NC Schools Angry Over J. Cole Video

Forgive me, but this is pretty ridiculous (from Fayetteville Observer):

Top administrators of Cumberland County schools and Fayetteville State University are steaming over an explicit rap video that features student cheerleaders and band members.

Schools Superintendent Frank Till Jr. issued a statement Tuesday demanding the new J. Cole video “Who Dat” be pulled immediately from the Internet and TV.

FSU Chancellor James Anderson apologized in a letter to alumni for Bronco cheerleaders who appear in the video. It was filmed this spring in Fayetteville, where J. Cole grew up.

A version of the video on the Internet site YouTube is laced with profanity and sexually themed lyrics. The four-minute clip has been viewed nearly 3 million times on YouTube since its release two weeks ago. A censored version has aired on the MTV and BET television channels.

“I think it shows the school and the city in a negative light,” Till said. “I think it was a legitimate mistake on the school’s part.”

Officials at E.E. Smith and FSU deny knowing ahead of time that the video would include vulgar language and explicit themes.

“We don’t allow that kind of language in our school,” Till said. “Why would we allow our students to do something like this?”

Till said the video was shot after school hours and that each student turned in a release form signed by a parent. School officials at the scene of the video shoot said they didn’t hear profane lyrics, Till said.

A publicist and producer who represent J. Cole did not return messages seeking comment.

Read the full article in its entirety.