Grammy winner Chance the Rapper came to Kanye West’s defense on Twitter Wednesday after the controversial rapper and producer received backlash for voicing his support of conservative commentator Candace Owens and President Donald Trump.
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Black people don’t have to be democrats.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 25, 2018
“Black people don’t have to be democrats,” Chance tweeted, presumably in reference to Kanye and Owens, who are both black.
It all began Saturday when West praised Owens, a major Trump supporter, on Twitter:
I love the way Candace Owens thinks
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 21, 2018
I’m freaking out. @kanyewest ….please take a meeting with me. I tell every single person that everything that I have been inspired to do, was written in your music.
I am my own biggest fan, because you made it okay. I need you to help wake up the black community. https://t.co/Uz1nB9K0Oz— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) April 21, 2018
When a mob of social media users attacked West for his comments, the “Life of Pablo” artist only amplified his stance, professing his “love” for Trump and their shared “dragon energy.”
You don't have to agree with trump but the mob can't make me not love him. We are both dragon energy. He is my brother. I love everyone. I don't agree with everything anyone does. That's what makes us individuals. And we have the right to independent thought.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 25, 2018
Kanye clarified that he considers himself to be neither a Democrat nor a Republican, but that he simply admires free thinkers who stand up to an increasingly close-minded media machine.
If your friend jumps off the bridge you don't have to do the same. Ye being Ye is a fight for you to be you. For people In my life the idea of Trump is pretty much a 50 50 split but I don't tell a Hillary supporter not to support Hillary
I love Hillary too.— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 25, 2018
I love when people have their own ideas. You don't have to be allowed anymore. Just be.
Love who you want to love. That's free thought. I'm not even political. I'm not a democrat or a republican
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 25, 2018
He also stressed the importance of having love and respect for those with whom we may disagree:
no race religion region or political party can argue with the power of love
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) April 25, 2018
Many dismissed West for being an eccentric and egotistical troll, with some even calling his mental health into question, but Chance’s comments prove that there are other (perhaps more widely respected) artists in the industry who agree with him.
Next President gon be independent
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 25, 2018
“Next President gon be independent,” he added Wednesday.
Owens appreciated the show of support:
OMG! Another big star who is smart to understand the very simple concept of FREE THINKING.
Thank you @chancetherapper for this tweet.Everyone please RT to show the world that blacks are NOT a monolith. https://t.co/lPENMTsQjo
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) April 25, 2018