D-Von Dudley Questions Backlash Over Fans Singing N-Word in Hip-Hop Lyrics

D-Von Dudley is speaking out about the use of the n-word in hip-hop — and the backlash that follows when fans repeat it.

During the February 14, 2026 episode of the DukeLovesRasslin podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer addressed what he sees as a contradiction: artists including the n-word in song lyrics while condemning fans, particularly white fans, who sing it along word-for-word.

Host Duke framed the issue directly, questioning how normalized the word has become in modern music: “When did we get to the point in hip-hop where everything has to have the n-word in it?”

D-Von talked about how rap music evolved from a niche genre into a mainstream force with a diverse audience. He pointed to hip-hop’s commercial reach and referenced the N.W.A. biopic to show how controversy and sales often go hand in hand.

“I’m not too sure, because rap music has crossed over into white America as well. They enjoy the songs. They buy the records. I think Eazy-E said it one time in the NWA movie. When people were taking NWA’s music and throwing it in the street, stepping on it, bulldozing it—doing everything to it—Eazy said, ‘I don’t care, they bought it, so we’re still getting paid.’”

From there, D-Von focused on audience behavior. He argued that when lyrics are released publicly and embraced by fans of all backgrounds, it becomes unrealistic to expect people not to sing along — especially when they’re consuming the music as entertainment.

“It’s kind of the same thing. I don’t get it, nor do I understand it. Why do you have to use that word? Because if white people are singing the lyrics and it’s part of the song, then people want to beat them up. There’s anger. And it’s like, okay, but you put that in the lyrics. They’re going to sing it, especially if they’re enjoying it.”

D-Von also made clear that he sees this as partly generational. He admitted he doesn’t personally relate to how the word is used today and described the entire debate as something he struggles to reconcile.

“That’s the one thing I’ve always thought about. It doesn’t make sense. That’s the word I use when it comes to that. I don’t understand it. It’s not me. It’s that generation gap that seems to enjoy it. But again, you can’t get mad at a white person if they’re singing the lyrics. I didn’t say it.”

For D-Von, the issue comes down to confusion. He isn’t claiming to have all the answers — he’s simply saying the situation doesn’t make sense to him.

What do you think about D-Von Dudley’s comments on this topic? Do you see his point, or do you think the conversation is more complex? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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