On the first track on Yeezus, Kanye West raps "A monster about to come alive again/Soon as I pull up and park the Benz/We get this bitch shaking like Parkinson's." The track, "On Sight," and its lyrical content are under heavy scrutiny after the American Parkinson Disease Association issued a statement to TMZ earlier today.
APDA Vice President Kathryn Whitford told TMZ, "We find these lyrics distasteful and the product of obvious ignorance."
Additionally, the Chair for People with Parkinson's Advisory Council Tom Palizzi issued an open letter addressing the issue, saying:
“Kanye West is without question a richly talented and multifaceted artist. With utmost respect for freedom of expression and the inherent controversial nature of art in general, there is, however, a fine line between expression and insensitivity,” he said. “Many of us appreciate the lighter side of having a chronic and degenerative movement disorder, though as many interpret such statements as harsh and insensitive. As Chair and on behalf of PPAC, I would be delighted to help Mr. West better understand the truths and myths of Parkinson’s. Notable people such as Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali and Ben Petrick, my peers and millions of others are testament to the enduring spirit of people with Parkinson’s.”
