Usually, you might assume that including audio clips and quotes from famous historical figures in a musician’s work would be taken as a sign of respect for that figure. For Justin Bieber, his use of quotes and clips from minister and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. has been taken by some fans in exactly the opposite way, and they’re not shy about sharing these feelings on Twitter.
Justin Bieber recently released a new album, *Justice*.
The album opens with one of King’s most famous quotes, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and also includes a track titled “MLK Interlude” which includes an almost-two minute recording of one of King’s sermons.
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However, many fans noted that the album itself was not about civil rights or injustice, but mostly about love and relationships.
Fans began calling Justin out on Twitter for his use of King’s words.
“An interlude with MLK talking about finding something to die for right before a terrible song about dying for his wife. Do I have a fever?” one fan tweeted , adding, “Album was called Justice and had 2 MLK soundbites but not a single song about justice/social issues? I’m still so confused.”
Many fans were confused by the decision.
“Are we gonna talk about justin bieber using audio from martin luther king jr right before singing about his wife in the opening of his new album? why did he do that,” one fan asked .
However, King’s daughter Bernice seemed to be on board.
What do you think? Was using King’s words a sign of respect, or do you think it was a strange creative choice? Let us know how you feel in the comments below!
Last Updated on March 22, 2021 by Rae Batchelor
