Many celebs have expressed their disappointment with this year’s Oscar nominations, and Nick Cannon is the latest to add his two cents to the ongoing controversy.
But rather than sending a tweet or speaking to a news outlet, he decided to write a poem.
In the 2-minute video, shot in black and white, the 35-year-old delivers an emotional spoken word piece that urges people to not get distracted.
“Look what they did to Oscar. Naw, not another trophy rant. I’m talking Oscar Grant, Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray,” he begins. “Why we trust what the news say anyway? It’s blasphemous. Don’t get distracted by these lottery tickets and statues.”
The artist then goes on to criticize “Hollywood mainstream,” while encouraging others to celebrate the unwavering strength and power of Black folks.
“Where’s the outrage? Where the complaints at? Overcoming the obstacles, definition on Black – hashtag facts. But guess they don’t make no awards for that. Real talk, real kings don’t need no pats on the back,” he said.
The entertainer joins a growing list of actors, including Will Smith, wife Jada Pinkett-Smith and Spike Lee, who have voiced their opinions on the lack of diversity within the organization.
Watch Cannon’s performance on Facebook.
