Yelawolf Lashes Out Against Burning Of Confederate Flag & Cites Others in Hip-Hop Who’ve Worn It
Throughout his career, Yelawolf has celebrated his Southern roots. The Gadsden, Alabama MC/singer made songs that embraced his heritage in patriotism, such as “Made In The U.S.A.” and “Back To Bama.” The Shady/Ghet-O-Vision/Interscope Records artist has never been above embracing less than glamorous lifestyle qualities, heard in “Slumerican Shitizen.” On that southern symphony, Killer Mike rapped, “See what you suckas don’t understand is / This ain’t even about race / This is about who got it and who ain’t got it / So if I’m on the bottom / And you on the bottom / We’re the same color / Dirt Fuckin’ Poor!”
Last night (August 24), Yelawolf went to Instagram to champion his Southern pride, and defended the controversial criticism of the Confederate Army Flag. “You media succubus in fashion and news are taking full advantage of yourself’s [sic] business .. Not knowing at all the damage you’re creating by giving a false impression of who we are in the South .. We’re GOOD PEOPLE !!! .. We love our small towns and we love our folks,” wrote Yela’.
Referring to the Confederacy as “Dixie,” Yelawolf added that he felt solidarity in the past through seeing the Civil War flag symbol being donned by the likes of Andre 3000, Big Gipp, Pastor Troy, and Lil Jon. The MC pointed out that these are “Black artists” who are honoring “the Dixie.” He continued an attack on media, and presumably liberal thought. “Here we have these fucking yuppies from the west coast and world wide jumping on this band wagon .. Who know NOTHING ABOUT US .. Other than the movies and misrepresented news reels they see .. Lied too at school and at home .. Further deepening the injury of social perception .. With this wack ass image of a burning Dixie Flag …. Fuck that !! … Well I can tell you that a #slumerican will never support you .. We’re beyond you all .. More open and way more prepared than you are.”
Yelawolf’s collaborator, Kid Rock, another artist who has made Rap music, also defended the Confederate Flag, which he has previously toured with, and brandished on guitars and his own “General Lee” Dodge Charger, themed after “Dukes Of Hazard.”
Meanwhile, Stalley, a Maybach Music Group artist from Massillon, Ohio, has previously promoted the burning of the same flag that Yelawolf is seemingly celebrating.
Earlier this summer, “The Nightly Show” host Larry Wilmore provided context on the flag/symbol’s violent history, including its adoption by Neo-Nazis abroad, and its re-placement on the South Carolina Capitol Building in the early 1960s, during what is now known as the Civil Rights Movement. The flag came down earlier this year, sparking much of this ongoing debate.
Yelawolf’s Instagram post is below. Most curiously, the social media share comes after the artist removed images containing the symbol in 2014.
What do you think? Southern pride, or an ugly reminder to slavery, hate, and a torn apart nation?