Does The LBGTQ Community Really Bully Rappers?
We’ve all heard the saying that “bad press is better than no press,” but time and time again, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Da Baby, who is currently one of the biggest rappers in the game, recently learned this the hard way after comments he made at Rolling Loud were immediately flagged as being homophobic (among other things). Since then, Da Baby has been receiving more backlash than he ever imagined. Not only are music fans criticizing his choice of words, but he has also lost lots of opportunities. Several festivals have already announced that he’s been removed from their lineups.
While there are a lot of people who feel like Da Baby is getting what he deserves, others feel that the backlash is nothing more than bullying by the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. This begs the question of whether or not the response to Da Baby’s situation can be seen as bullying, or if it’s nothing more than the consequences of his actions. Keep reading to learn more.
What Did Da Baby Say?
Before we get any further, we should probably talk about what Da Baby said in the first place. While on stage, Da Baby took a break in between songs to say, “If you didn’t show up today with HIV/AIDS, or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that’ll make you die in two to three weeks, then put your cell phone light in the air.” He continued, “Ladies, if your pu*** smells like water, put a cell phone light in the air. Fellas, if you ain’t suck a n***a d*** in the parking lot, put your cell phone lights in the air. Keep it f***ing real.” Almost immediately after the words left his mouth, the internet started buzzing. Many people expressed confusion as to where these comments came from in the first place. Others spoke out about the fact that he was stigmatizing HIV/AIDS while also spreading false information.
Da Baby initially doubled down on his remarks but has since apologized on more than one occasion. He insists that he didn’t mean to offend anyone. Unfortunately for him, it looks like people aren’t really buying it. Many have expressed that he’s only apologizing because he’s losing money. While many would agree that what he said was definitely in poor taste, many would also say that he didn’t really mean anything by it. People get on stage and say crazy things all the time, and it typically never amounts to anything.
Has Da Baby Been Canceled?
Da Baby certainly isn’t the first rap artist who has said things that have brought them negative attention, but this is the first time we’ve seen such a big fallout. Since his remarks have gone viral, several people in the music industry have spoken up in his defense. They feel that if members of the LGBTQ+ community can openly be who they are, then Da Baby should be able to do the same thing. They find it unfair that he is being punished for simply saying what was on his mind. Lil Boosie, who has become well known for speaking his mind, has made it very clear that he has Da Baby’s back. He said, “Lil Nas X said he wanna perform naked on stage for charity. You don’t f*** with him like you f*** with DaBaby. Be even-sided. You don’t feel that’s disrespect? Going dance naked. You don’t think that’s disrespect in front of boys who tryna be straight? It’s totally disrespect.”
While it’s true that we all have the freedom to say whatever we want, that doesn’t mean that our words don’t come with consequences. If people decide that they don’t want to support a person or business that doesn’t align with their values or beliefs, then they have every right to do that. In Da Baby’s case, however, the repercussions have become more than just a few people deciding they don’t want to listen to his music anymore. Missing out on performances is something that no one saw coming and it could have a long-lasting impact on his career. More than likely, though, things will go back to normal for Da Baby once the buzz dies down.
Are Rappers Being Bullied By The LGBTQ+ Community?
In the wake of all of the Da Baby drama, T.I. has accused the LGBTQ+ community of bullying rappers. In an Instagram Live video, T.I. said, “Now you bullying. We all stood up on behalf of gays and lesbians and people in the gay community because we thought it was some bulls–t for y’all to have to be bullied. But I don’t think any of us did that to feel like you would now have the authority to come and bully us.” Essentially, T.I. feels like it’s not rappers’ jobs to be politically correct and worry about who they offend. Some people agreed with T.I.’s sentiments while others feel that what is happening to rappers is nothing more than accountability. No matter which ‘side’ you’re on, one thing is for sure though, this isn’t the last time something like this is going to come up.