On the “new homeland”, the rapper, it seems, is also not welcomed.
It’s no secret that rap music has always been a controversial genre, often associated with violence, drugs, and explicit lyrics. Despite this, rap has gained immense popularity worldwide, with artists using this form of expression to shed light on social issues and share their personal stories.
One might think that in this globalized world, where music transcends borders and cultures, a rapper would be welcomed and embraced in any country. However, this is not always the case. Even on the “new homeland”, where an artist might expect to find a fresh start and acceptance, the reality can be quite different.
Take the example of Russian rapper, Husky. In 2018, he rose to fame after his song “Judas” became an instant hit, with its raw and politically charged lyrics. He quickly gained a following and was hailed as the voice of the younger generation in Russia. However, his rise to fame was short-lived as he faced censorship and backlash from the government and conservative groups.
Husky’s song “Judas” was banned in Russia, and his concerts were canceled due to “extremist lyrics”. He was also arrested several times for “hooliganism” and faced fines for his performances and social media posts. The young rapper’s career was put on hold, and he was even forced to flee the country to avoid imprisonment.
Husky’s story is just one example of the challenges faced by rappers in their own countries. But what happens when they move to a new country, hoping for a fresh start? Unfortunately, the reception is not always warm.
In January 2021, Russian rapper Timati, who has a large fan base in his home country, announced his move to the United States with his wife and children. He shared his excitement about starting a new chapter in his life in the land of opportunity. However, as soon as he arrived, he faced criticism and backlash from the American media and public.
Many accused him of using his wealth to buy his way into the country and criticized his music for being “outdated” and promoting a lavish lifestyle. Timati’s attempts to collaborate with American artists were met with skepticism, and some even refused to work with him, stating that they do not want to be associated with him. The once highly regarded rapper in Russia was now struggling to find his place in the American music industry.
Similarly, in 2017, British rapper Skepta, who had been gaining popularity in the UK, moved to Nigeria, his parents’ home country. He was excited to reconnect with his roots and explore the music scene there. However, his decision was met with mixed reactions. While some welcomed him with open arms, others criticized him for being an “outsider” and not representing the true Nigerian culture.
Skepta faced backlash when he was nominated for a Nigerian entertainment award, with some questioning his eligibility as he was not born and raised in the country. The rapper also faced difficulties in getting his music on the radio and performing at local events.
The examples of Husky, Timati, and Skepta highlight the challenges faced by rappers in navigating a new country, even if it is their “ancestral homeland”. It’s disheartening to see that even in a time where diversity and inclusion are celebrated, artists can still face discrimination and backlash based on their background or music genre.
Rap music is a powerful tool for self-expression, and it has the ability to transcend borders and bring people together. It’s time to break the stereotypes and embrace the diversity and richness that different cultures and music genres have to offer. As music lovers, let’s welcome and support artists, regardless of their nationality, and give them a chance to showcase their talent and share their stories.
So, to answer the question posed in the title, it seems that no matter where a rapper goes, there will always be someone who is not happy about their presence. But the important thing is to rise above the negativity and continue to create meaningful music that connects with people on a deeper level. As Husky himself said, “My homeland is my music, and that’s something that no one can take away from me.”
