Public Enemy and Prophets of Rage frontman Chuck D gave Eminem props for earning his place in the culture and working with Black artists.
It started as a conversation about Elvis and many questionable choices in his career when his whiteness became his main asset. Chuck D, who not so long ago went on tour with Eminem and knows him better than many, wanted to make a specific point of how Eminem and Elvis are different.
As for Chuck D, Eminem was battling against his whiteness throughout his career and put a conscious effort into finding his place in the art form he masters. The legendary MC also noted that Marshall focused not only on his own career but elevated the Detroit scene, bringing to it the attention it deserved and consistently working with Black artists. However, continued Chuck D, the systemic racism is stronger than the efforts of one person and Eminem’s voice is often disregarded by his own fellow citizens.
In the series of tweets, Chuck D wrote:
In my response to the Elvis thread..somebody should ask @Eminem who’s been battling Elvisism all his career. That’s when whiteUSA just crowns you just because. He’s brought Detroit & has worked with many Blackfolk from there. Even when he defers White USA still will do what it do.
Ive seen the kid ( @Eminem ) at least make the effort where it was due. Artform and credit wise. However racism is bigger than he is and it’s pouring all over the place. I spend my time curating supporting many underfound & underground heroes. Mainly Black & worldwide but others
Ive seen the kid ( @Eminem ) at least make the effort where it was due. Artform and credit wise . However racism is bigger than he is and it’s pouring all over the place. I spend my time curating supporting many underfound & underground heroes. Mainly Black & worldwide but others
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) September 7, 2020
