Chance the Rapper Apologizes for Defending Kanye West
Following backlash over his support for Kanye West and his pro-Donald Trump tweets, Chance the Rapper has apologized for backing his mentor.
After professing his love for Chicago, the hometown rapper explained why he defended his friend. “Kanye West is not just a mentor or big homie to me,” he wrote. “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 fuck with trump,” he added. “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.”
My fault yo pic.twitter.com/TIWhG8o1ST
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 27, 2018
The Coloring Book MC went on to seemingly disavow Trump over comments regarding his hometown. “I’d never support anyone who has made a career out of hatred, racism and discrimination,” Chance continued. “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,” he added. “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.”
On Wednesday (April 25), Chance came to West’s side after the G.O.O.D. Music boss claimed to love Trump. “Black people don’t have to be democrats,” he wrote.
Black people don’t have to be democrats.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 25, 2018
Trump, his son, and his supporters used this as a co-sign. “Kanye West has performed a great service to the Black Community,” Trump tweeted. “Big things are happening and eyes are being opened for the first time in Decades – Legacy Stuff! Thank you also to Chance and Dr. Darrell Scott, they really get it (lowest Black & Hispanic unemployment in history).”
Chance, whose father worked for President Barack Obama, rejected this praise. “Nah,” he wrote. “That ain’t it yo.” He went on to explain those comments further in his letter. “My statement about black folk not having to be democrats (though true) was a deflection from the real conversation and stemmed from a personal issue with the fact that Chicago had generations of democratic officials with no investment or regard for black schools, neighborhood or black lives,” he added. “But again, said that shit at the wrongest time.”
The Chicago rapper, who is close to President Obama and his wife Michelle, went on to say it’s his “job” to call Kanye to speak about these issues. Yesterday, John Legend attempted to reach West via text. Kanye published their exchange on Twitter and said he wouldn’t budge on his public love for Trump. Most recently, he’s been wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat.
West is currently promoting five upcoming albums, including a new solo LP and a joint project with Kid Cudi as Kids See Ghost. He is also prepping albums by Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, and Nas, which he produced.