Joey Badazz Slams Backlash Lizzo Received For Using An Ableist Slur
Lizzo received some backlash and apologized for using the ableist slur “spaz” in her new single “GRRRLS.” However, rapper Joey Badazz is defending Lizzo and says he will never apologize to “white America.”
On June 14, Badazz tweeted, “Lizzo getting flack for using spazz is crazy! Wypipo just be waiting for you to say anything remotely off. I’ll be the first to tell y’all, y’all can SMD. I ain’t never apologizing to white America, hold my nuts.”
“GRRRLS,” which sampled the Beastie Boys’ 1986 hit “Girls,” is the second track from her sophomore album Special. The lyrics in question said, “Hold my bag, b*tch, Hold my bag/ Do you see this sh*t?/I’m a sp-z/I’m about to knock somebody out/ Yo, where my best friend?/ She the only one I know to talk me off the deep end.”
In a June 13 tweet, Lizzo wrote, “It’s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my new song ‘GRRRLS.' Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language.”
She continued, “As a fat Black woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me, so I overstand the power words can have (whether intentionally or, in my case, unintentionally). I’m proud to say there’s a new version of GRRRLS with a lyric change. This is the result of me listening and taking action. As an influential artist, I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been waiting to see in the world.”
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