Rapper K’naan Displeased Mitt Romney Used His Song “Wavin’ Flag'” After Florida Primary

Mitt Romney has joined Newt Gingrich this week among Republicans who have embarrassed artists- artists whose songs have been appropriated to promote a campaign with which they do not agree.

The guy who composed 80’s classic Eye of the Tiger is suing Newt Gingrich to keep his fondling paws off the hit at campaign events, and now rapper/singer K’naan (mmmm… naan) is speaking out about- and this must be really unfortunate- campaigning uber-villain Mitt Romney playing his song “Wavin’ Flag” after the Florida primary. Since the use of a song in a campaign really seems to imply endorsement, it seems this issue arises every election cycle. (And it seems to be mainly Republicans who lift the work of artists- mostly liberal- without permission.)

While the Romney campaign claims “Wavin’ Flag” was used under a “blanket license,” K’naan shot back in a statement earlier this week where he said he’d prefer Romney not use the song- but that President Obama is welcome to his music to promote his campaign and platform:

“I have not been asked for permission by Mitt Romney’s campaign for the use of my song. If I had been asked, I would certainly not have granted it. I would happily grant the Obama campaign use of my song without prejudice.”

Burn. K’naan’s song became a hit globally after it was the song of the World Cup in 2010, and the singer/rapper has said he’d go to court to keep Romney’s mittens off the tune. But no such measures seem necessary- Romney campaign flak Rick Gorka says Mitt “[respects] K’naan’s statement and will not use his music again.”