Accidental Racist?: Rappers Who Have Used The Confederate Flag - Page 8

Kanye West never ceases to surprise us. In what seems to be either a stunt to draw publicity or just downright ignorance, his Yeezus tour merchandise features images of the Confederate flag. While this may be a tie in to his “New Slaves” theme, he is not the first rapper to incorporate this banner that is largely associated with pro segregation and the Ku Klux Klan.

For some time the Confederate flag has been positioned as a symbol of southern pride and a nod to the southern states resisting the end of slavery before the Civil War. To this day the flag flies at the top of the state house of the South Carolina capital. Its’ influence is still found in the individual state flags of Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. Additionally rock bands including Lynyrd Skynyrd continue to hoist it at their shows.

Considering this emblem stood for the conservation of slavery in the south, it is disappointing to see any person of color show any love towards it. But sadly a couple of your favorite rappers have been tricked by the light.

In the following pages are six rappers who have been caught wearing and or using the confederate flag in the past. Let us know how you feel about the issue in the comments section below.

—
Photos: Wikipedia, YouTube, Colorlines, Vibe

Ludicris

At the 2005 Vibe Awards, Ludacris wore a confederate flag inspired jumpsuit while performing”Georgia”. The DTP rapper explained it as “I wore it to represent where we came from, to remind people that Ray Charles’ original “Georgia” was written because of that racism.”

Pastor Troy

Pastor Troy has used the confederate flag at times throughout his career including the album cover for his DSGB compilation.

Kid Rock

While Kid Rock is not technically a rapper, he made his claim to fame as the rocker who rhymed. He has waved the confederate flag at his performances. Rock went onto the defend the flag by saying “to me it just represents pride in southern rock’ n’ roll, plus it just looks cool.”

MJG

MJG of 8 Ball & MJG had the flag being burned on the cover of his No More Glory solo album, but on the rear cover it was used as a blindfold.

Lil Jon

Lil John & The East Side Boyz proudly rocked the confederate flag on promotional material and during videos.

Andre 3000

Let’s not forget Andre 3000 wore a confederate flag belt buckle for the “Ms. Jackson” video.