Over the weekend, Killer Mike found himself in a web of controversy over an interview he gave to the NRA supporting gun rights. The sit-down, which was conducted with NRATV host and gun rights activist Colion Noir, was met with backlash after it was published on the same day as the March For Our Lives rally. Mike later apologized, noting that the interview was “used in the wrong way” — “a week later” specifically — and “disparaged some very noble work” by the young men and women who organized the rally. “I’m sorry that an interview I did about a minority — black people in this country — and gun rights was used as a weapon against you guys. That was unfair to you and it was wrong, and it disparaged some very noble work you’re doing.”

Hours after Mike issued his statement, the Run the Jewels rapper’s friend and partner-in-rhyme El-P addressed the controversy, praising Mike’s character while noting that both men are “our own men and we speak for ourselves individually.” El-P then explained that despite their “many differences” he knows “a good person when I see one” and maintained that “i can not and will not ever turn my back on this man. he wouldn’t turn his on me. or you.” El also went on to champion the “heroes” behind the rally, calling for many to open their ear to their call for change. Read (and listen) to the statements from both rappers below.