*In an interview with Billboard, Kendrick Lamar made some controversial comments while talking about police brutality and what the nation should do about it.
He specifically referenced the rioting and hence, the Civil RIght Movement sparked by the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager who was gunned down in Ferguson, Mo.
“But when we don’t have respect for ourselves, how do we expect them to respect us? It starts from within,” he said. “Don’t start with just a rally, don’t start from looting—it starts from within.”
His comments sparked controversy especially with Black Twitter who blasted the rapper for what they believe to be a “misguided” viewpoint.
Many folks felt as though his comments gave the magazine the impression black people don’t respect themselves.
Azealia Banks heavily called out Lamar — blasting his comments as the “dumbest s–t I’ve ever heard a Black man say” on her most outspoken platform, Twitter.
Black Twitter responded with:
“Give Kendrick an oscar, made everybody think he’s a future pro black leader but he’s really the black misinformed version of ned flanders,” Ahmed/Red Cafe Fan (@big_business_) tweeted.
“@kendricklamar Why do Black people in America think they can speak for all black people everywhere ? I for one find it annoying,” Izzy Osas (@GabrielOsas21) tweeted.
“Re: Kendrick. Sometimes your favorite artist’s genius can be hyper focused into one particular avenue and be a fool in another,” B.J. Steiner (@DocZeus).