24th June 2023, Mumbai: In a recent turn of events, Indian rapper Badshah has reacted to the feedback he got from fans after allegedly using the words ‘BTS bibba’ in his song “Issa Vibe.” The contention emerged when fans of the globally renowned K-pop band BTS expressed their disappointment with the inclusion of their name alongside the Punjabi word ‘bibba,’ which translates to ‘woman.’
Taking to his Instagram Stories on Friday, Badshah attempted to clarify the situation by writing, “Playlist mein Bad BUNNY BTS ‘BIEBER’ (ear with hearing help emoji).” By specifying Justin Bieber in his explanation, he pointed out the difference between the aiming term and the misinterpreted ‘BTS bibba.’ Numerous fans reacted emphatically to his clarification, communicating appreciation for tending to the matter. One fan expressed, “It sounded like bibba. Thanks for the explanation,” whereas another wrote, “Thank you for clarifying and clearing the doubts.”
Just a few weeks back, Badshah released his song “Issa Vibe,” which contained the questionable verses: “Playlist pe Bad Bunny BTS Bibba, Har Raat Beer Peeni Hai Tujhe Kiba.” The use of ‘bibba’ alongside BTS caused a blend among fans of the K-pop group.
BTS fans took to social media stages, particularly Twitter, to specific their reactions. A few fans voiced their disappointment, with one tweet reading, “Badshah…how dare you..? Insulting #BTS along with your cheap lyrics within the ridiculous daddy song. I know you’re envious that you simply can never be like them.. never ever.. but at least have a little respect for them. We Armed forces request either edit the lyrics or remove the song.” Another tweet expressed concerns that Badshah was attempting to spread hate, whereas a Twitter user commented, “Badshah included BTS in his lyrics! Man knows where influence and hype come from.”
This isn’t the primary time Badshah has confronted feedback for his song lyrics. In May of this year, he issued a statement of regret after objections raised about his track “Sanak.” The song was criticised for its use of Lord Shiva’s title (Bholenath) in conjunction with explicit language. A senior priest from the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, requested an apology and threatened to record a police complaint against the rapper.
Badshah subsequently tended to the issue on social media, expressing, “It has been brought to my attention that one of my later releases, Sanak, sadly appears to have hurt the emotions of a few individuals. I would never willingly or unconsciously cause offence to anyone’s estimations. I bring my imaginative creations and melodic compositions to you, my fans, with the most extreme truthfulness and passion.”
Acknowledging the concerns raised, Badshah took proactive measures by modifying certain parts of the song and replacing it with an unused adaptation on all advanced stages. He asked tolerance from his fans amid the move period, communicating his sincerest statements of regret to those he may have inadvertently harmed. He emphasised that his fans stay his foremost back, and he holds them within the highest regard.
As discussions proceed to encompass Badshah’s music, fans and critics will closely watch his future releases to see how he addresses concerns with respect to touchy content and cultural references.
By: Tanya Chantola