Miley Cyrus Wants to Clear Up Her Comments About Hip-Hop: ‘I Respect All Artists Who Speak Their Truth’

Miley Cyrus received a ton of “black-lash” following her controversial comments in a Billboard interview in which she stated that she’s no longer associating herself with hip-hop.

Critics have long since accused her of appropriating black culture since the release of her album, Bangerz, which was largely produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and features a slew of rappers. The 24-year-old pop singer made twerking and being ratchet mainstream through her viral Instagram videos and concert performances. Now, after establishing her music career essentially through hip-hop, she’s moving into a new musical direction.

When articles are read it isn't always considered that for hours I've spoken with a journalist about my life , where my heart is, my perspective at that time, and the next step in my career. Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print, & A lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation. So, to be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative .... but in this particular interview I was asked about rap) I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I've collaborated with some of the very best! At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap! As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics! I am proud to be an artist with out borders and thankful for the opportunity to explore so many different styles/ sounds! I hope my words (sung or spoken) always encourage others to LOVE.... Laugh.... Live fully.... to be there for one another... to unify, and to fight for what's right (human , animal , or environmental ) Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon! - MC

A post shared by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on May 5, 2017 at 10:36pm PDT

Miley told Billboard that she loves Kendrick Lamar’s new song “Humble,” because of his positive lyrics, but is not a fan of rap music that has misogynistic and materialistic lyrics. “I can’t listen to that anymore,” she said. “That’s what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little. It was too much ‘Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my cock — I am so not that.”
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Since the Billboard interview surfaced, Cyrus has been dragged relentlessly on Twitter by critics who call her a culture vulture. On Friday (April 5), the singer went on her Instagram page to clarify her comments. She wrote in part:

To be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative…but in this particular interview I was asked about rap). I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I’ve collaborated with some of the very best!

At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap! As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics!”

Cyrus concluded her post by stating that she hopes her words encourages others to love, laugh and bring unity. “Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon!” she writes.