So, I have not posted anything about Asher Roth’s Twitter comments last week about “chilling with some Nappy Headed Hoes.” I saw them last week when they went up, and thought that the kid was referring to his performance at Rutgers in a way that would not sit well with many, and was a, ‘wait…that didn’t come out right’ kind of moment. I also followed eskay’s coverage of the whole thing, which I thought was pretty dope. Well, today, Asher Roth released a statement regarding his comment on Twitter, as well as this interview he did in which he talked about rappers not giving back to their communities. His statement is below.
As of late, statements I’ve made have been stirring up much controversy and speculation. It is in my best interest that I feel I should address these instances personally and specifically. Truth: I am 23 year old imperfect human being who’s world is drastically changing around him. Facebook is no longer for just me and my friends. Twitter is no longer solely for the watchful eye of my parents. A new responsibility and voice has been placed upon me and is being heard well beyond my immediate peers. I’ve been receiving a crash course on perspectives and a very real sensitivity that exists and is an essential part of our world. With that, I’d like to sincerely apologize for any words that have been misinterpreted and may have offended any man, woman or child.
The twitter situation was an immature attempt to poke fun at an infamously moronic joke. In doing so, I unconsciously stooped to the level of its originator, making it just as bad, if not worse. Pathetic. Lesson learned – nothing good can come from repeating hateful words, regardless of your intentions. Leaving no context in what was being said and being presented through text (no facial or vocal inflection) the sarcasm of the joke (or lack there of) was not properly perceived and left it purely in bad taste. I immediately apologized for my immaturity but the apologies and original post were deleted by my team in an effort to prevent more people from being offended. Unfortunately, the deletion of these statements led several people to believe that my apology was insincere, which is why I have made the decision to release this statement.
The latest quote on giving back was in response to a question about rappers and their money posed to me by the interviewer. With the question and entire vibe of the conversation not being present in the article, when my statement came out in print it appeared as if I was taking black rappers to task randomly. Not the case. Although I do feel strongly about giving back when we are in a position of power and prosperity, it is not my place to talk about what others should do with their lives. Lesson learned: talk about what you know. You can call them mistakes, I call them life lessons. It is my duty as a human being to choose my words carefully, for I am a kind soul who puts a lot of stock in the progess of humans. I am a work in progress, as we all are and I will take this opportunity to learn and grow. Its bigger than an apology, its an understanding.
Moving forward, I hope we can all take some perspective and guidance from the dialogue that has emerged from these situations. I know I already have and will continue to do so.
Onward and upward
With love,
Asher Roth
