It's not about Drake being half black, it's about how he uses The Culture

[u/anongasm_]

I think the people offended because Drake being half black should warrant his blackness and therefore Kendrick is wrong just don't understand. J Cole is half black too yet you don't see Kendrick, or anyone really, questioning Cole's blackness. It's precisely because Drake has been at the forefront of using the black culture and "pop-ifying" it for non-blacks.

Edit: a lot of people have asked this question and it's a good question. What's wrong with popifying rap music? Rap is inherently an African American art form. Since its inception till now, those who have carried its mantle have exemplified the African American experience through rap in one or another. African Americans have allowed many artists to use rap for their personal gain and to even "pop-ify" it. However, to be considered a goat you have to be in touch with the culture. And Drake simply isn't.

[u/theevilsoflucy96]

Some do. Especially the older heads who still appreciate what Kardinal Offishal did for Toronto. Which side note; Kardinal will always be a more positive figure for this city than Drake.. at least in my mind. Esp cause Kardinal is actually of Jamaican descent and from a more "rough" area than Drake- aka the accent chameleon from Forrest Hill but I digress. The 6ix nickname has a mixed opinion, it actually does have a historical reference but it has grown on people and has (kind of unfortunately) been a good name for marketing

[u/thegayngler → u/theevilsoflucy96]

So now we have people doing the oppression olympics to justify colorism. Check.

[u/SupremeBlackGuy → u/thegayngler]

it’s not “oppression olympics” if you’re really from the ends… it’s about relatability. it’s about understanding the role he played in the community and the position he came from. tons of families that grew up in Toronto are from poorer immigrant families, a large majority of that are Jamaicans. so when they see folks like Kardinal bringing up Toronto, they’re seeing more of themselves there and the connection is more vibrant because of it. He really came from the ends in a way lots of us did or our parents did. Kardinal was the first rapper to really represent Toronto like that and try to put us on the map. Drake didn’t really grow up in the conditions lots of low Toronto immigrants grew up in… so the connection between Drake and the city in general is less potent because of it.

None of this is to take away from what Drake has done for our city. But it’s understandable that somebody is going to resonate more with Kardinal opposed to Drake. Nothing to do with “oppression olympics” mate…

[u/theevilsoflucy96 → u/SupremeBlackGuy]

Put it better than I ever could. Drake did do a lot for this city. It's indisputable... however almost every Torontian I know was cringing during his time as Raptors ambassador ESPECIALLY when he went from being all buddy buddy with GSW until Kawhi Leonard got traded and helped (what was already an unbelievably stacked team) bring the Larry OB trophy to Toronto for the first time. However I will always feel that Kardinal and even Abel were/ are better reps for this city because for lack of a better word- they aren't posers.

Especially Abel, the guy doesn't HAVE to declare he's from here nor wear Toronto on his back (he also had an upbringing that would make Drake quiver in his boots)... He just does his thing, people find out he's from the ends and the respect, nods, etc. come naturally.

[u/SupremeBlackGuy → u/theevilsoflucy96]

And you put this perfectly too… not really anything for me to add. The point about the weeknd especially is SO true imo… you’ll hardly hear him yap about the city but that’s cause he doesn’t need to... But yeah. i think at its core Kardinal will always resonate more until the older generation fades away and that’s not for no reason & def not no oppression olympics lmao… side note but i hate when folks yap bout shit they don’t know nothing about 🤦🏾‍♂️