The title of this article is probably messing with your head something serious, so let me explain. Maya Angelou is featured on Common’s track The Dreamer off his latest album of the same name. But according to Spin, Angelou was unaware that the track would contain ”vulgar and dangerous” language, Common didn’t tell her that he’d be dropping the ‘N’ bomb a few times, and the world-renowned poet is less than pleased.
In an interview with the New York Post Angelou states, “I had no idea that Common was using the piece we had done together on [a track] in which he also used the ‘N’ word numerous times.” She continues, “I’m surprised and disappointed. I don’t know why he chose to do that. I had never heard him use that [word] before. I admired him so because he wasn’t singing the line of least resistance.”
The rapper apparently knows of Angelou’s disappointment and acknowledges there’s a difference of opinion on the subject.
“She knows I do use the word,” he told The Post. “She knows that’s part of me.” He tells the Post, “I told her what ‘The Dreamer’ was about and what I wanted to get across to people,” he says. “I wanted young people to hear this and feel like they could really accomplish their dreams.”
Common and Angelou became friends a few years ago after they both recited poetry at the same benefit.The rapper even performed at her birthday bash.
Common’s album The Dreamer is out now. Pick up a copy and let us know who you agree with, Common or Maya Angelou? Sound off in the comment section
