Several prominent Black rappers have recently aligned themselves with conservative politicians and media figures, which the author finds concerning. Rappers like Ice Cube, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne have sat down with Tucker Carlson and supported Donald Trump. However, the author argues that right-wing populism threatens Black communities. While some see these moves as opening dialogue, the author believes shared values around money, religion, and distrust in institutions have brought these unlikely groups together against vulnerable people. As the hip-hop industry has become more commercialized and corporate, rappers have also gained wealth and political influence, but supporting policies that don’t help everyday Black Americans. The author maintains that rap artists have a duty to use their platforms responsibly by advocating for politics that materially improve conditions in Black communities.

    • Aesthesiaphilia
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      fedilink
      91 year ago

      I don’t understand why anyone is surprised when minorities are racist. Racism is not unique to white people.

      • pbjamm
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        fedilink
        31 year ago

        I used to have a terribly racist Philippino neighbor and it blew my mind when he ranted about our Hispanic neighbors. Dude was an asshole in general. I am not sure if the racism was a product of that or the other way around.