Hip-Hop Reacts to Donald Trump's Presidential Win
The hip-hop community is responding to a stunning and controversial presidential election as Donald John Trump has been named the 45th president of the United States.
It was shocking news to many, particularly given late polls suggesting former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton would win the presidency. However, the mogul/reality star, who had no previous government or military experience, pulled ahead and secured the election early Wednesday (Nov. 9).
Artists responded to the news with a series of emotions. Some, like Macklemore, felt let down. “I am disappointed, shocked and shaken at my core by what has transpired tonight,” wrote the Seattle rapper. “I gathered around the TV with my family and loved ones, ready to celebrate history being made. My daughter had this little blue dress on. I was ready to pop the Martinelli’s and hold her, watching Hilary Clinton become the first female president of the United States of America. But…It didn’t happen.”
I am disappointed, shocked and shaken at my core by what has transpired tonight. I gathered… https://t.co/JcREBE0pE5
— Macklemore (@macklemore) November 9, 2016
Others like Kehlani were simply saddened by the news. “I am filled with anger and rage combatted with the understanding that I have to lead, the understanding that we must stick together at all costs, & the awareness of what matters and what doesn’t,” she wrote.
T.I. — who has been outspoken about politics in public and through his music with his Us or Else EP — said he wished he could have done more to prevent Trump’s win. “I swear on my life,” he wrote. “If I could’ve done more I would’ve. We all deserve better. We just gotta live through this & prepare ourselves for what’s next.”
Tip also shared a video of Malcolm X on Twitter.
Malcolm knew it then!!!! It's truly #USorELSE #USorELSE #USorELSE pic.twitter.com/dbWlmchI1a
— T.I. (@Tip) November 9, 2016
There was also a feeling of disgust among artists. “I’m disgusted…utterly & thoroughly disgusted,” Remy Ma wrote. “I just heard Rudy Giuliani may have a seat with this idiot; if you from NY you remember the Giuliani era…Sad really sad.”
Janelle Monáe joined Remy in that sentiment.
Once again America has continued to FAIL WOMEN, MINORITIES, MUSLIMS, & IMMIGRANTS, LGBTQ, this is so disgusting.
— Janelle Monáe👽🚆🤖🚀🪐 (@JanelleMonae) November 9, 2016
Faith became a source of solace for some, including Sevyn Streeter. She shared an artistic depiction of Lady Liberty covering her face. Her three-word caption? “Let us pray.”
Mary J. Blige was also in tune with that message. The singer, who interviewed Clinton on “The 411,” said she has hope through prayer. “Let love rule no matter what’s going on,” she wrote. “In the words of Kendrick Lamar ‘We Gone Be Alright’ Keep your faith, stay strong and stay on praying terms.”
Disbelief also seemed to be a popular feeling amongst artists. Zendaya, for instance, was among those nearly without words. “speechless… petrified… heartbroken… weary,” she said. “I don’t know what to say or what to do. I guess I just never knew how many people in this country didn’t love other people in this country.”
I have nothing to say…I can't believe what I'm seeing….I can't sleep. A shame.
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) November 9, 2016
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Rihanna shared a fake Trump quote from People magazine alongside a U.S. flag and crying emoji.
Rihanna via Instagram pic.twitter.com/JShQCj4Jqi
— Rihanna Direct (@RihannaDirect) November 9, 2016
And although joy was a rare emotion among rappers and R&B singers, Azealia Banks — a longtime Trump supporter — was delighted.
“I’m fucking proud as FUCK of you,” Banks wrote. “One for being a gemini, two for being from NYC, three for winning the presidency and four for beating the media. The last part is your biggest victory in my eyes and I must say that I am TRULY inspired by this and feel deep amounts of vindication.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMlY561B382/
For his part, Trump ended the night by claiming to want unity in this country. “Such a beautiful and important evening,” he tweeted. “The forgotten man and woman will never be forgotten again. We will all come together as never before.”
But that didn’t seem to change the minds of some, who have been against him from the start. Nipsey Hussle, who appeared on YG’s “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” single, shared this message this morning.
“Top of the am,” he wrote. “FUCC @realDonaldTrump.”