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Taken from The Boombox (May 04, 2016)
KRS-One Clarifies Remarks on Defending Afrika Bambaataa: ’I Don't Give a F--- About Gossip’
by Dominique Zonyee
KRS-One on N.O.R.E. & DJ EFN’s Drink Champs Podcast |
As sexual molestation claims continue to pile up against Afrika Bambaataa, fellow hip-hop vet KRS-One has come under fire for his controversial remarks, which appears that he was defending the hip-hop legend.
On an April 22 episode of N.O.R.E.’s Drink Champs podcast, when asked about his thoughts on the sexual abuse allegations against Bambaataa, KRS-One said that he didn’t care.
“For me, if you keep it hip-hop, nothing can be taken away from Afrika Bambaataa,” the Blastmaster told hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. “But if you want to dig into dude’s personal life and accusations that’s being made and so on, personally, I don’t give a f—.”
Critics immediately attacked the Bronx rhymer, claiming he didn’t care if boys were molested. It prompted KRS to post an open letter in efforts to clarify his statements.
The Blastmaster’s letter reads in part:
I am indeed concerned about the accusations made against Afrika Bambaataa, but I will not become entangled in a controversy that seems to be less about justice and more about self-promotion and revenge. Of course, I care if a young person is being abused or even neglected, my entire life is based upon the protection and further development of young people; I teach and inspire young people every day!
It is not that I don’t care, it is more the fact that I don’t gossip, I don’t take sides in real disputes that don’t concern me, I don’t slander people’s names and I don’t believe in abandoning your friends when they may be accused of crimes or make mistakes in life. What is so confusing about that?
“I don’t apply my mind to gossip and slander. Slandering the accused for the sake of slander is not justice, nor is it the seeking of justice. I would like to see justice and healing for both the accusers as well as for the accused. But continuous slander and disrespect are not healing anyone or even correcting the situation.”
The lengthy blog entry was labeled “Part-One,” which means that KRS-One may have more to say on this sensitive subject.
You can read KRS-One’s full letter to the media at KRS-One.com.
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