First published at 00:13 UTC on May 6th, 2024.
DJ Vlad, a prominent media personality known for his interviews with hip-hop artists, is facing significant backlash for his recent comments on social media. The controversy began when Vlad criticized the mixing of Kendrick Lamar's new track, &…
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DJ Vlad, a prominent media personality known for his interviews with hip-hop artists, is facing significant backlash for his recent comments on social media. The controversy began when Vlad criticized the mixing of Kendrick Lamar's new track, "Not Like Us," which reportedly contains a diss towards Drake. His critique, however, sparked a strong response from Morgan Jerkins, an accomplished author, editor, and professor at Princeton University, as well as the niece of renowned producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Jerkins challenged Vlad's involvement in the discourse, asserting that his perspective as a white individual was not needed in what she described as a "Black Folk Affair."
Vlad's reaction to Jerkins' comment quickly escalated the situation. He questioned whether a Princeton professor was implying that white people should not express their opinions on hip-hop, a genre historically rooted in Black culture. Jerkins clarified her stance, emphasizing that the conversation should prioritize Black voices. Undeterred, Vlad threatened to contact Princeton University, suggesting that Jerkins' comments were inappropriate and should impact her professional standing.
The exchange between Vlad and Jerkins has since captured the attention of social media, with many users condemning Vlad's actions as an overreaction and an attempt to misuse his influence to silence a Black academic. Content creator @colorfullstory highlighted this on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Vlad of trying to leverage his privilege to jeopardize Jerkins' career simply because she pointed out the racial dynamics at play. Comedian Kevin Fredericks, known as KevOnStage, echoed this sentiment, criticizing Vlad for what he perceives as an abuse of power and racial insensitivity.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about race, power, and the appropriateness of commentary in cultural discussions, particularly in contexts where racial dynamics are central. As the story unfolds, the public cont..
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