Brad Paisley has spoken out after his new song, “Accidental Racist,” with LL Cool J received a flood of criticism.
He tweeted that his whole album was meant to “evoke feelings” and “raise questions, answers.” He added that he “wouldn’t change a thing. This is a record meant to be FAR from easy listening.”
The country singer and the rapper tried to discuss race issues of the past and present in the song, but the lyrics provoked anger in many online.
Paisley sings, “[I’m] just a proud rebel son with an ol’ can of worms/Lookin’ like I got a lot to learn.” LL Cool J replies: “If you don’t judge my du-rag … I won’t judge your red flag/If you don’t judge my gold chains … I’ll forget the iron chains.”
The song caused intense online backlash, with Twitter users saying it was inappropriate or insensitive. The tune has since been taken off YouTube but is still available on iTunes.