J. Cole Apologizes for Autism Lyric on ‘Jodeci Freestyle’
J. Cole is known for his uplifting songs like 'Crooked Smile,' but he recently garnered backlash over his autism lyric on Drake's 'Jodeci Freestyle.' In response, the Roc Nation rhymer issued an apologetic letter.
On the song, Cole raps, "Go check the numbers dummy / That's just me gettin' started / I'm artistic, you n----s is autistic, retarded."
Anna Kennedy, a member of the Anti-Bullying Alliance and the mother of two autistic children, launched a digital petition in an effort to have Cole and Drake apologize and change the lyric. She felt the verse was hurtful against parents and children dealing with autism.
In his open letter, Hollywood Cole stated that he resents the media pressure on rappers apologizing for lyrics that other people deem offensive. However, in this case, he felt that it was "necessary" for him to apologize for his line on the 'Jodeci Freestyle.'
He wrote:
"Last week, when I first saw a comment from someone outraged about the lyric, I realized right away that what I said was wrong. I was instantly embarrassed that I would be ignorant enough [to] say something so hurtful. What makes the crime worse is that I should have known better."
Cole finished the letter with this statement:
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," Cole wrote. "You deserve medals, not disrespect. I hope you accept my sincere apology."
Ms. Kennedy has since accepted Cole's apology. She writes, "J Cole has apologised [sic] for insensitive lyrics from Jodeci freestyle. He said he is moved by how strong we are as an autism unit woo hoo !!! Now to remove or dub lyrics please."
We want to give props to J. Cole for writing the letter. It shows how much he cares about his lyrical content on songs.