The 'Marvin's Room' crooner and his duet partner decide 'it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song.'
- Jul 23, 2013
AceShowbiz - After J. Cole apologized for his autism lyric in Drake-assisted track "Jodeci Freestyle", now his duet partner expresses similar remorse for the insensitive remarks. "I share responsibility and offer my sincerest apologies for the pain this has caused," Drake says.
The offensive rhymes J. Cole busted in his song were, "F**k your list, you lame ni**as and doubters/ I'm undoubtedly the hottest and that's just me being modest/ Go check the numbers, dummy/ That's just me getting' started/ I'm artistic, you ni**as is autistic, retarded."
"I was instantly embarrassed that I would be ignorant enough to say something so hurtful. What makes the crime worse is that I should have known better," Cole later stated. "People with this disorder and their loved ones have to go through so much already, the last thing they need is to hear something as ignorant as what I said. I understand."
"To anyone suffering from Autism, either mildly or severely, I am sorry. I'm bound to make mistakes in my life, but in my heart I just want to spread Love," he added. "You deserve medals, not disrespect."
In his own blog one day later, Drake says, "J. Cole wrote a beautiful and moving apology to individuals and families affected by autism who were understandably hurt by a verse in 'Jodeci Freestyle'." He continues, "J. Cole and I believe that it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song."
"Individuals with autism have brilliant and creative minds, and their gifts should not be disparaged or discounted. This was a learning lesson for both of us, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to try to right this wrong."
