Singer Lizzo recently spoke about the use of the term able in the lyrics of her hit song “Grrrls.”
The single is said to contain the word “sp*z,” apparently a derogatory term used to mock people with disabilities. After receiving criticism on social media, the singer took to Twitter to apologize to his followers and inform them that the lyrics have been changed.
The Detroit native said in a recent interview that he didn’t know the phrase was an insult and that he had heard it used for celebratory purposes in rap songs and among his friends.
Read on to learn more.
Lizzo Didn’t Know ‘Sp*z’ Lyrics Were Slurs
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Lizzo has opened up about using the slur in one of her latest releases, claiming that she has never heard it used in a derogatory context before.
The singer, who dropped her latest album, “Special,” a few months ago, drew the ire of fans because the lyrics to her song “Grrrls” contained the term “spaz” that appeared to mock people with disabilities.
The lyrics were originally, “Hold my bag, b*tch, hold my bag / Do you see this sh*t? I’m a sp**,” which Lizzo then changed to “Do you see this shit? / Hold me” after he received criticism on social media.
In an interview with Vanity Fairthe singer spoke about the controversy and explained the circumstances surrounding his actions.
“I’ve never heard it used as an insult to a disabled person, never,” he told the publication. “The music I make is in the business of feeling good and being authentic to me. Using insults is not valid for me, but I didn’t know it was an insult.”
He Explains Why He Uses That Word
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The singer also mentioned in the chat that he often hears the phrase used in rap songs and among his black friends and that it is not used as a derogatory term but rather for celebratory purposes.
“It means to go, to appear,” Lizzo said, explaining his own understanding of what “spaz” means. “Used to it [it as a] verb, not as a noun or adjective. I use it as it is used in the Black community. The internet brought it to my attention, but it didn’t [have been enough] to make me change something.”
According to the dictionary, spaz is a derogatory term used to describe someone with cerebral palsy. One of the symptoms of the disease is the inability to control one’s muscles.
Lizzo On Her Music
Lizzo
Lizzo went on to discuss the changes she made to the lyrics following the backlash, saying that her decision to make the change did not change who she is as an artist.
“Nina Simone changed the lyrics – is she not an artist?’ the 34-year-old told Vanity Fair. “Language changes generationally; Nina Simone said you can’t be an artist and not reflect the times.
He added: “So, am I not an artist and reflecting on time and learning, listening to people, and making conscious changes in the way we treat language, and helping people in the way we treat people in the future?’
Lizzo also revealed that her music will not contain “anything negative” because she wants those things to reflect themselves in her life.
Lizzo Apologizes For Using Slurs
— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) June 13, 2022
At the height of the backlash, the “Good as Hell” star apologized to offended and upset fans, saying he never meant to promote offensive language in his songs.
“Let me make one thing clear: I never wanted to promote offensive language,” he wrote Twitter at that time. “As a fat black woman in America, I’ve had a lot of hurtful words used against me, so I override powerful words (either on purpose or, in my case, accidentally).”
He later shared with fans that the song’s lyrics had been changed to remove the alleged profanity.
The statement went on to read, “I’m proud to say there is a new version of GRRRLS with lyrical changes. This is the result of me listening and taking action. As an influential artist, I am dedicated to being a part of the change I am waiting to see in the world.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
