Is the N-word Acceptable in Music?

(1:23 time frame)

So I came across an interesting debate at the bar last night. This song was playing, it's a new song by DJ Khaled (21- time music award winner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_DJ_Khaled) and featuring Drake ( 32 time music award winner including 4 Grammys https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Drake#Grammy_Awards).

The song has the N-word multiple times in it.

Is it acceptable for white people to sing the lyrics of a song that explicitly uses the N-word?

Do African Americans make songs using the N-word in hopes that people do not sing along?

For reference, this song hit about 350,000 views on youtube in less than 10 hours.

 

It’s a language thing. Do you speak the language or belong to an ethnic identity that says it?

Otherwise I’m okay not using the n word.

 

Ok...

What I'm asking is, if someone makes a song using that word, and a white person, or asian person...etc, sings along, can they sing the lyric that involves the N bomb or is that somehow offensive even though a black person made the song?

 

I am okay with not listening to the music.

 

I’m saying no. But the problem is that “white” can have lots of meanings here. Is white skin color, or is it a person who was raised in the suburbs who has everything handed to them on a plate white?

 

It's not just "white". It's anyone who is not black. White, asian, hispanic...etc.

Why would someone make a song with lyrics they don't want others to repeat?

 

Thanks for your helpful insight

 

1.)right. I’m using it to draw a distinction between color of skin and ethnic identity. Is rap an aspect of “black” culture, or can it be more than that?
2.) I mean, I love singing along to vocaloid songs even though I can’t sing a single lyric right.

 

Don't get me wrong. I love rap/hip hop. Some of my favorites include three six mafia, 50 cent, and some old school P-diddy.

My question is, can one (of any race) sing along to the lyrics if they involve the N-word?

If the answer is no, then we are saying that only one race can use the word and it's acceptable, which by definition means it's racist....

 

"n i g g a" isn't the N word. It's really not the same thing. I'm no fan of it but I don't think it's a big deal either.

 

Appreciate the response. You kind of dodged the question though. Is the lyric with the N word acceptable for all races to sing along to if it's presented in the song?

 

What do you mean by race?

 

Ethnicity, skin color...etc

The Census Bureau defines race as a person's self-identification with one or more social groups. An individual can report as White, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, or some other race. Survey respondents may report multiple races.

 

I think it's a bit awkward to sing this when you're white to be honest.

 

You're also dodging the simple question.

Is it okay for someone that is not African American to sing along to the lyrics that involve the N word in a song?

 

Is there a difference between ethnicity and race?

 

lol true. I'm a horrible singer.

 

I’m not dodging so much as asking for clarification on your terms. I’m defining race different from ethnicity, but you seem to conflate the two. I want to make sure we’re both on the right page.

 

You're not going to answer the simple question, are you? You're nit-picking at a weak deflection that you created.

Move along if you're not going to answer. This is getting old.

 

Post 15 asks you point blank a simple question. You quoted it, yet didn't answer it. I see you came here with an agenda.

 

I suggest you do as you feel, no matter what you do you will have those that will join in with the singing and those who will not like yous doing it.
It is not about right or wrong but utilising your freedom of expression to do what makes you happy.

 

Very vague response, but appreciated. Doesn't answer my question but the fact that you gave a little effort, is worth mentioning.

 

I refuse to recognise a social barrier of pigmentation color.

 

It’s really not a deflection. I already answered your question in post 2 and 5. I’m drawing a distinction between race and ethnicity. You can be non AA but if your ethnic identity is “black”, you can say it. Otherwise you can’t.

 

I couldn't care less what your distinctions of race are. It's irrelevant.

The question once again is:

Is it okay for someone that is not African American to sing along to the lyrics that involve the N word in a song?