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New hip hop album causes antisemitism storm with 'synagogue of Satan' reference

Jay Electronica's 'synagogue of Satan' also includes Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has previously called Jews 'termites'

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A widely anticipated new hip-hop album has sparked an antisemitism storm over lyrics that refer to "synagogue of Satan" and the inclusion of a speech by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakan.

American rapper Jay Electronica has been one of the most celebrated names in the genre for over a decade and his new album A Written Testimony features repeat appearances from superstar Jay-Z.

But on the track Ghost of Soulja Slim, he raps: “And I bet you a Rothschild I get a bang for my dollar.

"The synagogue of Satan want me to hang by my collar.”

The same track also features a sampled speech from the Nation of Islam leader Mr Farrakhan who has repeatedly been antisemitic, including referring to Jews as "satanic" and comparing them to "termites".

Another track on the same album entitled Fruits of the Spirit also includes the lyric: "Satan struck Palestine with yet another mortar."

Jay Electronica has been a long-time member of the Nation of Islam himself and has been praised by Mr Farrakhan in the past over the messages in his music.

But following the release of his latest album last week, the rapper said he stood by all the lyrics on his new release.

Responding to criticism his lyrics were offensive to Jews from US radio personality Peter Rosenberg on Twitter, Jay Electronica claimed "synagogue of Satan" was from the New Testament.

The Book of Revelation says: "I know your tribulation and your poverty and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan."

In 2018, Mr Farrakhan sparked an outcry when he was revealed to have said: "I wonder, will you recognise Satan.

"I wonder if you will see the satanic Jew and the synagogue of satan...because satan has deceived the whole world."

Jay Electronica made national newspaper headlines in the UK over his previous relationship with Kate Rothschild, daughter of the late Amschel Rothschild and Anita Patience Guinness.

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