Understatement of the Year: LL Cool J Says 'Accidental Racist' Song Is 'Not Perfect'

In an appearance on The Tonight Show, LL Cool J said the shitshow of a track “Accidental Racist” is “not perfect, but it is honest, and it comes from a good place.” He was indeed accurate when he admitted that you can’t fit 400 years of history into a song.

He said some other stuff that was kind of weird, like, “I can’t defend the song.” But sir. That’s what you are doing.

He also said:

“I would never, ever, ever suggest to anyone that we should just forget slavery and act like that didn’t happen, I understand the systemic racism that exists, I get that. But you know what, if the playing field is unlevel and you feel it’s unfair, then maybe putting down some of that baggage will help you make it up that hill a little easier.”

The real problem is that he (and Jay Leno) act like it’s some amazing and incredible and unprecedented thing that a black rapper and a white country singer worked together. Despite his good intentions and eloquence, the voice that’s missing from this conversation is that of African-American Southerners.