Karol G Says She Still Has a 'Lot to Learn' Following '+57' Backlash: 'I Take Responsibility'
The singer said in a statement in Spanish that the controversial lyrics were meant to "celebrate the union between artists and put to shine my people"
The singer said in a statement in Spanish that the controversial lyrics were meant to "celebrate the union between artists and put to shine my people"
Karol G has issued a statement following the release of "+57," a song featuring some of Colombia's most prominent acts that has been met with backlash due to the nature of its lyrics.
The 33-year-old artist — who was joined on the track by her boyfriend Feid, along with the likes of J Balvin, Maluma, Ryan Castro, Blessd and DFZM — spoke out four days after the song was released, among allegations of the lyrics sexualizing minors.
The song became a topic of conservation due to its lyrical content, including a verse than translates to "A mamacita since 14 / When she walks into the club, you can feel her energy."
While Karol G does not sing the verse—instead, it is shared between Feid and Maluma —the singer/songwriter does recite lyrics that include "She looks innocent, but those eyes lie," and "Sucking on a lollipop, hottie's got that vibe."
After receiving backlash from listeners— including the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) — Karol G posted to her Instagram Stories on Monday, Nov. 11, to speak out about the lyrics that "were taken out of context."
"As artists, we are exposed to public opinion, and to the individual interpretations of people who like us and people who differ with what we do. I feel a lot of frustration for the misinformation that has been given," the artist wrote in a statement in Spanish.
"In this case, unfortunately, the lyrics of a song, with which I sought to celebrate the union between artists and put to shine my people … were taken out of context," she continued. "None of the things said in the song have the direction they have been given, nor was it said from that perspective but I listen, I take responsibility and I realize that I still have a lot to learn. I feel very affected and I apologize from the bottom of my heart."
The musician, who earlier this year won the Grammy for best música urbana album, ended her statement by thanking her fans for "their unconditional love and support."
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"I value it very much, and to the artists who participated with me in the song, I keep in my heart the beautiful energy with which we worked that day," she wrote. Both Feid and J Balvin shared the statement on their respective Instagram Stories.