Ya Heard: Asher Roth addresses controversial Tweet

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."

Don't look now, but another blond, blue-eyed emcee has arrived on the hip-hop stage he's causing many to do a double take. Asher Roth, who celebrated a 60,000-plus first week in sales of his debut album "Asleep in the Bread Aisle," recently made head-lines with a Twitter post while visiting Rutgers University for a performance.

In the posting, Roth said, "At Rutgers stirring up a ruckus. Been a day of rest and relaxa-tion, sorry Twitter -- hanging out with some nappy headed h*es...Totally just making fun of Don Imus -- Sorry Scoot, not trying to be offensive... ."

Roth's post, a reference to comments TV and radio personality Don Imus made about the predominantly black Rutgers University women's basketball team in 2007, did not sit well with many people.

In response to the criticism, Roth issued a statement apologizing for his comments. "As of late, statements I've made have been stirring up much controversy and speculation." Roth states. "It is in my best interest that I feel I should address these instances personally and specifically. Truth: I am [a] 23-year-old imperfect human being whose world is drastically changing around him…The Twitter situation was an immature attempt to poke fun at an infa-mously moronic joke. In doing so, I unconsciously stooped to the level of its originator, making it just as bad, if not worse. Pathetic. Lesson learned -- nothing good can come from repeating hate-ful words, regardless of your intentions..."

The comments may have been slightly reckless, but I didn't take Roth's comments as much racist as brutally humorous. His explanation seems authentic and does a great job of further emphasizing his poorly judged, yet harmless, intentions.

Controversy aside, let it be known your boy is endorsing Asher Roth as an emcee. I respect the work he's produced thus far. If he can get past the Eminem comparisons, he may enjoy a very successful career in hip-hop. In a game full of gimmicks, why not give the college boy a chance? Open your minds and listen to the album!

Baby Stamps Kissing Lil' Wayne

Bigger than a hip hop story, this here is about men conducting themselves as men. Last year a 2006 photo surfaced, showing Cash Money CEO Bryan "Baby" Williams kissing flagship artist Lil' Wayne on the mouth. There was obviously no shame in the moment as the two men were shown outside in the company of what looks to be a lot people. Wayne and Baby repeatedly stated they are family and that is how they show affection. Nevertheless, the media and fans gave Lil' Wayne a pass and the New Orleans rapper went on to sell a mil-lion copies in the first week "The Carter III" release.

Now, according to sohh.com, Baby brought up the dead issue during a recent interview. He says, "That's my son, ya heard me? If he was right here, I'd kiss him again. ... I mean, you have children? Well, if you did you'd understand what I meant with it. I just think people took that too far, man."

For the record, Wayne is not technically his "son." However, their bond is so strong and the age difference far enough apart to give him that one. Now, I have witnessed men kiss their young sons on the mouth a time or two, but I have never witnessed two men kiss each other and still claim to be straight. I'm not implying Baby and Wayne are gay, but I'm say-ing they may want to rethink their PDA techniques. Mind you, I am very close to my father, but if he ever attempted to pucker up in my face, we would have to talk. Lol, sorry Pops!

Ya Heard Trivia

In 1999 arguably the best nationwide hip-hop concert tours of all time took place. One of the art-ists part of the bill was Redman. What was the name of the tour, and name two other headliners of the show? Be the third person to e-mail me the correct answer and receive two free AMC movie tickets courtesy of the News & Messenger.

Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mothers in the world and especially to my mother, Granny and God Mother. 'Til next week, Peace!!!

Dennis Winn can be reached at 703-200-4928 or YaHeard40@gmail.com.