Fans of rapper Kendrick Lamar have called him out for featuring Kodak Black on his new album.
On May 13, Lamar released his fifth studio album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers which has many artists featured on it including Summer Walker, Taylour Paige, Baby Keem, Tanna Leone and Kodak Black.
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers https://t.co/544YaTY8ys
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) May 13, 2022
Lamar fans are upset that Kodak Black—birth name Bill Kapri—is featured on his album amid the sexual assault allegations against him. In 2016, a teenage victim has come out to say that Kapri allegedly assaulted her in a hotel room in South Carolina.
In 2021, Kapri pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of first-degree assault and battery while also being sentenced to 18 months of probation.
"I apologize to Miss [victim's name] and am hopeful we can all move forward," Kapri said while in court, "I wish her the best in her life."
Many fans have called out the rapper and many are comparing him to R. Kelly, who has been charged with sexual misconduct and abuse.
"Y'all were wondering how R Kelly got away with everything he's done for so long, and now y'all get hyped about Kodak being on Kendrick's album. Very interesting. Y'all always swear to be/do better than the older generation, but nope," one Twitter user wrote.
"Why are people acting confused at Kendrick Lamar having Kodak Black on his album, He literally threatened to pull his music off of Spotify when they removed R Kelly's. Rappers are just not good people," said another.
Kendrick Lamar on a song defending R Kelly and has a Kodak feature 4 songs later pic.twitter.com/VTkwpak9YT
— what mouth?? (they•he) (@leoxeloo) May 13, 2022
In 2018, Lamar threatened to take his music off Spotify after the streaming service removed R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from their curated playlists as they allegedly violated the "Content & Hateful Conduct Policy."
"Mind you Kendrick's the same man who said he would pull his music off streaming platforms if they took down R.Kelly's and Xxx's music, also the same man who aligns himself with Dr.Dre. He's an abuser safe space at this point," a user exclaimed.
"Cole and Kendrick going out of their way to keep Kodak around is all anyone should need about the depth of their artistry or care for "the people," another user explained, "it's legitimately the easiest thing in the world to not continue supporting admitted rapists and yet..."
THREAD: I think that we've entered this annoying trend of "conscious" rappers/artists thinking they are doing something enlightening and/or edgy by attempting to redeem and/or reimagine problematic/toxic individuals in society.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) May 13, 2022
Kendrick Lamar sadly chose Kodak Black on purpose.
"Why is Kendrick talking about sexual assault on this album if he has a Kodak black feature," one fan questioned.
Newsweek reached out to Lamar's representatives for comment.
Anyone seeking help should call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, a free and confidential hotline available 24/7 that can be reached on 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The Hotline also provides information on local resources. For more information visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
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