Rapper vows to quit music after row over anti-Semitic lyrics

American rapper Lupe Fiasco says he will cancel the album he is working on and stop releasing new music after he is accused of anti-Semitism for referencing “dirty Jewish execs” in a newly released freestyle rap.

The lyrics for the song titled “N.E.R.D.” include: “Artists gettin’ robbed for their publishing / By dirty Jewish execs who think that it’s alms from the covenant.”

The Anti-Defamation League condemned the lyrics in a statement released yesterday.

“The lyrics about artists being robbed by ‘dirty Jewish execs’ are offensive,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “These lyrics reinforce the anti-Semitic myth of Jewish control of the music industry, a stereotype that has been exploited in recent years by well-known hatemongers. It is irresponsible for a recording artist to perpetuate the hateful anti-Semitic stereotype of the ‘greedy Jew.’”

Fiasco spent hours on Twitter from last night debating with fans whether the lyrics were anti-Semitic, finally declaring in a tweet today: “I get the hint God. Yo Lupe fans it’s been fun and I hope you’ve had fun. I’m officially not releasing anymore music. Albums cancelled”

— JTA