WOMANISM

Last summer, Megan Thee Stallion named Tory Lanez as the man responsible for shooting her. Shooting an unarmed Black woman who was “trying to leave the vehicle” is shameful. However, what’s even more disturbing than this one-off incident is how Black men responded to it.

I can already hear the “not all Black men” roaring in the background. So, yes, let’s go there. Rick Ross provided a perfect example of what that support looks like. For some, calling Lanez out may have broken the bro code, but I’m glad Ross didn’t buy into that. As reported in Billboard:

“Tory Lanez, poor decision brother,” Ross said on his Instagram Stories. “Dropping that project… Just outta respect for Breonna Taylor, bruh, we gotta respect these sisters. That ain’t how you address the accusations you facing. That was a poor choice, homie. You ain’t getting no money with that shit.”

The problem is not that Black men don’t support Black women at all. Instead, it’s the inconsistencies in that support that prove problematic. While Lanez bragged about attending a rally to support Breonna Taylor, it means nothing when you treat the Black women you know poorly. And the same goes for all those Black men who wanted to say things like “We love our women,” “Support Black women,” “Listen to Black women”—until it's actually time to show support. At this point, it’s time for Black men to put up or shut up.

Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby had a very productive working relationship. The two rappers proved the strength of their union with successful collaborations such as “Cash Shit,” “Nasty,” and “Cry Baby.” But all that changed when he decided to drop a track with Lanez, the man accused of shooting her. He acted like it wasn’t personal — just strictly business. The hip-hop community has a bad track record for treating Black women as an afterthought. This is just one more notch on hip-hop’s bedpost.

Last year, DaBaby practically used Megan Thee Stallion to grow his support. But I guess he got what he wanted because he’s moved on. For him and many Black men who support Lanez, money is more important than respecting Black women. Then, to add insult to injury, he said he supported her in private.

And this isn't just a one-off. This is the same hip-hop industry that embraced Chris Brown back into the fold after brutally attacking his former girlfriend, Rihanna. When Black men support these artists, they send a powerful message — Black women don’t matter much, at least not more than the all mighty dollar bill. The scenario would be sad if it weren’t so offensive.

When Black women suffer abuse from Black men, some people jump on the excuse train. However, no one can justify using violence against an unarmed woman. One fan tweeted, “she gave you hits” while one Black man tweeted, “business is business.” Lanez is out here feeling supported by a good chunk of Black men.

Too many people are arguing that it was okay for DaBaby to make a song with Lanez because he would make money. However, values matter in business, and if shooting unarmed women are marketable amongst Black men, how can we come together?