Music
20 Jul 16

A$AP Rocky distances himself from seemingly apathetic remarks about black civil rights, then refers to Black Lives Matter as "bandwagon", defends Bill Cosby

Appears on radio show after controversial 2015 interview resurfaces

A$AP Rocky engaged in a radio interview to clarify his views on black civil rights in the U.S. The results were mixed.
A 2015 interview of Rocky's had drawn heat from fans after regaining attention on the internet. In it, the rapper expresses exasperation at the idea that he has an obligation to act as a voice against black oppression: "What the fuck am I, Al Sharpton now? I'm A$AP Rocky. I did not sign up to be no political activist".
A$AP took to radio to claim his comments have been taken out of context. He believes he both misspoke and was misquoted.
He says that in light of recent events, he feels terrible as a black man and as an American. He specifically namechecks Donald Trump and the Alton Sterling shooting.
Still, despite being "a proud black man", Rocky confirms that he does not see himself as an activist. He cites Young Thug, Future, and Drake as examples of rappers people do not expect to be major voices on current issues of black oppression.
A$AP says he doesn't have the qualifications to speak about controversies like the Ferguson and Baltimore riots, but he says he hopes to promote prosperity, peace, and unity through his music.
Good so far, but then things got weird.
Among the highlights, A$AP declares Black Lives Matter a "bandwagon", says All Lives Matter, and asserts Bill Cosby's innocence.
See the radio interview and the controversial 2015 statement below.