Amid the controversy surrounding Kanye West’s recent Twitter rant, where he discussed the success of his Yeezy Brand, free thinking and his political views, many have spoken out to defend West’s right to freedom of speech and a difference of opinion.
Shortly after West co-signed right-wing pundit, Candace Owens and professed his love for Donald Trump, West’s wife, Kim K and his fellow Chicago-native, Chance the Rapper, took to Twitter to defend the rapper’s stance. However, several quickly fired back at the defense, explaining the impact West has had on the culture and the damage he is causing by aligning himself with a Trump and the hatred and prejudice that comes with it.
Despite the backlash though, Trump was very pleased to be noticed, accepted and endorsed by the G.O.O.D. Music boss. In fact, he thanked him on Twitter and praised the rapper for speaking out.
“Kanye West has performed a great service to the Black Community – Big Things are happening and eyes are being opened for the first time in Decades,” Trump wrote, as he addressed Chance for defending Kanye’s political views. “Legacy Stuff! Thank you also to Chance and Dr. Darrell Scott, they really get it (lowest Black & Hispanic unemployment in history).”
However, in an attempt to distance himself from Trump, Chance quickly responded saying, “Nah that ain’t it yo.”
To further plead his case, Chance released a full statement on Twitter, apologizing for getting in the middle of the situation.
“Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about my city and my loved ones,” he wrote. “Kanye West is not just a mentor or big homie to me. He’s my family. No matter how much I may disagree with him, it’s hard for me to watch people talk about someone I love – even if they were justified in doing so. I didn’t speak up because I agree with what Kanye had to say or cause I f*ck with Trump, I did it because I wanted to help my friend and cause I felt like I was being used to attack him.”
“Unfortunately, my attempt to support Kanye is being used to discredit my brothers and sisters in the movement and I can’t sit by and let that happen either,” the rapper continued. “I’d never support anyone who has made a career out of hatred, racism and discrimination. I’d never support someone who’d talk about Chicago as if it’s hell on earth and then take steps to make life harder here for the most disenfranchised among us. I understand why people are disappointed with my words, but I was raised to believe actions speak louder than words. So let my apology be seen in my future works, and let me make up for my poorly timed comments with immediate action and advocacy for those who need it most.”
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