In an interview, Vlad and comedian DL Hughley discussed a recent comment made by Slim Thug, a rapper, suggesting that one should only be allowed to engage with music, and potentially other cultural products, from one’s own heritage.
Vlad found this argument nonsensical and mentioned that such narrow thinking could extend to Slim Thug owning stocks in companies or cars from non-Black manufacturers. Hughley emphasized that music transcends barriers and connects people, and art should be widely available for all to engage with. He questioned whether artists as Beyoncé would be as successful if their fan bases couldn’t go beyond their own racial group. Both rejected the idea of sticking to one’s own cultural lane, suggesting such thinking was tribal and limiting.
Vlad also discussed the controversial subjects surrounding music and cultural appropriation. He specifically referred to a video that surfaced of rapper Chris Brown hanging out with Kanye West in Saudi Arabia and the ensuing criticism. The rapper’s assertion that he was neither Jewish nor Muslim, but referred to himself as a blood, became a topic of amusement. The conversation moved on to the influences surrounding the upbringing and background of artists and their subsequent life choices.