Just days after unveiling the cover art for his upcoming album Kyoto, Tyga is responding to criticism its nudity and alleged disrespect for the Japanese flag.
Speaking with TMZ, the “Temperature” rapper said he thinks the artwork is “lit” despite the controversy. “I think it’s lit,” he said. “It’s art, man. It’s art.”
He went on to say that it was inspired by Kyoto, Japan, but that he didn’t intend to diss the country’s flag with the design. “It’s not a flag,” he explained. “It’s a rising sun. The artist Hajime Sorayama] is Japanese. He’s a very well known Japanese designer. That’s why I did it with him.”
Tyga stood behind the artwork and even promised more to come. “I love it,” he added. “It’s an art piece. It’s the beginning. Just keep watching.”
Due Feb. 16, Kyoto is about true self-expression, according to Tyga. “I been wanting to make this album for a while now but didn’t have the confidence in the story to express my true emotions,” he explained.
Next month, T-Raww plans on taking the show on the road with the “Kyoto Europe Tour,” which is set to run from Feb. 21 in Hamburg through March 3 in Manchester. Additional dates are below.