“Please let me have that word”: Kendrick Lamar on Giving a White Woman the N-Word Pass That Sent Shockwaves in the Industry
Ahead of this whole Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake fight, the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist had created headlines following his 2018 performance at the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Lamar had sent shockwaves through the industry after he called a White woman on stage and allowed her the N-word pass multiple times before stopping the concert at the end.
Kendrick Lamar in a still from his Humble music video | image: YouTube
While the woman named Delaney appeared confused and claimed it to be an honest mistake, fans and even Kendrick Lamar seemed disappointed in her remarkable amount of confidence. Later on, during his interview with Vanity Fair, Lamar reflected on his use of the N-word in his raps and dropped a terrific explanation as to why he stopped the woman from rapping the word.
Kendrick Lamar Allowed a White Woman to Rap the N-Word Before Stopping His Concert
Kendrick Lamar offered a valuable lesson to the world in pragmatic linguistic competence during his 2018 concert in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Much like every other concert, even during his solo set at the Hangout Festival, Lamar invited a fan from the audience to the stage to perform alongside him. Bringing a White female fan named Delaney, the singer asked her to rap Good Kid, m.A.A.d City with him.
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Now, while most White people usually move the mic away from their mouths when it gets to the parts with the N-word, Delaney surprisingly continued with the flow. Thereafter, as the woman repeatedly used the N-word and failed to check herself while rapping along, Kendrick Lamar was prompted to halt his live performance to educate her. But surprisingly, the woman appeared confused by the pause (via BBC).
Aren’t I cool enough for you? What’s up, bro? The woman said.
You got to bleep one single word, though. Lamar informed.
Oh, I’m sorry, did I do it? I was used to singing it like you wrote it. The woman seemed confused.
Lamar in Good Kid, m.A.A.d City music video | image: YouTube
Despite audiences booing Delaney for using the N-word during the concert, the woman initially failed to understand why she was paused. Later on, following Kendrick Lamar’s remarks, the female fan got a grip on her right to sing the offensive word. Unfortunately, fans were already disappointed at her, and even Lamar, for allowing her the pass to sing it repeatedly.
Thereafter, although Kendrick Lamar seemed interested in continuing his concert with Delaney, fans weren’t quite pleased. He then asked the audience if she should be given another try—and despite many shouting “No!”, Lamar still allowed her a second run at the song. This seemed to send shockwaves through the industry, leading to a major debate surrounding who can or can’t say the N-word.
Kendrick Lamar Explained His Use of the N-Word in Songs and Why He Wanted to Sing It
Considering the problematic use of the N-word in raps and songs, many artists have refrained from using the phrase. However, as for Kendrick Lamar, he has been quite open about using the derogatory term in his raps as a way of expression. Therefore, following the outrage that began chasing him after his Hangout Festival, Lamar sat for an interview with Vanity Fair to explain why he stopped Delaney.
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After discussing the ubiquitous use of that word in rap and learning about how several rappers in the industry have felt appropriating the N-word and thus taken it back, Kendrick Lamar dropped his opinion after a thoughtful pause. Addressing how Caucasian people have often demeaned him and tried breaking his confidence, Lamar reflected on having the right to use derogatory words in his own raps.
Kendrick Lamar in Rich Spirit music video | image: YouTube
Let me put it to you in its simplest form. I’ve been on this earth for 30 years, and there’s been so many things a Caucasian person said I couldn’t do. Get good credit. Buy a house in an urban city. So many things—‘you can’t do that’—whether it’s from afar or close up. So if I say this is my word, let me have this one word, please let me have that word.
For years, there has been debate about the pragmatic competence of the N-word—the ability to use language appropriately under various circumstances. And following Kendrick Lamar’s 2018 incident—where lucky fans prior to Delaney had flawlessly shifted the mic during the N-words—it finally became clear about who holds the right and ability to use the disparaging term.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
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