Pay Your Dues and Respect Hip-Hop Originators
One of the best ways for white artists to show they actually have respect and admiration for the hip-hop game and aren’t just interested in playing “dress up” with Black culture is to actually pay homage to the originators of hip-hop. Not only does it show that these stars have done their homework, but it is also an act of respect that Black talent in the hip-hop world have always been a part of. From sampling the greats to listing them as inspirations, Black hip-hop stars have always paid homage to the iconic rappers who came before them. White hip-hop stars should do the same and give the originators of hip-hop the credit they deserve — especially when the media always seem so hesitant to do so.
Speak Up When You Spot Racial Bias
It’s one message that hip-hop fans have been screaming to Macklemore for years. When the white hip-hop star snatched a Grammy over Kendrick Lamar, hip-hop lovers were left scratching their heads. Macklemore never said anything during his speech about the fact that he walked away with an award that many people, himself included, believed belonged to Lamar. He eventually delivered a message through social media that many perceived as disingenuous. He apologized to Lamar and said the award belonged to him in private. The real moment to do so, however, was up on stage. If a white artist acknowledges his or her privilege and then fails to do anything about it, that acknowledgment is purposeless. Fans were disappointed to see that Macklemore was pretty much running away with four Grammys without really speaking out about the privilege that put those Grammys in his hands.
