A controversial new song from country singer Brad Paisley and rapper LL Cool J has been causing a knee-jerk reaction online just hours after it was released.
In an attempt to address complicated issues surrounding racism of the past and today, the two artists have partnered up for a new song called "Accidental Racist." Although we can assume intentions here are good and the duo wants to merge both of their fan bases for this tune, it has certainly stirred the heated pot.
It begins as Paisley walks into a Starbucks with a confederate flag on his t-shirt. He explains he's wearing it because he's a Lynyrd Skynrd fan. Some of the lyrics are as follows:
"I'm proud of where I'm from, but not everything we've done," Paisley sings. "It ain't like you and me can rewrite history. Our generation didn't start this nation, and we're still picking up the pieces, walking on eggshells, fighting over yesterday. Caught between southern pride and southern blame. .... Cause I'm a white man, living in the south land."
We're unsure if this actually happened and Paisley is offering the song as a public apology, but as it continues, the lyrics discuss the lingering prejudices between races. And then, LL Cool J steps in.
"Dear Mr. White Man, I wish you understood what the world is really like when you're living in the hood. Just because my pants are sagging doesn't mean I'm up to no good. You should try to get to know me, I really wish you would. ... If you don't judge my do-rag, I won't judge your red flag."
Twitter users panned "Accidental Racist", calling it inappropriate and a huge mistake for both artists. Here are a few reaction tweets:
There's someone out there that was like "Sure Brad Paisley, sure LL Cool J, this song is a good idea. Go for it!"— ''Leslie Horn'' (@LesHorn) April 8, 2013
@craigsj It'd be terrible and insulting if it were just Paisley but then LL shows up & it suddenly becomes an episode of the British Office— B.J. Steiner (@DocZeus) April 8, 2013
LL Cool J & Brad Paisley's new song marks the first time that country music & hip hop fans have agreed on something: that it's bad.— Mark Campbell (@MrWordsWorth) April 8, 2013
The comments on YouTube slam the lyrics, as well.
For a full look at the controversial song, check out the clip above.
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