''I Feel Like It's An Ignorance Issue''
6:00AM ET July 1st, 2011
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

Pharoahe Monche shared his thoughts on the always-controversial N-word and its usage among rappers. The NYC rapper says that the word should be used only when the person using it understands the context and has some type of purpose in saying it.

“If you’re using a word and can’t define its origin, where it came from, why it started, or elaborate on it before you choose to say, ‘I’m using it in this manner,’ then I feel like it’s an ignorance issue,” he explained. “It passes on to generations of kids, who are - even if they’re saying it endearingly - I feel like they’re using it in an ignorant sense. But if you know all these things, then I feel you have the right to use it endearingly and anthemically in songs - or even disrespectfully.”