Lil Wayne Hates America: 'God Bless Amerika' Video Sparks Controversy

Culture

Rapper, Lil Wayne, assured fans that his most recent slip-up — dancing on an American flag — was an accident; but we're just not sure we believe you, Mr. Carter. 

Fans were angered after seeing the rapper perform on top of a fallen, over sized American flag during a video shoot for his track, "God Bless Amerika."

“You’re clearly not supposed to walk on the American flag and he’s doing that in front of a group of people,” said Veteran of Foreign Wars spokesperson Randi Law to the New York Daily News. “I would think the respect of the flag needs to be upheld and clearly it’s not,” he added.  

“All Americans should treat (the flag) with respect,” said John Raughter, an American Legion spokesman, reported the Daily News. “It is the American flag that is draped across the coffins of our fallen heroes when they come back from war. In fact, any veteran can have a flag on their coffin. As such, it’s entitled to the highest respect.”

But was it really a red white and blue "blooper?" An assistant who holds the flag behind Lil Wayne at the beginning of the performance seems to release the corner with some vigor. 

And whether accidental or not, the rapper does not pause his performance. Weezy looks down several times while rapping, fully noting the flag that lies beneath his feet. He continues to trudge upon it regardless.

Plus, it is difficult to disregard the overtly political lyrics of Lil Wayne's track, as he raps "my country, tis of thee/ Sweet land of kill them all and let them die/ So God bless America, this so Godless America.” 

Weezy is hardly ever free of controversy. In March, rumors surfaced that Lil "Purple Drank" Wayne was hospitalized and near-death due to a "possible codeine overdose."

According to The Huffington Post, listeners criticized the rapper earlier this year for his offensive lyrics regarding Emett Till in his single "Karate Chop," which leaked online. As a result, the Till family urged individuals to stop drinking Mountain Dew, Wayne's largest endorsement deal. 

The fact of the matter is that Lil Wayne is hated by many and always bound to offend that constituency; he is a rebel and a performer, and his loyal fans always seems to forgive the entertainer. Whether or not his flag act strikes an anti-patriotic chord, he will surely get his share of criticism, apologize and then bounce back with a track that is sure to hit the top of iTunes charts.