Are Rappers More Involved in Politics Than Ever Before?
Another week, another episode of Hip-Hop Moments of Clarity, XXL's podcast dedicated to deciphering the trending stories in hip-hop. This week hosts talk about YG kicking a fan off stage, the projected first week-sales for Kanye West's new Jesus Is King album, Kodak Black, and the death of actor and comedian John Witherspoon.
For today's (Nov.1) episode, XXL's Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten, XXL's Executive Editor John Kennedy (a.k.a. JFK) and veteran hip-hop journalist Shaheem Reid hold down hosting duties. While this is the roster of hosts for this episode, the lineup can change from week to week.
The biggest news in hip-hop this week involved YG. He became a trending topic after he kicked a concert goer off stage after they refused to say "Fuck Trump." The White House responded to YG's actions by sarcastically calling this moment "another example of the tolerant left."
In other news hosts address, Kanye West debuted his gospel-influenced album, Jesus Is King last Friday (Oct. 25). Chart Data says the LP will sell between 225-275,000 copies in its first week and debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
Staying on the Kanye end of things, hosts also discussed 'Ye's comments during his appearance on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. At some point during the episode, Yeezy insinuated that God blessed him with a $68 million dollar tax return because of his new status as a Christian convert.
“He’s using me to show off,” said Kanye, who could be heading on tour soon. “Last year I made $115 million and still ended up $35 million in debt. This year I looked up and I just got $68 million returned to me on my tax returns.”
The death of famed comedian and actor John Witherspoon was also discussed on the podcast. With plenty of hip-hop luminaries jumping onto social media to speak on his untimely passing, it's clear his loss was felt.
For the rest of the podcast, hosts discuss a fight Kodak Black was purportedly involved in at the Miami Federal Detention Center this week. The fight led to one prison staff member being treated at a hospital.
Listen to XXL's Hip-Hop Moments of Clarity podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher. Check out the latest episode of the podcast on YouTube below.
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