– Written by GoodFellaz TV Staff
Grammy award-winning rapper Common stirred controversy amongst several prominent Republicans over his presence at a recent White House Poetry Event. First Lady Michelle Obama invited a select group of distinguished Poets and Writers to perform at the event, in order to showcase the talent and diversity of American literature and music.
Former Presidential candidate Sarah Palin and former Bush-advisor Karl Rove were but a few of several Republicans who criticized Common’s presence at the event. Karl Rove went so far as to describe Common as “a thug”. Other Republicans questioned the invite, claiming that the rapper’s lyrics “glorify violence”, taking offense in particular to an old Common song entitled “A Song For Assata”, an ode to a former Black Panther who was convicted of killing a New Jersey police-officer in 1973, and who later escaped from prison and has been in exile in Cuba ever since.
Common, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., has been widely praised for his positive messages and music over the years, being labeled by many as a “Conscious Rapper”. Common responded to his critiques on Twitter, saying
“So apparently Sarah Palin and Fox News doesn’t like me.”
He also had this to say on Facebook:
“Politics is politics and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I respect that. The one thing that shouldn’t be questioned is my support for the police officers and troops that protect us every day. Peace yall!”
Common was introduced at the event without any reference to the controversy, simply stating to the audience in attendance “Thanks very much, I appreciate being here”. He also shouted-out President Obama several times, reciting the line “One King’s Dream, He was able to Barack us” several times.
Common is rumored to be in the studio, working on new music.
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