Brian Bowen Smith exclusively for Billboard MagazineIn her recent cover story for Billboard magazine, Miley Cyrus said her disappointment over raunchy rap lyrics “pushed me out of the hip hop scene a little.” After being dragged on Twitter for her comments, she’s now explaining herself via a lengthy Instagram post.
In the past, Miley has been accused of appropriating black culture for her own purposes, and Twitter’s negative reaction to her comments stemmed from her claim that she was ever part of the “hip hop scene” to begin with.
On Instagram, Miley wrote that her comments were unfairly highlighted because “publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation.”
She adds, “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!”
Miley did make that point in her interview, in fact, praising Kendrick Lamar for his critically-acclaimed lyrics.
In her post, Miley goes on to say, “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!”
She concludes by saying she hopes her music will encourage others “to unify, and to fight for what’s right.”
Miley’s new single, “Malibu,” arrives Thursday.
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