Nick Cannon insists the title of his new album was meant as a "compliment".
The 33-year-old musician has sparked debates by naming his record White People Party Music. His decision to change the colour of his skin while promoting his work was also received badly by the public. Nick insists these moves were made in good nature and jest, and he isn't surprised by the attention surrounding him.
"It was meant as a compliment. Because white people know how to have fun more than anybody. When you in the club with white people they turn all the way up. But obviously it's satire [and] I’m just having fun. I don’t take myself seriously," he explained to Vibe. "I always tell people I could have named this album Purple People Party Music but it would have been the same album. I knew the title would strike controversy and get people talking. [So] we just want everybody to embrace their inner-white person and have fun with it."
Despite receiving negative comments, Nick - who is married to singing sensation Mariah Carey - remains light hearted. He is instead pleased about the discussion it is provoking among people.
"To the people who are offended and sensitive about it - those aren't the people I’m trying to reach anyway and everybody else who understands my sense of humour sees that there is no malice intent involved," he added. "There is a huge difference between humour and hatred. I love the fact that people are having this conversation though because we do have differences."
The rapper continued to address the issue of racism in America. He believes his success in the music industry has broken boundaries for black musicians.
"There is a double standard because our community is still a disenfranchised community. I’ll trade you, give us 98 per cent of the wealth of the nation, and you can dress up in any colour you wanna dress up in," he laughed, "That’s just real talk. You sit back and analyse it, I’m a black dude making white people party music. That shows we've come a long way. Now, if you want to hold us back and accuse us of being racist, that’s your opinion and that’s the beauty of being an American. If you don’t like it, don’t follow me on Instagram, and don’t follow me on Twitter."
