By Diary of a Chocolate Girl
Rapper Da Baby is trending from a very controversial statement he made during one of his recent performances. While at Rolling Loud in Miami, the rapper made the following statement:
“If you did not show up today with HIV/AIDS or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that will make you die in two to three weeks, then put your cell phone light in the air. Ladies, if your P****smells like water, put a cell phone light in the air.. Fellas, if you ain’t sucking a n**** d*** in the parking lot put your cell phone light in the air. Keep it f’ing real!”
Upon releasing this video recording of Da baby making this live statement, many took to social media to share their opinions on how disgustingly inaccurate and deplorable his statement was and how offensive it was to the LGBTQIA+ community. The statement was loaded with much disdain of misinformation, in my opinion, but the aftermath of it just keeps getting worse.
Da baby’s response to the backlash of his statement is what put more fuel to the flame. With the recent release of his new video titled, Giving What It’s Supposed To Give, he referred to his controversial statement by holding a sign that says AIDS. His closing words are, “My apologies for being me the same way you want the freedom to be you.” In addition to this unusual statement, he went to Instagram and stated that he accepts his gay fans because they are not nasty or junkies.
Everyone is more than free to speak how they please. Using your opinion to support or disagree is a part of human existence. However, should there be consequences for words potentially offensive or harmful to others who share different views and beliefs?
Could Da Baby’s statement be one that can be forgiven due to ignorance and lack of knowledge?
The aftermath of his words is very much affecting his image and bookings. The Lollapalooza music festival even dropped the artist from their lineup to support standing with the LGBTQIA+ community. Even talks of the “cancel culture” of the artist for his statement is swirling the internet in condemning his opposing views.
The decision of choosing your words wisely is essential when being a public figure. Yes, the freedom to speak is there. However, words often have consequences that come with them if you aren’t careful with how you say things. But should such dire consequences be necessary against those who share different beliefs or have a possible frequent slip of the tongue when in the moment of being unsure of possible retaliation?
What are your thoughts?
Chanel Davis is a contributing writer and the creator and operator of the Diary Of A Chocolate Girl podcast aiming to connect with chocolate girls all over through personal experiences and opinions with mild humor and a spiritual flare. Be sure to connect on IG and Facebook @diaryofachocolategirl
The Pedestal Project 