El-P on Killer Mike NRA controversy: "will not ever turn my back on this man"
As you may have seen, Killer Mike was the subject of much controversy over the weekend when he was interviewed for a new video by the NRA. Mike voiced his long held support of gun ownership, and commented on the recent student walkouts, saying “I told my kids on the school walkout: ‘I love you, if you walk out that school, walk out my house.’ We are not a family that jumps on every single thing an ally of ours does, because some stuff we just don’t agree with.”
Mike later apologized for the video and for it being posted the same day as the March For Our Lives rally, saying “That interview was used a week later by NRATV to disparage a very noble campaign that I actually support,” and adding, “I’m sorry that an interview I did about a minority — black people in this country — and gun rights was used as a weapon against you guys.”
Mike also insisted that doing the interview was not a co-sign of the NRA. In a response to a tweet from TV host Joy Reid, he said, “Joy I did an interview. That’s no more a “co sign” than me doing your show. That org used my words to Black America to inflame organizers of this worthy march but i ain’t their rep. I’m just a black guy who is pro 2A & told others to be. Also it was a week Old. Love & Respect”
Killer Mike’s Run the Jewels partner El-P has now addressed Mike’s statements, as Pitchfork points out. El posted a statement on Twitter, which reads in part: “Despite our many differences (and I promise you they are vast and often hotly debated), I’ve been around the block and I know a good person when I see one. I know who’s gonna stand next to me and next to you and fight. If you’ve been watching Mike over the years you know it too. If you haven’t, look closer. Beyond Twitter moments and anger and hot takes. You’ll see it. No I can not and will not ever turn my back on this man. He wouldn’t turn his on me. Or you.”
Mike replied to El, saying, “I am so humbled to be your friend, brother & group member. I am so grateful to have an ally always. I apologize for my bull in a china store like tendencies! I drive u nuts but i promise u I love ya brother & will always do what’s right. Thank u for your underserved suffering.”
See El-P’s full statement, Killer Mike’s NRA interview, and Killer Mike’s apology videos, below.
https://twitter.com/therealelp/status/978120723548995584
I hope this clears some stuff up. Love and Respect to all. Part 1 pic.twitter.com/pq977HEG7A
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018
