Lil Wayne is arguably one of the most well-known and successful rappers in history. As a prominent black figure, many have been interested in his thoughts on race relations and racism in America, assuming he would agree with other notable entertainers like Jay Z and Pusha T who have made their positions clear on the issue.
In September, while on the talk show UNDISPUTED on FS1, Lil Wayne was asked about his reaction to Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem. The question led to an unexpected response from Lil Wayne about his personal experiences with racism.
During the interview, Lil Wayne revealed that he had never encountered racism.
“I have never, and never is a strong word, never dealt with racism, and I am glad I didn’t have to. And I don’t know if its because of my blessings…but it is my reality,” he explained.
He went on to say, “Not only have I thought it [racism] was over, I still believe it’s over.”
Later in the interview, Skip Bayless asked the rapper to comment on the fact that many of his fans are white.
“I don’t want to be bashed,” Lil Wayne began. “But I thought that was clearly a message that there was no such thing as racism. That’s what I thought that was. I thought that was a perfect example of it,” he said. “I don’t have a this type of crowd or that type of crowd. My crowd has always been everybody.”
In a separate interview last Tuesday with ABC’s Nightline, Lil Wayne was once again asked to share his thoughts on race relations in the U.S, specifically the Black Lives Matter movement. The rap artist was clearly annoyed with the question.
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Lil Wayne says he doesn't feel connected to Black Lives Matter movement. Watch tonight on Nightline at 12:35am ET. pic.twitter.com/28eBGfpSja
— Nightline (@Nightline) November 2, 2016
His response was classic Weezy.
Black Live Matter “just sounds weird,” he said. “I don’t know that you put a name on it. It’s not a name, it’s not ‘whatever, whatever,’ it’s somebody got shot by a policeman for a f**ked up reason.”
“I’m a young black rich motherf**ker,” he continued. “If that don’t let you know that America understand black motherf**kers matter these days…”
He also pointed out “That man white,” referring to the camera man, “He filmin’ me. I’m a n*****. I don’t know what you mean, man.”
Predictably, the rapper’s comments sparked a heated debate on Twitter.
Some commended Lil Wayne for refusing to lend his support to the movement simply because of his race and potential influence.
How y'all mad at Lil Wayne for not being able to relate to what y'all want him to relate to ?????
— Xig Woo (@ForeverGrimey) November 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/BlueSky2915/status/793743833263734784
I strongly feel Lil Wayne said how most black ppl feel, just scared to voice it among other black ppl.. why?
— Ebony (@HaiLQueenEbony) November 2, 2016
@CantStumpTrump1 good on him, he worked hard in the county he loves and it all paid off for him
— Free Dom (@Secret_Pepe) November 2, 2016
But mostly, people just tore into him.
https://twitter.com/Bigpapibeez/status/793655436926910464
He thinks that he's above the issues that face the black community? He'll get his wakeup call soon.
— K. (@TAB2RD) November 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/supitsrikki/status/793761005809565696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/platinumharold/status/793647503971389441
Lil Wayne after his #BlackLivesMatter rant pic.twitter.com/D86xjUIcgP
— Jaÿ-Z fan account (@nanojefe) November 2, 2016
— uyi (@uyiosashamira) November 2, 2016
Apparently, honesty warrants more criticism than lying these days.
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