On Saturday, New York City radio DJ and performer Megan Ryte released a single titled “Culture” featuring will.i.am and A$AP Ferg. South African gqom pioneer DJ Lag has spoken out against the release for parallels between the song and “Ice Drop” from his 2016 DJ Lag EP.
Unlike “Culture,” “Ice Drop” was largely instrumental and exhibited a more stripped-down production sensibility. In addition to an overall comparable beat structure, however, the drum line of both tracks includes a distinctive hit on the downbeat. Social media commentators have also pointed out that bot videos incorporate similar aerial shots.
In conversation with Complex, Ryte described the song as “a statement record that recognizes the importance of Black cultural contributions around the world.” The official music video also opens with a definition of “culture vulture,” and the lyrics touch on themes of exploitation.
Such sentiments were perhaps all the more upsetting to DJ Lag (real name Lwazi Asanda Gwala), who tweeted about the two songs’ similarities on Wednesday after fans had voiced outrage since the release of “Culture.” “In our tradition respect comes first,” he wrote. “‘Ice Drop’ is our culture.”
“In our tradition respect comes first.”
Ice Drop is our CULTURE ?? https://t.co/ZtRx1vzQbx pic.twitter.com/TaGEgT3R0F
— DJ LAG (@RealDJLag) November 25, 2020
At the time of writing, the YouTube listing for “Culture” has almost seven times as many dislikes as likes. Megan Ryte did not immediately respond to Selector‘s request for comment.
