Miley Cyrus has shared a statement after receiving backlash for comments she made about hip-hop in an interview with Billboard magazine earlier this week. In the interview, Cyrus praised the music of Kendrick Lamar, but at the same time, seemingly dismissed the work of other rap artists as materialistic and misogynistic.
"I also love that new Kendrick [Lamar] song ["Humble"]: 'Show me somethin' natural like ass with some stretch marks,'" she said. "I love that because it's not 'Come sit on my dick, suck on my cock.' I can't listen to that anymore," she explained. "That's what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little. It was too much 'Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my cock'—I am so not that."
On 2013's Bangerz, Cyrus' last proper solo album, the singer embraced hip-hop through her work with executive producer Mike WiLL Made It, as well as collaborations with artists like Future, Big Sean, French Montana, and Nelly. At the time, she faced criticism for her appropriation of black culture, which included her "We Can't Stop" video, a clip Jezebel suggested used its black women dancers like accessories.
That conversation has now returned following Cyrus' comments, as many see the singer's decision to distance herself from hip-hop as further confirmation that her initial embrace of the culture was exploitative.
Cyrus has now shared a statement in response to the public outcry. The lengthy Instagram caption implies that Cyrus' quotes were taken out of context. "Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print, & A lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation," she wrote.
"So, to be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative .... but in this particular interview I was asked about rap)," she continued. "I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I've collaborated with some of the very best!"
According to Cyrus, she is still a fan of rap, but is more interested in what she refers to as the "conscious" side of the genre. Judging by her previous quote, she would likely put Kendrick in this category. "At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap," she said. "As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics!"
Read the full statement below.
