Listen! Pitbull Defends Jay-Z's Cuba Trip in "Open Letter Freestyle"

Miami-born MC stands up for his fellow artist after the rap mogul takes heat for traveling to the communist country as part of an educational exchange

By Josh Grossberg Apr 15, 2013 6:23 PMTags
Pitbull, Pit BullCourtesy of Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Rolling Stone

Pitbull is weighing in on the controversy that dogged Jay-Z and Beyoncé following their recent trip to Cuba—with a song.

The 32-year-old rapper released "Open Letter Freestyle," expressing his solidarity with the hip-hop mogul, otherwise known as Sean Carter, and pointedly asking whether race played a role in the attacks against him.

"Politicians love to hate you/But then they run away when it's time to debate you/Question of the night/Would they have messed with Mr. Carter if he was white?" rapped Pitbull.

The MC's tune utilized the same backing track that Jay-Z used for "Open Letter,"—the latter's response to Florida lawmakers who demanded an investigation into whether he and his missus violated a travel ban when they celebrated their fifth anniversary in the communist island nation.

As it turns out, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, confirmed the couple did obtain the proper authorization and went as part of an educational exchange.

While Pitbull made it clear he's on H.O.V.A.'s side, the Miami native also praised his fellow Cuban-Americans for building the South Florida metropolis and wished those Cubans in Cuba finally get the same freedom their neighbors to the north have.

"We made Miami something for nothing/Lets not forget that we came from nothing," added Pitbull. "C.U.B.A., hope to see you free one day."