Rollie it is coon talk, he said “anyone who is intelligent isn’t upset” meaning that if you didn’t like a Hispanic singing at tribute to Black American music, you’re stupid. That’s coon talk if I ever heard it.
I know what he said, and I was angry when he said it. I get your point.
However, after listening again, this isn't Smokey giving J-Lo a hood pass (like Ja Rule & Diddy did, or like Nas & Jay-Z gave Gwynneth Paltrow). This ain't that.
That was Smokey giving his blessing for a white hispanic to pay homage to the iconic company and sound that he helped create.
He's right, too. EVERYBODY of all ethnicities should bow down & pay homage to us! The whole world should be kissing the FBA ring.
Like I said, I was angry too when I initially heard that snippet years ago, but Smokey has been unapologetically Black longer than most of us have been alive.
Could Smokey have expressed himself more clearly? Sure.
Was he cooning? I can't honestly put that jacket on him.