Miley Cyrus Fires Back at Criticism Over Hip-Hop Comments

On Friday night, Cyrus defended a comment she made during a recent interview with Billboard that many believe appropriated black culture. She shared a photo from the shoot on her Instagram along with the following statement:

"When articles are read it isn't always considered that for hours I've spoken with a journalist about my life , where my heart is, my perspective at that time, and the next step in my career. Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print, & A lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation. So, to be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative .... but in this particular interview I was asked about rap) I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I've collaborated with some of the very best! At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap! As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics! I am proud to be an artist with out borders and thankful for the opportunity to explore so many different styles/ sounds! I hope my words (sung or spoken) always encourage others to LOVE.... Laugh.... Live fully.... to be there for one another... to unify, and to fight for what's right (human , animal , or environmental ) Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon! - MC"

In her May cover story for the publication, the 24 year old said she's evolved in a multitude of ways: She's stopped smoking, she's quit drinking, and apparently, she's stepped away from the hip-hop scene with which she once identified.

When asked if folk singer Melanie Safka (with whom Cyrus performed in 2015) influenced her in any way, Cyrus responded:

"She did, and I grew up with her. I also love that new Kendrick [Lamar] song ['Humble']: 'Show me somethin' natural like ass with some stretch marks.' I love that because it's not, 'Come sit on my d-ck, suck on my c-ck.' I can't listen to that anymore. That's what pushed me out of the hip-hop scene a little. It was too much, 'Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my c-ck.' I am so not that."

The backlash on social media was almost immediate, and many of those offended believe Cyrus appropriated black culture and dismissed it when it was no longer profitable for her.

The comments on Cyrus' Friday Instagram post were, for the most part, supportive of the singer.