Poet Maya Angelou is disappointed with one of her biggest supporters and poetry pal, Common. Angelou wrote and recited a poem for a new song by Common titled “Dreamer” off of his album The Dreamer/The Believer, in stores Dec. 20. The feud between the two stems from the Chicago MC’s frequent use of the n-word throughout the song. Continue reading, take a listen to the song, and view Common’s commentary on “The Dreamer” after the jump.

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The Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet detests the word, which she calls “vulgar and dangerous” to the black community.

“I had no idea that Common was using the piece we had done together on [a track] in which he also used the ‘N’ word numerous times,” Angelou told the New York Post. “I’m surprised and disappointed. I don’t know why he chose to do that. I had never heard him use that [word] before. I admired him so because he wasn’t singing the line of least resistance.”

Common said he thought Angelou knew and understood that he uses the word in his music, but admits he didn’t specifically tell her he would be using it in the song they collaborated on.

“I told her what ‘The Dreamer’ was about and what I wanted to get across to people,” he told the Post. “I wanted young people to hear this and feel like they could really accomplish their dreams.”

Angelou and Common met several years ago when they recited poetry at the same benefit. Since then, the two have grown tight. He has rapped at her birthday bash, and she once said he could be her son.
Common said the best lesson he has learned from Angelou is to “continue to be true to your voice.”