(AllHipHop News) The emergence of Macklemore and Iggy Azalea as the award-winning representatives of Hip Hop for mainstream America has caused a conversation about the perceived appropriation of the culture by White performers. Several rap artists have come down on different sides of the discussion, but one emcee believes the idea of Hip Hop being appropriated is a made up concept.

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During an interview with Sway In The Morning, Lupe Fiasco was asked about cultural appropriation. The Tetsuo & Youth album creator shared his thoughts about the subject.

Lupe said:

I don’t believe it. I believe it’s a myth. I think we get a little too caught up in validation and qualification. Even from ourselves. Who are we to validate and qualify a culture?… Nobody that was born in the 90’s created it. Who are we to say who does this and who doesn’t?

We weren’t at the swap meet trying to find turntables, connect them together, and rock house parties up in The Bronx. Nobody did none of that. And the dudes who do do that, we don’t even bring their names up anymore. Who are we to validate ourselves? And then tell other people what they can and can’t do.

So I don’t believe it. We can get real. Hip Hop culture is Hip Hop culture. It’s not Black culture. It stems from Black culture and other things.

After speaking on Hip Hop emerging from the difficulties of living in inner-city communities, the Chicago native then asked the question, “What would you rather have – a nice life with no Hip Hop or some f**ked up s**t with n***as rapping on the corner?