Renowned poet Maya Angelou is widely viewed as one of the most influential black voices in America. The Pulitzer Prize-nominee holds a strong view on black history and culture. She feels as though the use of the N-word is detrimental to the community and labels its "vulgar and dangerous."
Common enlisted Maya Angelou's poetic lyricism on the track "Dreamer" for his latest project The Dreamer, The Believer. Maya Angelou is now upset with the Chicago rapper for his repeated use of the N-word on the collaboration.
The 73-year-old told the New York Post, "I had no idea that Common was using the piece we had done together on [a track] in which he also used the 'N' word numerous times. I'm surprised and disappointed. I don't know why he chose to do that. I had never heard him use that [word] before. I admired him so because he wasn't singing the line of least resistance."
"I told her what 'The Dreamer' was about and what I wanted to get across to people," Common explained to the Post. "I wanted young people to hear this and feel like they could really accomplish their dreams."
Common thought Maya was aware of his usage of the 'N' word in his music. He says there was never any specification on the usage of the word for this particular song.
Source: thisis50.com
