Some 24 hours ago, St. Louis Post-Dispatch music critic Kevin Johnson posted a news release about Nelly’s latest tour destinations. Shortly after, Nelly responded, and the internet scope around St. Louis’ music scene suddenly exploded.
The news briefing was short, listing Nelly’s upcoming tour dates, along with a simple mention that St. Louis was not on the list. Nelly, however, didn’t see it this way, and was quick to clap back.
Nelly’s re-post went viral, inciting comments from celebrities such as Waka Flocka Flame, producer Chase the Money and St. Louis native Smino.
The growing (mostly negative) attention surrounding it seemed to have taken Johnson by surprise.
Something important to remember in this new age of media monopoly and conglomerates: The writers of the story aren’t always writing their own headlines. When going through the levels of editing, sometimes things get changed, and the original writer usually accepts those changes, like them or not.
And that may very well have been the case here. As those of you who follow the Post-Dispatch saga may already know, Lee Enterprises recently announced that it was outsourcing several facets of the paper’s production – including layout and yes, headline writing – to a design center in Munster, Indiana.
Regardless of the headline, Johnson says he did not mean to make Nelly upset, especially after showing him support in the industry for years.
It seems, for now, Nelly doesn’t want an apology, but we hope they make up, because … can’t we all just get along?
