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April 9th, 2013
11:18 AM ET
LL Cool J's proud of 'Accidental Racist'LL Cool J's collaboration with Brad Paisley, "Accidental Racist," has kicked up a lot of dust, but the rapper seems to have expected as much. As he told CNN, the song, which is from Paisley's newly released album "Wheelhouse," is a "bold statement" not just for country music, but for music in general.
LL joined the country star in offering what they bill as two sides to a story on race relations, prejudice and stereotypes in the U.S. Paisley sings from the perspective of "a white man comin’ to you from the Southland," one who would wear a Confederate flag on his shirt to show that he's a "Skynyrd fan." "They called it Reconstruction, fixed the buildings, dried some tears. We’re still siftin’ through the rubble after a hundred-fifty years," Paisley says in the song. "I try to put myself in your shoes and that’s a good place to begin. But it ain’t like I can walk a mile in someone else’s skin. ... I’m proud of where I’m from but not everything we’ve done, and it ain’t like you and me can re-write history. Our generation didn’t start this nation, and we’re still paying for mistakes that a bunch of folks made long before we came." In his verse, rapper/actor LL takes the perspective of a "new fangled Django, dodgin’ invisible white hoods." "Dear Mr. White Man, I wish you understood what the world is really like when you’re livin’ in the hood," LL rhymes in the song. "Just because my pants are saggin’ doesn’t mean I’m up to no good. You should try to get to know me, I really wish you would. Now my chains are gold but I’m still misunderstood - I wasn’t there when Sherman’s March turned the south into firewood. I want you to get paid but be a slave I never could ... So when I see that white cowboy hat, I’m thinkin’ it’s not all good." He concludes his verse with a peace offering, rapping, "I guess we’re both guilty of judgin’ the cover not the book. I’d love to buy you a beer, conversate and clear the air. But I see that red flag and I think you wish I wasn’t here." Paisley's reps haven't responded to CNN's request for comment, but they did confirm that "Accidental Racist" was written by the country singer, along with LL Cool J and Lee Thomas Miller. When CNN caught up with LL at Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, he said he felt the song accomplished what art is supposed to be. "Music is about, and art is about, connecting different people, and building bridges and breaking the rules," he said. "If it's not compelling, and it's not complex and it's not interesting, then what are we doing it for? So I think that's the right move." Plus, he concluded, he wanted to do something that was a little different from what he usually offers. "I needed to do something that was going to be interesting like that, and shake things up, and jump out of the box," he told CNN. "I'm really proud of it, and I hope the world hears it and enjoys it."
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the stuff is cool
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LL COOL J DO WHATEVER YOU LIKE,YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER TO NOBODY.YOU ARE THE BADDEST MAN ALIVE PERIOD.KEEP DOING YOUR THANG.YOU RULE LIKE YOU ALWAYS HAVE .REAL TALK.
GIVE HER THE COMPUTER BILLS....THANKS
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I suspect the world as a whole won't hear it. Some people don't like either country music or hip hop. Some just don't like music, some prefer other genres, and some who like country and some who like hip hop will, but who don't like the other, will not bother to listen. I fall into one of these groups and have no desire to hear it. Cross marketing in the music industry has been a trend for quite a while now. It makes good business sense, but I doubt it will be terribly effect. Often people gravitate to a genre because it helps them to feel as if they belong to a particular culture and they find security in the culture they share with their group.
great message, great artists (both of them) EXCELELNT song and lyrics, a needed message, and the rest of you critics and naysayers are like ostriches with your heads in the sand (or where the sun don't shine). The controversy will only help them sell more albums, and I think that's a great thing, as Brad and LL Cool J rock!
Perhaps one of the worst songs in history!
Wait for the next one... accidental rapist. What a piece of crap!
I'm Going Back to Cali, to find me An Around the Way Girl, because they're Jiggling Baby, Go Ahead Baby!!!! Dam, I Need Love......
Cool J know about living in the hood anyway? And it's just a flag.
the only one, because that song is terrible.
I really don't care for this songs content.
I think they just look right together. Did you know in some states they could get married? It's just so romantic.
These two seem like such an adorable couple. Just look at their smiles. I hope they get married soon.
you know, the one with the smile on his face?
How can you not appreciate the song for the message. This is really a great attempt at race conversation. With everything so PC you aren't even aloud to talk about race. That is doing more harm!
I agree, the lyrics are great. But it's allowed, not aloud.
LOL, Accidental piece of crap...
Here are two arrogant, egomaniac, dum_ a$$ performers that think they can turn racism around in this country. Your head must be really big if you think that just because of your name, you can make a difference on this subject matter. Racism goes both ways, especially now that we have the Jay -Zs of the world flaunting what they have. Crimes were commited back in the day, but none of you young blacks went through it so let it go. None of you young white folks did it so stop apologizing. Racism is here and it's here to stay, I don't care what anybody thinks. If I don't like you for whatever reason, that's my right. Face it people, these two hypocrites thought they were gonna make a lot of dough with this ridiculous song. LOL
agreed.
Good massage,horrible song.
Don't you mean message, there Vixxy? Got to leave the job out of your posts. lmao. I agree, though.
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