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.
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Photos: Wikipedia, YouTube, Colorlines, Vibe
