by Migos member Offset issued an apology on Instagram, along with a screenshot of the definition of queer, following backslash pertaining to his verse in YFN Lucci’s “Boss Life.”
“I didn’t write the line about gay people. I have said before since these issues before that I got love for all people,” he wrote. “My passion for fashion has lead me to a lot of gay people around me who I have mad respect for and we are very cool so I’m not in a place where I’m hating like that. When I wrote that I was thinking of words that could rhyme with the others (here, lear, solitaire, bear) and I saw this definition about her having a queer feeling she was being watched and it fit what I was thinking about a stalker creepy paparazzi situation. To me that “queer” I don’t mean someone who’s gay. I mean lame people who film you, post it and stalk you. Lingo that means strange or odd.”
Although the record was released back in December, the video was released this week, putting a spotlight on his controversial lyrics.
“Pinky ring crystal clear / 40K spent on a private Lear / 60K solitaire / I cannot vibe with queers,” he raps.
It is known that the word queer is an offensive and hurtful term. The use of the word in Offset’s verse sparked outrage from many on Twitter, reigniting accusations of homophobia (stemming from Migos’ controversial remarks about artist ILoveMakonnen in last year’s Rolling Stone cover story). Offset claims that he didn’t write the line and that the word was solely used to rhyme with the rest of his verse. The meaning of queer to him is to be strange or odd, which he said fit with a paparazzi situation he was thinking about. Offset also expressed having love for all people.
Cardi B took to her Twitter account to defend Offset by saying, “Don’t tell (me) about who I deserve with him or not. You don’t know how he matured me. Before I (met) him, I ain’t had a lawyer, business management and I was insecure about my music. He gave me confidence and helped me get my business situated.”
Shortly after, her original post was deleted, and she released the below:
“One would assume that Offset should’ve known better. All of this backlash could have been avoided with the change of one word. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case,” she writes. “There is no excuse for what he said, but we should recognize that Offset saw his mistake and apologized. Instead of being silent, he took the time to respond to all that was said. It can be hard for one to admit their faults, not to mention publicly.”
There is no telling what effect this will have on Offset and his career but it is a reminder to all of us to be mindful of others and the words we choose to use.
Take a look at Offset’s apology below.
Words By Brianna Carter
