Rapper Lil Baby in Green Gucci Pants

OPINION: Performative Activist Lil Baby Cashes in on Black Anguish

In the midst of reports that the Trump campaign actively sought to discourage Black Americans from voting, rapper Lil Baby has relinquished his power – his voice. During a photoshoot wearing various expensive designer outfits, Lil Baby declared to GQ he was done using his voice.

The more I’m seeing what’s up with all that shit, the more I’m like, ‘Let me back up off politics,’ ” he said. “I don’t want to be no Malcolm X or Martin Luther [King]. I stuck my nose in it. I’m good on that.”

Lil Baby to GQ

This comes nearly weeks after Lil Baby was starring in a Voter registration advert alongside 2 Chainz and Charlamange tha God.

Three months ago the chart-topping rapper was seemingly vocal and supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement. Much like your favorite non-Black influencers, he rode the wave of performative criminal justice reform. A wave that propelled him all the way to the top of the charts and into the homes of millions.

Do You See The Bigger Picture?

At press time, Baby’s second most popular YouTube video is “The Bigger Picture.” The song quickly rose in popularity in Atlanta and across the nation as a modern protest anthem. Following the murder of Rayshard Brooks, Lil Baby had posted on Instagram about plans to meet with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms but quickly deleted it.

In addition to his stalled conversation with the Mayor, he was also characterized as supporting District Attorney Paul Howard, responsible for sending him to prison in 2014. Paul falsely announced on Facebook and Twitter that Baby had endorsed him, according to Baby’s statements to GQ.

“If I can sit at a table and really talk to you like I’m human, versus the politics and you in that courtroom, you really might come to reality versus you sending n-ggas goddamn down the road for 500 years,” he said of his meeting with Howard.

It’s a curious thing to go radio silent during the final weeks leading up to the election. It leaves many questions and fewer answers. Is it possible that one of the music industry’s most prominent stars was told or paid to be quiet? Why proclaim this to a White-owned publication while adorned in designers that look nothing like you? It seems to be another classic case of disconnecting from roots once stability is available.

Challenges and Choices Created in His Image

While I understand his reluctance to be a leader in the movement, choosing to turn your back on it is cowardice at best. Have you not realized that your voice is your most powerful tool as an artist? They have and will take his words out of context. This decision leaves much up for interpretation and removes accountability; Lil Baby will reap the benefits of temporarily inspiring his community while backpedaling out of fear.

From one Dominique to another – it’s worth it to reconsider. Especially if you have the means to cause change by investing your wealth, instead of wearing it.

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