R&B singer Jill Scott was convicted for trashing the US national anthem by singing “Not the Land of the Free”, “Blood Built This Land” and “Home of the Slave”.
Scott sang the “Wake Attack” on the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the annual Essence Festival in New Orleans on Sunday during the Independence Day celebrations.
The rendition draws on the experience of black people in America, beginning with, “Oh, let’s say you can tell by the blood on the streets that this place doesn’t smile at you, colored kid.”
“Whose blood built this land with sweat and hands.” But we will die in this place and your memory will be erased,” she continues.
‘Ah, does that truth even matter?’ This is not the land of the free, but the home of the slaves.’
R&B singer Jill Scott was fined for trashing the US national anthem by singing “Not the Land of the Free”, “Blood Built This Land” and “Home of the Slave”.
The liberties taken out by Scott have infuriated Americans after part of the anthem was leaked online by Essence magazine, which hosted the annual event.
“Please everyone rise for the only national anthem we will know from this day forward,” they posted July 5 with a snippet of the song.
“That is disgusting. It’s not just the singing that’s terrible; “The hateful message is even more disgusting,” said one Twitter user.
Another said: “Telling young black people that they are victims of oppression that they never experienced and that no longer exists today is to give them a crutch to use to get around in life to fail.”
The liberties taken out by Scott incensed Americans after part of the anthem was leaked online by Essence magazine, host of the annual event
Joey Mannarino, a political strategist and former co-host of the pro-Donald Trump radio show Your Voice America, called it “heartbreaking” for him as a fan of the singer.
“We should teach more people to look within and take responsibility for what they can control so they can improve their lives.”
“Keep preaching this division,” said another critic.
“It’s disgusting.” “If you want to do an anti-America song, that’s your First Amendment right as an American citizen, but disparaging the national anthem is DESPICABLE,” one person said.
Joey Mannarino, a political strategist and former co-host of the pro-Donald Trump radio show Your Voice America, called it “heartbreaking” for him as a fan of the singer.
“I love Jill Scott. She is the pride of Philadelphia and an icon. “This is so heartbreaking for me,” Mannarino tweeted.
“I could tell you every song she’s ever made, but that might be too big a bridge for me.” It’s so sad to see her walk this path.
“She’s so talented. She doesn’t have to go that route.’
Jill Scott’s interpretation of the Stars and Stripes
Oh tell me, can you see from the blood on the streets this place doesn’t smile at you, colored kid?
Whose blood built this land with sweat and hands.
But we will die in this place and your memory will be erased.
Oh, does this truth even matter?
This is not the land of the free, but the home of the slaves.
Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado tweeted “shameful.”
She added, “No one should use the national anthem to express their hatred of America. Too many men and women have sacrificed their lives for our great nation to tolerate.”
Meanwhile, former Florida congressional candidate Lavern Spicer, also a Republican, slammed Scott for her “guard portrayal.”
“R&B singer Jill Scott did a WOKE rendition of the national anthem where she changed the lyrics to talk about how oppressed black people are,” she wrote.
She says, ‘This is not the land of the free, this is the home of the slaves.’ For reference, Jill Scott’s net worth is estimated at $12 MILLION and is likely much higher. In what way is it suppressed?’
This isn’t the first time Scott has sung this rendition, but Sunday was her most famous performance.
In an interview with Jemele Hill on her Unbothered podcast, Scott revealed that the racial climate made her consider leaving America.
“There are things that you don’t have to deal with in other countries,” she said.
“We look to Holland, the education is stupid, the health care is stupid.”
“Your personality isn’t the limit, and if you want to get some A** or buy some A**, no one will trip you up.
“I like the idea that people can be free as long as you don’t harm anyone.”