Now working for the Forum for Jewish Leadership in the UK, run by education charity Aish, he said he created the track and its accompanying video to expose the folly behind Wiley’s opinions.
But he is also keen to point out the track, which uses music that would not sound out of place had it been recorded by the rapper Drake, is not just about “taking a pot shot” at Wiley.
“I would love it if this created dialogue and we could engage,” said Rabbi Friedman. “I draw hope from some of the examples coming out of America – the footballer who after recognising what he said was antisemitic agreed to visit Poland.”
He also said he thought long and hard over his rap’s lyrics, which feature lines about how “community values hard work” and how “success is Jewish revenge” over those who have oppressed us.
“From what I hear, no-one works harder than the rapper Wiley,” he added.
Rabbi Friedman also said he hoped to release an album of tracks recorded during the lockdown. Not all will be as hard-hitting as his latest single. “I’m trying not to pigeonhole myself as the identity politics rapper,” he says.
Jewish Rapper responds to Wiley can be heard here https://www.facebook.com/aishfb/videos/1165343533834745/
