Tyler the Creator responds to Mountain Dew ad controversy

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Tyler the Creator has finally responded to the backlash over his controversial Mountain Dew ad,

Dr. Boyce Watkins, a social analyst and Syracuse professor, has been one of the spot’s loudest critics and after posting his article calling the it “arguably the most racist commercial in history,” the Odd Future artist felt it was finally time to speak out.

Along with his manager, Tyler responded to Watkins in a Billboard magazine exclusive, asking to speak to with the writer directly so he can understand his perspective.

“I guess people are claiming that it’s racist, which… you know, that wasn’t even portrayed in that commercial, there’s no type of hate being portrayed in that work of art at all — which I’m confused by,” Tyler said. “But this older black dude, Dr. Boyce Watkins, I guess he found it racist because I was portraying stereotypes, which is ridiculous because, one, all of those dudes [in the line-up] are my friends…”

At first Watkins agreed to a sit-down, responding to Tyler’s initial tweet to reach out and even claiming his daughters were fans of the California emcee’s music.

No such meeting has happened yet, but Watkins did release a YouTube video clarifying his original critique of Tyler and Mountain Dew:

“When it comes to that ad with all the stereotypes that were being presented to the American public, who made the ad doesn’t change what the public sees,” said Watkins. “I still feel the ad is not OK.”

You can check out Kyle’s musical coverage on theGrio music page, and follow Kyle on Twitter at @HarveyWins.