Rapper LL Cool J, named the artist of the year by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations last week, will deliver an extended rendition of his 2013 hit “Accidental Racist” at the matinee show Cultural Rhythms 2014. Every year, the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations chooses an artist of the year on the basis of many stringent criteria including contribution to cultural and racial dialogues, quality of service to the community, and appearance price.
The extended version of the song, which will be performed in Sanders Theater at the 29th annual Cultural Rhythms festival, will showcase the addition of two thought provoking stanzas to the insightful original lyrics. For now, Cool J is keeping the contents of the brand new verses a surprise, but when asked how he could possibly expand on the already very nuanced analyses of race relations such as: “If you don't judge my gold chains/I’ll forget the iron chains,” Cool J gave us an exclusive sneak peek: “I'll let you call me a n****r/ If you admit I can dance better”.
Cultural Rhythms is this Saturday, February 22nd, at 3PM.