JPEGMAFIA, also known as Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks, has responded to backlash over his recent meeting with Kanye West. In a post to Instagram, Hendricks defended his admiration for West, declaring him to be his “favorite artist of all time” and stating that he wouldn’t be where he is today without West’s influence. “You can’t play oppression Olympics with a grown black man whose dealt with racism in real time,” Hendricks wrote in response to critics. “So please shut the actual fuck up.”
The meeting was initiated after Hendricks tweeted questioning why West was acknowledging other musicians “who have less to offer u than me.” Hendricks was subsequently criticized for meeting with West, who has a history of courting controversy, alongside fellow musician Ty Dolla $ign. West faced backlash last year for the alleged anti-Semitic lyrics included on the album they collaborated on, Vultures. He issued an apology the following month.
Vultures has faced further criticism since its announcement, with its typography resembling the font used by black metal band Burzum, whose frontman, Varg Vikernes, is a convicted murderer and known neo-Nazi. West’s continued association with the band’s imagery has caused concern among his followers and the press.
Despite this, West has continued to hype Vultures, sharing a dramatic trailer for the album and announcing that it will be released in three volumes between February and April of this year
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