Legendary poet Maya Angelou called in to BET's 106 & Park to clear up rumors that she was upset with Common for using the n-word on his new album.
The New York Post had reported that she was disappointed with his use of the word on their collaboration "The Dreamer." During the interview, Angelou referred to the rapper as "brilliant." She also said that he, like all young artists, was "in process."
From Hip Hop Weekly: "If you want to control the people, separate the people and you can rule them. Divide them and you can conquer them. I will not be divided from Common," said Dr. Maya Angelou said as she quoted [Niccolo Machiavelli].
Good for Angelou for putting this controversy to rest. And as she suggests, perhaps Common will progress and one day stop using the n-word.
Read more at Hip Hop Weekly, MTV.com and previous coverage at The Root.