Rappers express new opinions about Trump
April 10, 2017
Back in 2011, Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller had a hit with the song “Donald Trump,” which sang the praises of the entrepreneur’s money-making skills with the chorus “take over the world when I’m on my Donald Trump.”
Miller wasn’t alone. Rae Sremmurd had “Up Like Trump,” Big Sean had “Get It (Donald Trump),” and other artists followed along.
All that changed when Trump decided to run for president.
Not only have politically aware rappers shared their message of displeasure with Trump, but so have other artists who usually stay away from politics.
During the presidential campaign, artists came together to hold protests and marches encouraging voting in an attempt to keep Trump out of the White House. Since Trump’s victory, the music community is aiming to reclaim unity through coming together to fight his policies.
From full songs dedicated to criticizing Trump, to snappy one-liners in verses, the community of music are allowing their message to be heard. Artists as diverse in style as Kendrick Lamar, Rae Sremmurd and Snoop Dogg, have displayed their emotions and feelings through a poetic and musical platform.
Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Part 4” is mostly getting recognized for his constant flow change and poetry format. The song also gets recognized, however, for its final verse about “chump Trump,” which really has the rap community talking.
“Donald Trump is a chump, know how we feel punk? Tell them that God is coming, and Russia need a replay button, y’all up to something,” Kendrick says in that last verse.
The rap duo Rae Sremmurd also denounced Trump, last year at the SXSW Music Festival.
Miller, meanwhile, still plays “Donald Trump” in concert, but now he introduces it with a long speech against Trump’s political policies.