In the aftermath of Lupe Fiasco releasing the debut single from his upcoming “Food & Liquor 2,” a very serious debate began. The song “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)” is a sample of the Pete Rock produced 1992 “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.).” The usage of the track did not sit well with Rock who responded on Monday via twitter with the following.

“No disrespect to lupe fiasco and i like him alot but TROY should be left alone, Feel so violated, the beat is next to my heart and was made outta anguish and pain. When it’s like that it should not be touched by no one! It’s so hard for folks to make original music, I possess that, but these dudes are scared of that and this is supposed to be HIP HOP?”

But somehow, by midweek, the calm in the storm had arrived. And Rock, came out to clear any confusion that remained.

“The storm is over and it’s time to move on,” said the hip-hop trailblazer. “There is no Pete Rock vs. Lupe Fiasco and there never was. Lupe called me last night for the first time about the remake of my song and we worked out our differences. With that, we can do business together and focus on what we both love to do, which is make great music.”

Lupe’s label also assisted with the clearing up the matter by issuing a statement that said the following.

 “Since there appears to be a great deal of confusion online, we want to make it clear that ‘Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)’ was in all respects fully and legally cleared,” wrote the label. “Out of respect, we did reach out to Pete Rock prior to and during the recording process. We truly support Lupe Fiasco as one of our preeminent artists and look forward to the release of Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1.”

Lastly, Rock came out and explained why the track and keeping its respect is so important to him. The track was originally recorded for Troy Dixon, who was a member of Heavy D and the Boyz and who died in 1990.

“The whole meaning behind ‘T.R.O.Y.’ is that it’s a song about showing respect and doing what’s right. That can’t be down played. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about Troy and Heavy. All my emotions are front and center, especially now. But as long as respect is given where respect is due, then it’s all good. That’s why we’re moving forward.”

I think I speak for everyone when I say, I’m glad that is over. Having the respect of rap pioneers is important to artists today. You can listen to Lupe’s track “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)” and the original “T.R.O.Y.” above.