Popular Liberian Hipco artist J Rap has issued a public apology after facing intense backlash over his recently released track “Woman Can Grow,” featuring Trapco rap heavyweight Barsee. The song, which drew criticism for a lyric comparing interactions with underage girls to “checking US dollars,” sparked outrage among fans and advocates, leading to calls for its removal.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the rapper expressed regret for the controversial verse, acknowledging that his attempt to experiment with a different style “went off track.”
“I wanna take this time to honestly apologize to my followers and the general public for my recent release ‘Woman Can Grow,'” he wrote. “It was a collaborative song and not one man’s idea. Before taking that song to the studio, I asked some of my fellow artists for their opinion… and majority suggested I present it that way.”
He clarified that Barsee, his featured artist, was not responsible for the contentious lyrics, stating, “Barsee had absolutely nothing to do with my verse on that song.” Ending his apology on a conciliatory note, he added, “No more 13-year-old them, godpa ❤️.”
While some fans appreciated his accountability, others questioned why the line made it into the song in the first place.
“Apology accepted, but artists need to think before they release music that can harm young girls,” commented one fan on Facebook.
However, critics remain skeptical, demanding more than just words. Activist and social commentator Josephine Weah tweeted, “An apology is a start, but we need artists to understand the weight of their lyrics. The damage is already done, now we need action.”
The controversy has reignited debates about artistic responsibility in Liberia’s growing Hipco and Trapco scenes. Some industry insiders argue that while creativity should be encouraged, lyrics that trivialize serious issues, especially concerning minors, should be scrutinized.
As of now, it remains unclear whether “Woman Can Grow” will be pulled from streaming platforms. However, J Rap’s swift apology suggests he is aware of the potential career repercussions.
Will this incident lead to lasting change in Liberia’s music culture? Only time will tell. For now, the public is watching to see if actions will follow J Rap’s words.
