Jay-Z’s decision to perform “99 Problems” during a rally for President Obama in Ohio Monday (Nov. 5), didn’t sit well with everyone.
Swapping out Mitt Romney’s name in place of the word “b-tch,” in the chorus opened the gates to an inevitable mini-flood of criticism.
Instead of the usual “I got 99 problems and a b-tch ain’t one” lyrics, the Brooklyn native changed it up to “I got 99 problems and Mitt ain’t one.” Sensing that the switch might not go over too well, Jay opened by explaining that he “didn’t get clearance from the Secret Service,” before launching into the Rick Rubin-produced hit.
Regardless of the verbiage, “99 Problems” is merely an act of social commentary on racial profiling, but that didn’t stop Republicans from launching a few ill-fated attacks in the president’s direction. A member of the Romney campaign tweeted a slam to the commander in chief for even adding the Hip-Hop mogul to the bill. “A new low for Obama presidency: Jay-Z replacing a misogynistic swear word with the word ‘Mitt’ as he performs at an Obama event,” wrote Ted Newton, senior communications adviser for the Romney campaign.
Conservative commentator, Todd Starnes, demanded that President Obama apologize for Jay’s word choice. “Jay-Z subs out ‘b***h’ with ‘Mitt’ at Obama rally. Typical low class filth. How about an apology, Mr. President?”
Neither Jay nor Obama responded to the Republican outcry.
If you haven’t seen the performance, take a look below.
http://www.springboardplatform.com/js/overlay
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Photo: AP
