fbpx

French Prosecutor to Investigate Rapper Over Alleged Anti-Semitic Lyrics

One of the reported lyrics in question included, "I arrive determined like Adolf in the 1930s."
[additional-authors]
September 18, 2020
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 09: A gavel sits on the table as New York City Criminal Court Judge Paul McDonnell works remotely from his Brooklyn apartment due to the coronavirus outbreak on April 09, 2020 in New York City. Judge McDonnell, who usually presides over cases in a Manhattan court room, has had to alter his work routine by hearing cases remotely due to the virus outbreak. While Judge McDonnell still works a full day, he has seen a drop in criminal arrests as COVID-19 slows all New York activity. Across the country, the whole legal profession has been forced to find innovative ways to keep the justice system moving as safety concerns continue to prevent large gatherings. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A French rapper is being investigated over anti-Semitic lyrics in his songs.

The Algemeiner reported that the rapper, Freeze Corleone, released an album on Sept. 11 titled “LMF [The Phantom Menace].” Some of the songs on the album feature lyrics in French that include “Everyday day (nothing to f—) of the Shoah,” “I arrive determined like Adolf [Hitler] in the 1930s,” “Like Swiss bankers, everything for the family so that my children live like Jewish pensioner,” and “every day I f— Israel like I live in Gaza.” Nine lyrics from the album in total had been reported to the Paris public prosecutor’s office, the Associated Press reported.

The album has sold more than 15,000 copies and received more than 5 millions hits on Spotify, according to The Algemeiner.

Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Corleone, born Issa Lorenzo Diakhaté and who lives in Senegal, is being investigated for “inciting racial hatred” in the album.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a statement that Corleone’s lyrics were “unspeakable,” and urged Facebook and Twitter to not “spread this rubbish.” Additionally, the International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (LICRA) tweeted that “all partner actors to take responsibility” in promoting Corleone’s album.

Algemeiner Editor-In-Chief Dovid Efune similarly tweeted to Spotify, “Dear @Spotify, As French Jews bring in Rosh Hashana, the #3 album on the country’s music charts includes the lyrics ‘F**k the Shoah (Holocaust)!’ and ‘I arrive determined like Adolf.’ It’s attracted 5.2 million listeners on your platform. What say you?”

Universal Music France announced on Sept. 18 that the record company is dropping Corleone because the album featured “unacceptable racist statements.” Corleone tweeted in response to the move, “Finally free. Thank you to everyone for their support. God will be victorious, we will never give up on this marathon.”

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Post-Passover Pasta and Pizza

What carbs do you miss the most during Passover? Do you go for the sweet stuff, like cookies and cakes, or heartier items like breads and pasta?

Freedom, This Year

There is something deeply cyclical about Judaism and our holidays. We return to the same story—the same words, the same questions—but we are not the same people telling it. And that changes everything.

A Diary Amidst Division and the Fight for Freedom

Emma’s diary represents testimony of an America, and an American Jewish community, torn asunder during America’s strenuous effort to manifest its founding ideal of the equality of all people who were created in the image of God.

More than Names

On Yom HaShoah, we speak of six million who were murdered. But I also remember the nine million who lived. Nine million Jews who got up every morning, took their children to school, and strove every day to survive, because they believed in life.

Gratitude

Gratitude is greatly emphasized in much of Jewish observance, from blessings before and after meals, the celebration of holidays such as Passover, a festival that celebrates liberation from slavery, and in the psalms.

Freedom’s Unfinished Journey

The seder table itself is a model of radical welcome: we are told explicitly to invite the stranger, to make room for those who ask questions and for those who do not yet know how to ask.

Thoughts on Security

For students at Jewish schools, armed guards, security gates, and ID checks are now woven into the rhythm of daily life.

Can Playgrounds Defeat Antisemitism?

The playground in Jerusalem didn’t stop antisemitism, and renovating playgrounds in New York City is not likely to stop it there, either — because antisemitism in America today is not rooted in a lack of slides or swings.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.