announced his retirement from music yesterday after coming under fire for what were being called antisemitic lyrics in a new song called ‘N.E.R.D.’
On the track, Fiasco raps: “Artists getting robbed for their publishing / By dirty Jewish execs who think that it’s alms from the covenant.” The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil liberties organization, has now released a statement condemning Lupe after he tried to defend the lyric:
“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.”
Fiasco took to Twitter to argue with ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt about the statement. See the tweets below.
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
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. @JGreenblattADL
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
@LupeFiasco wow, Lu. #hatecrimes are up, prejudice is up, and when we say that you can do better, this is how you respond? #disappointing
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) 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
Hahahahahah….you're fucking crazy and you're lost if you think I'm marginalizing Jewish music executives. That's profound disconnect. https://t.co/w6e7vhIdTV
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
This is what Lupe Fiasco merchandise looks like…#DeathToRacism #NeverAgain…the fuck are you talking about????@JGreenblattADL pic.twitter.com/P5lQVCyM2y
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
How about this guy @JGreenblattADL ??? Howard Zinn. You know one of my mentors and intellectual resources. He just Semi-Semite tho right? pic.twitter.com/tCL27e38TE
— peace (@LupeFiasco) December 14, 2016
