Kendrick Lamar is the last person that people should be getting at for remaining silent during the recent protests for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and more. Throughout his career, he has released political statements in his music. His stance on such issues has been made abundantly clear and we all know he's the type of person to run plays behind the scenes without really announcing them. So, why are people coming for him on social media?
With all the social unrest happening, many expected Kendrick Lamar to have made a statement on social media, addressing where he stands on police violence and racial inequity. Some are surprised that he has not spoken up. However, his silence should not be taken as inactivity.
IDK used his own platform to stand up for the rap superstar, telling people to focus on bigger issues.
"People coming for Kendrick Lamar like we don’t know he’s a person that does alot but says little," said IDK. "I trust he’s making shit happen behind the scenes."
For the last several days, music fans have called on Kendrick, J. Cole, Kanye West, and others to make public statements about what's been going on. Kendrick and Kanye have been quiet throughout this all, while Cole was literally on the frontlines the other day, protesting in North Carolina.
Let's not shame somebody who has historically done so much for the black community just because he's silent right now when we already know he doesn't agree with how POCs are treated in America.
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IDK Blasts Netflix For Ripping Off His Artwork
The poster for Netflix's new show "The Innocence Files" feels awfully similar to IDK's "IWASVERYBAD" artwork.
In 2017, IDK dropped off his acclaimed album IWASVERYBAD, with the cover depicting himself clad in a D.O.C. prison jumpsuit, a dove sitting on his shoulder. Today, the Maryland rapper woke up to find that a Netflix original series called The Innocence Files had borrowed heavily from his chosen imagery, right down to the presence of a dove.
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The move clearly didn't sit well with IDK, who voiced his concerns on Twitter. "This isn’t something you feel great waking up to," he muses, posting a side-by-side of the images in question. "Especially with the meaning behind what I created. Once again." His fans wasted little time in validating IDK's position, accusing Netflix of swagger jacking the rapper's imagery, with some believing that the dove's inclusion was enough to seal the deal.
While it's entirely possible that the similarities are entirely coincidental, the narrative has already taken hold. As of now, Netflix has yet to acknowledge IDK's complaints, and it's unclear as to whether the rapper intends on taking legal action against them. It should be noted that the theft of digital artwork has become an increasingly common problem, though one that's admittedly difficult to prove. At least in a court of law -- for the court of public opinion, such stones are far easier to cast. Where do you stand -- did Netflix do IDK dirty with this one?
DaBaby, Roddy Ricch & Megan Thee Stallion To Headline Broccoli City Fest
The perfect 2020 lineup.
Broccoli City Fest isn’t like other music festivals. Located at Washington, DC’s RFK Stadium, it doesn’t only seek to provide a musical experience, but a communal one. The festival is organized by Broccoli City, a project that is dedicated to “mobilizing and educating urban millennials through social impact campaigns and major events.” There are opportunities to learn about and get involved with sustainability initiatives on site, while also getting the chance to see a selection of today’s hottest artists. Community ties are also built through supporting local vendors at the pop-up marketplace.
This year, Broccoli City Fest will be headlined by DaBaby, Roddy Ricch and Megan Thee Stallion – three rappers who were 2019 MVPs and are shaping up to be just as impactful in 2020. The lineup doesn’t solely consist of hip hop acts, though. Tastes of R&B are provided by Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye. Burna Boy, Doja Cat and IDK are sure to bring exhilarating sets. Soulection is curating a mini-lineup that features the likes of Andre Power, Esta and Sasha Marie. If you’re not sold already, the festival poster teases that more special guests will be announced.
Broccoli City Fest will take place on May 7-9. General admission and VIP passes are now available.