Doubling Down: Drake Has Always Been Problematic

Following the last post about Drake’s shenanigans, several people said that the rapper was unproblematic, and compared to other rappers who discussed gang banging, street crime, and mass murder, Drake’s raps were as harmless as nursery rhymes. One particular theme stood out: Drake had done nothing but expressed his view artistically. One user expressed that misogynoir was the “fabric upon which Hip-Hop was woven.” It is true that for the longest time, misogynoir has existed in rap music, but to validate Drake’s recent output as a part of that culture is problematic in itself. It is important to think critically before aimlessly deflecting, and excusing damaging behavior.

No one is calling for Drake to be canceled, which is not the conversation’s premise either. It would take an act of congress to cancel Drake, primarily because he is one of the most prominent emblems of pop culture in the 21st century. Who else would have made entire clubs scream “YOLO” in the clubs on a Friday? Admittedly, it is also hard to hold someone whose rap lyrics inspired many Instagram captions. Still, it does not negate the problem at hand: It is a problem when women become punching bags in the name of artistic expression.

Stan culture is a powerful phenomenon that has, in many ways, blinded much of society and created a movement that allows artists to say anything with the idea that their fans will stand ten toes down and excuse the behavior. The case of Megan Thee Stallion is an example of what happens when Black women become an easy target, especially in the Hip-Hop world. Although the general public does not know the details of Megan Thee Stallion’s shooting incident, it is important to ask intelligent questions before concluding.

Finally, calling Drizzy Drake out for his seeming disrespect does not negate that Hip Hop also has a bigger problem. We can enjoy the genre, some of the iconic lyrics, and MCs it has produced over the decades but still critique many of its perpetrators who have relentlessly spread problematic views over the years. In this instance, one of those perpetrators is Drake. We can collectively enjoy the lyrical complexity of Hip Hop, appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears that go into the art, but also have the guts to call out double entredres that are disrespectful and harmful, especially toward Black women. It is not “feminism on steroids” or “being too sensitive.” It is simply thinking critically about the music and asking important questions. Again, it is difficult to hold someone like Drake accountable, because the man has given the world some of the most replayable hit songs, packed full with caption-worthy punchlines. Still, he also has pushed a problematic element of Rap over the years, while subtly remaining the nice guy. We can call a spade a spade. It is not demonizing. This is not demonizing his legacy, it is pointing out an element of his legacy that like many other artists, is potentially dangerous. I said what I said.