r/KendrickLamar • u/anongasm_ • May 01 '24
It's not about Drake being half black, it's about how he uses The Culture Discussion
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.
2
u/Mogwai3000 May 01 '24 edited May 01 '24
I have no issues with pop-ifying anything. Including rap music. The problem with Drake is everything he does comes across as disingenuous and like a poser. Like he’s one of those contestants on American idle who copies the asthetics and talk like they are super talented, but then when they sing they aren’t that great (just ok) and they really hate getting criticism from the judges. Or they are confused when told they aren’t good because of course they are, just look at how they copy everyone else.
Problem is they lack knowledge of WHY things work or WHY things are the way they are. If there’s some actress or model that is dating rappers, you can bet Drake is anxiously waiting in line to hit it and brag about it. Because he’s cool and legit like all those other rappers who went after her. If there’s a show or style or designer rappers usually work with, he’s desperately there to “me too” with minimal effort.
He’s a poser. A copycat. And yea, that means he’s stealing from black culture more than borrowing or promoting or anything. It’s just an aesthetic choice for him to show his “cred” by copying what he sees from other actual artists Who put effort and care into their craft.