STEVE IRWIN - RAS KASS HITS BACK OVER STRINGRAY RAP

RAS KASS HITS BACK OVER STRINGRAY RAP

LATEST: Rapper RAS KASS has hit back at the late STEVE IRWIN's manager JOHN STAINTON, who has criticised him for using THE CROCODILE HUNTER's death to take a swipe at a rival rapper Kass took aim at fellow rap artist THE GAME with lyrics that reference the much loved Australian's recent death (04SEP06), after he was stung in the heart by a stingray as he snorkeled off the Great Barrier Reef During the track, Kass can be heard saying of The Game, "You're the waste of LA, you the Crocodile Hunter, I am the stingray " Irwin's longtime friend and manager says, "I just find it a bit sad that people have to stoop to that It is a bit disappointing I can't understand the point to it There are other references they can make that will put the point across "I just think it a pity that people do have to use Steve or anyone who has died in tragic circumstances as a form of entertainment " In an open letter, Kass writes, "Every person should be treated with an equal brush stroke, or no one should, and everything must be considered in context "I am a hip-hop artist Hip-hop is like any other art form; nothing is sacred, nothing is off limits As such, I have used historical events and current events as metaphors to express a greater perspective to certain ideas and points "At other times, I myself, have been referenced - be it in a positive or negative light That is part of the creative process and the nature of what rap music is I in no way have, or have had, any ill will towards the late Steve Irwin "