Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

Havoc, one half of the hip-hop duo Mobb Deep and the producer behind Kanye West's "Famous," has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the song, insisting that Taylor Swift should move past the disrespectful way it portrayed her.

In a recent conversation with The Daily Beast, Havoc (ironically) brought up the old feud in order to criticize Swift for dwelling on the situation: "I think artists are artists, and she should really chill out. It’s not that serious. She has an awesome career, and she don’t need to be fighting with another awesome artist," he told the publication. "Freedom of speech is alive and well — or should be — and she shouldn’t be going out there complaining about not clearing this."

Swift's anger towards West was over the fact that the rapper never informed her of the derogatory nature of the lyrics about her, and that "Famous" promotes a misogynistic message. Instead of speaking to her valid issues with the song (or not speaking at all), Havoc insists that there is "no time for soft skin" in the music industry.

On the Havoc-produced track, West raps: “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that bitch famous.” The song drew a wealth of criticism for disrespecting Swift, which Kanye countered by stating that he “called Taylor and had an hour-long convo with her about the line, and she thought it was funny and gave her blessing.”

Last month, a recording of the call leaked, revealing Kanye had not in fact cleared the lyrics in question with Taylor Swift.

We Recommend
  • 107 Years on, How Is Converse's Chuck Taylor Still the Youth Culture All-Star?
    • Sneakers
  • UGG’s Hybrid Cowboy Boot Is Tall, Chunky & Wild West-Worthy
    • Sneakers
  • After Brat Girl Summer Comes... London Boy Fall
    • Style
  • adidas' Most Famous Tennis Shoe Is Back in the Best Way
    • Sneakers
  • For His Second White House Visit, Travis Kelce Dressed the Part
    • Style
What To Read Next
  • Improv Jam Session At Our Flagship Store? Thanks, Android
    • Lifestyle
    • sponsored
  • Why Is Every Stylish Rapper Wearing the Same Designer?
    • Style
  • With Human Made x Clarks, NIGO's Other Footwear Dream Comes True
    • Sneakers
  • Nike's Most Classic & Comfy Running Shoe Has Gone Quiet Luxury
    • Sneakers
  • Nike's New Crazy Clog Is Like a HOKA-Crocs Recovery Shoe
    • Sneakers
  • In F1's Race for Eyeballs, a $70k Balenciaga Shark Sculpture Takes Pole Position
    • Style