Summary
*This summary was initially generated with AI but is modifiable by usersIn this HOT 97 interview with Laura Styles and Rosenberg, N.O.R.E addresses the backlash from his
Drink Champs podcast episode featuring
Kanye West. The interview takes place shortly after SpringHill, LeBron James and Maverick Carter's company, canceled Kanye's appearance on "The Shop" due to what they described as "hate speech."N.O.R.E explains that he invited Kanye on Drink Champs because of their existing relationship, noting that Kanye had previously called him for advice during difficult times. He believed he could "control the situation" and the interview. N.O.R.E admits that while he may have failed "as a black man" and "as a human," he succeeded "as a journalist" by letting his guest speak freely.The controversy centered around Kanye's
comments about George Floyd and the Jewish community during the first 5-8 minutes of the three-hour interview. N.O.R.E acknowledges that he did eventually challenge Kanye on these statements, but not until about two hours into the conversation, when it was "already too late."N.O.R.E takes responsibility for his handling of the interview, repeatedly apologizing to "anybody that was hurt by Kanye's words." He explains that he was too intoxicated during the interview, reminding listeners that Drink Champs is designed to get guests "inebriated" to elicit candid stories. When Rosenberg asked if he was "too thirsty" for the attention this interview would bring, N.O.R.E admits he was trying to "spike the ball" after already having "scored the touchdown" in the podcasting world.The host reveals that Kanye entered the interview with his own film crew and threatened to walk out if they weren't allowed to record. N.O.R.E also mentions having Steve Rifkin (described as "one of the biggest Jewish people in the world" who worked with Wu-Tang Clan) in the studio, along with others including someone named Diego and Eric Mantel, hoping they would check Kanye if his comments were offensive.Rosenberg points out that journalism isn't just about being objective but also about fact-checking, particularly referencing Kanye's comments about George Floyd that cited Candace Owens' documentary. N.O.R.E agrees, saying he was bothered by those comments since he had seen the video of Floyd's death himself.When asked if he would do things differently, N.O.R.E says he would have stayed sober and been "a better journalist," immediately checking problematic statements while still allowing people to speak. He mentions that after the episode aired, "the powers that be" wanted to remove it, but he initially wanted to defend "freedom of speech" before realizing that "sometimes freedom of speech just ain't free."The interview concludes with N.O.R.E acknowledging that Drink Champs' usual policy of not editing interviews for maximum authenticity will likely change going forward. Despite the criticism, Rosenberg expresses support for N.O.R.E, saying "I know where your heart is," while acknowledging they'll both likely continue to face criticism over the situation.Throughout the conversation, N.O.R.E demonstrates remorse while explaining the circumstances that led to what he now considers a significant misstep in his role as a podcast host and interviewer.*There may be errors on this page.