Nova Scotia Energy Minister Marco MacLeod, responds to questions about his rap lyrics, following a cabinet meeting in Halifax Thursday. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentEnergy Minister Marco MacLeod says he knew before seeking public office that his recently resurfaced rap music was online but did not disclose that to his party.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe 37-year-old MLA for Pictou West has faced scrutiny since music he recorded under the name ‘Meadowville’ came to light, containing misogynistic language and references to drug use.Article contentArticle contentSpeaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, MacLeod apologized repeatedly for the songs’ content, emphasizing the Progressive Conservative caucus did not know of his time as ‘Meadowville’. Article contentArticle content“I was aware that this stuff was online. I knew that,” he said Thursday. “I did not let caucus know about this when I applied for this role.” Article contentWhile he said the music has been streaming since 2013, it appeared to have also been published to YouTube and Spotify in 2023. Article contentWhen pressed by reporters regarding what happened in 2023 and if he was aware that the music had been uploaded then, MacLeod did not answer directly. Instead, he repeatedly called it his “mistake.” Article content“Ultimately, I’m responsible for all of this,” he said. “From 2013 to as recently as last week, it still being online, that’s my fault.” Article contentNo plans to leave the legislatureArticle contentSince the songs gained widespread attention in recent days, MacLeod has faced calls to resign from organizations like Adsum for Women and Children, which in a release called the lyrics “violent and misogynistic” and said it should disqualify him from office. Article contentMacLeod said he had no plans for leaving his role. Article content“I’m still working as MLA for Pictou West and still working as minister of energy.” Article contentArticle contentHe said he’s been reading emails and messages and speaking to members of his community since the issue arose but said he has not contacted Adsum despite their calls for him to step down. Article contentArticle content“I have not reached out to them at this point, but definitely open,” he said. “I’m here to learn. I made a really bad mistake here.” Article content The songs, recorded under the name ‘Meadowville’, contained lyrics such as, “She’d jiggle in LuLus until I’m hard in my Fruit Looms…” leading to places like Adsum saying he should be disqualified from public office. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentIn an apology posted last Saturday to Facebook, MacLeod said the songs contained language that was “harmful” and that he would be doing “everything I can to be a positive influence to those around me.”Article contentWhen asked what actions he would be taking, MacLeod said that, beyond apologies, he must rebuild trust through his actions. Article content“An apology is only so good,” he said. “I gotta show it through my actions, especially at home in my constituency, but also here in Halifax and wherever I go.” Article contentCabinet colleague backs MacLeodArticle contentLeah Martin, MacLeod’s colleague and the minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, called the language he used misogynistic, demeaning and harmful.
Nova Scotia Energy Minister Marco MacLeod knew rap songs were online before entering politics, didn’t tell PC caucus
