Dec. 10--Spike Lee dismissed criticism from Chance the Rapper that his film "Chi-Raq" is exploitative by pointing out that the Chicago rapper's father works for Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Chance the Rapper, born Chancelor Bennett, posted a series of tweets Friday blasting Lee's film as problematic and goofy. Lee responded to the criticism in an MSNBC interview that aired Tuesday by saying that the 22-year-old rapper's father Ken Bennett was appointed a deputy chief of staff for Emanuel last year.
"First of all, Chance the Rapper should say full disclosure: His father works for the mayor. He's the chief of staff, whatever the title is. His father is the chief of staff. Show me any criticism, if you're so concerned about Chicago, do your research, show me where he's made a criticism about the mayor. I think your findings will be surprising. He's not criticized the mayor. Why? His father works for the mayor, " Lee told show host Chris Hayes.
Lee, who hails from Brooklyn, said that he met earlier this year with Emanuel, who urged him not to name the film "Chi-Raq." Lee dismissed Emanuel as a bully.
"Chi-Raq," which explores gun violence through the aftermath of an Englewood girl's death by a stray bullet, stars Jennifer Hudson, John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. The Amazon Studios film was released in some theaters Friday.
Meanwhile, Chance the Rapper, who discusses being affected by Chicago violence in some of his lyrics, is set to make his "Saturday Night Live" debut this week. He is not the only Chicago rapper to criticize "Chi-Raq." Rhymefest told the Tribune last month that Lee owes Chicago an apology for the film.
