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Rapper K'Naan upset Mitt Romney used his song

FILE - In this April 12, 2011 file photo, musician K'Naan attends Good Housekeeping's "Shine On" Women Making History theatrical event at Radio City Music Hall in New York. K'Naan is upset that Mitt Romney used his song “Wavin' Flag” during his speech Tuesday night, and the rapper is seeking legal action as a result. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)

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The Associated Press Updated 8:51 PM Wednesday, February 1, 2012

NEW YORK — Rapper K'Naan is upset that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney used his song "Wavin' Flag" during his Florida primary victory speech.

In a statement Wednesday, K'naan says Romney's campaign didn't seek approval to use the song and that he would not have granted permission if it had.

The Somali-born, Canadian-based rapper says he would happily grant President Barack Obama's campaign the use of the song.

K'Naan says he wants to make sure Romney does not use his song again and is seeking legal action.

Romney spokesman Rick Gorka says the song was used through the campaign's regular blanket license but, out of respect for K'Naan's statement, won't be used again.

"Wavin' Flag" was an international hit for K'Naan in 2010, co-written and co-produced by Bruno Mars' production team, The Smeezingtons.

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February 02, 2012 01:47 AM EST

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