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Drake Joins J. Cole In Apologizing For Autism Lyric; Removes Line From “Jodeci Freestyle”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: Headlines

Drake Offers Apology To Families With Autism, Advocacy Group Responds

(AllHipHop News) Earlier this week Roc Nation emcee J. Cole apologized for his reference to autism in the song “Jodeci Freestyle” released in June. Drake, Cole’s collaborator and lead artist on the track, issued an apology as well.

[ALSO READ: J. Cole Apologizes For Lyrics About Autism]

On his October’s Very Own blog, the YMCMB rapper writes:

J.Cole wrote a beautiful and moving apology to individuals and families affected by autism who were understandably hurt by a verse in “Jodeci Freestyle”. I share responsibility and offer my sincerest apologies for the pain this has caused. Individuals with autism have brilliant and creative minds, and their gifts should not be disparaged or discounted. This was a learning lesson for both of us, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try to right this wrong. J. Cole and I believe that it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song.

The lyric was criticized by the advocacy group Autism Speaks and families with members who are autistic. Some concerned individuals were upset by what they saw as Cole making a connection between being “autistic” and “retarded.”

Autism Speaks responded to J. Cole’s apology and Drake’s decision to remove the lyric from the song on Twitter.