White House defends rapper’s invitation to poetry event
The White House on Wednesday defended the decision to invite the hip-hop artist Common to a celebration of poetry hosted by President Obama and his wife, Michelle, saying they disavow some of the rapper’s controversial lyrics but accusing critics of blowing the issue out of proportion.
“He’s spoken very forcefully out against violent and misogynist lyrics,” press secretary Jay Carney told reporters, adding that Mr. Obama has strong support for the nation’s law enforcement.
Most of the controversy centers on “A Song for Assata,” in which Common celebrated a former Black Panther who was convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper with lyrics such as “May God bless your soul.”
Saying his lyrics are dangerous, the head of New Jersey’s state trooper union publicly blasted the White House’s decision to include Common in its poetry event. High-profile conservatives such as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin also have weighed in against his appearance at the White House.
Mr. Carney said it’s not fair to boil down Common’s work to the lyrics at issue, noting he is known as a “conscious rapper” who can bring poetry to audiences that would not otherwise be exposed to it.
Common, a Chicago native, also has called for former President George W. Bush to be burned, rapping, “Burn a Bush cos’ for peace he no push no button.”
Mr. Carney noted that, in the past, Common has been praised by many, including Fox News, for his “very positive” work.
