Dr. Umar Johnson is weighing in on the backlash facing Nicki Minaj, and he says the moment caught him completely off guard.
Asked by DJ Vlad about Minaj’s recent political headlines, Johnson first praised her artistry, calling her “one of the most lyrically gifted female hip hop artists that we’ve had this century” and “a very talented musician.” But he said that watching her appear onstage at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, immediately changed the tone.
“When I saw her interview with Erika Kirk… it almost blew my mind,” he said, adding he was “not aware that she had joined the Donald Trump bandwagon.”
Johnson claimed he was stunned, telling Vlad her comments “left me flabbergasted.”
“Are you saying you don’t mind your children growing up in a society where they cannot be taught Black history or the true history of America because some people feel it offends the self-esteem of white children? And this is so hypocritical… look at how the self-esteem and self-worth of Black children has been and continues to be compromised for the benefit of the white child,” he said.
Despite his disappointment, he insisted he still wants better for her, calling the situation “absolutely insane” while calling for “corrective behavior.”
“This is absolutely insane to see such a talented, beautiful black woman build her career through black culture by way of the hip-hop movement, become a multi-millionaire… and then turn around and use the platform that was created through black culture in hip hop… to work against the progress of black people… It’s bothersome,” said Dr. Umar.
Joe Budden also called Minaj out for the appearance. The podcaster says he is “done” with Minaj and questions her current relevance in the culture.