I don't know where most of you are from, but least growing up in the Bay. I heard Black, Filipinos, Whites, Mexican, Tongens all saying "nigga" in normal conversation growing up. I really don't see how everybody gets so emotional over this.
I live in Mexicanville, TX now days and trust me, its the same... I hear "hella" and "nigga" quite frequent from my non-paisa boarder brothas. haha