Jennifer Lopez Gets Backlash For "Black Girl From The Bronx" Lyric

BY Erika Marie 6.9K Views
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Jennifer Lopez, Black Girl, Black Woman, Negrita, Lonely, Maluma
A line from her track "Lonely" with Maluma where she calls herself "Negrita" has caused debate.

A lyric from a song that was released weeks ago has recently been causing controversy for Jennifer Lopez. The multifaceted entertainer has long been pressed about certain lyrics that rubbed people the wrong way, including her 2001 n-word remark on her hit single "I'm Real" with Ja Rule. Last month, Lopez and Maluma released their collaborative single "Lonely," and after people began dissecting the lyrics, a line by the singer sparked a debate.

“Siempre serás tu negrita del Bronx,” Jennifer Lopez sings on the track. The line translates to, “I’ll always be your Black girl from the Bronx.” This, of course, sent up a hailstorm of backlash from people who were appalled that Lopez would refer to herself as Black girl, but others came to her defense, giving context to what they say "negrita" means in certain cultures. Still, the masses weren't convinced as they noted that Lopez hasn't referred to herself as a Black woman for the entirety of her career.

The singer hasn't come forward to make a statement about her "Lonely" lyrics, but you can check out the song in its entirety, along with a few reactions, below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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