Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
Why does it seem like so many rappers are supporting Trump? It’s not just Kanye. There’s also Benny the Butcher, who tweeted that he’s voting for Trump. There’s Sexxy Red, who told an interviewer that “they support [Trump] in the hood.” Why? She said it’s because of the stimulus checks Americans got during COVID. There’s Kodak Black, who Trump got out of prison. There’s Waka Flocka. There’s more. What is going on? Several things.
One big reason why some rappers like Trump is that they’re attracted to the way Trump seems to exude strength. His personality and his propaganda suggest (to some people) that he’s strong and tough. For many rappers, the math is the same as it is for many Trump voters — supporting Trump, who seems strong, makes you feel and seem strong. Kanye, who’s probably the most famous rapper to have supported Trump, once said that wearing the MAGA hat gave him a jolt. “There was something about when I put this hat on it made me feel like Superman,” he said. I want to vomit. Let’s continue.
Another reason why some rappers may like Trump is that it gets them attention. In an attention economy like hip-hop, it’s critical to get people talking about you. Supporting Trump will surely garner attention. It’s a contrarian move in the Black community — you’re taking a minority position and that gets them attention. Yes, some of us will hate you for supporting Trump but these rappers are taking a sort of all-news-is-good-news approach.
Recommended Stories
Rappers are normal people at the end of the day, and like most Trumpers, much of their support for Trump is based on alternative facts and misinformation. We’ve all seen the videos where reporters ask Trumpers why they support him and they respond with things that are…
Read the full article here
