Several days ago, People Magazine got a confirmation that Kanye West will not be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration. I guess some people were wondering if he would because Kanye claimed, post-election, that he would have voted for Trump… had he voted at all. Then Kanye went to visit Emperor Baby Fists at Trump Tower, leading to this profoundly disturbing photo-op. People Mag’s source claimed that Trump’s people “didn’t even ask” Kanye to perform. But why not? As it turns out, Baby Fists and his enablers didn’t think Kanye West was American enough to perform at Baby Fists’ inaugural.
Among all of the intrigue surrounding the talent set for Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities, one name has been conspicuously absent: Kanye West. Indeed, given his photo op with the president-elect and his admission that Trump had his vote in his heart, West might be considered one of Trump’s most vocal famous supporters. So why isn’t West booked for an inauguration gig? According to Tom Barrack, the chairman of the Presidential Inauguration Committee, he was never asked because the inauguration isn’t a fitting “venue” for West.
Talking to Erin Burnett on CNN, Barrack said, “He’s been great, he considers himself a friend of the president-elect, but it’s not the venue.” He continued to imply that West is not the right type of entertainment for the “typically and traditionally American” event, saying, “It’s going to be typically and traditionally American, and Kanye is a great guy, we just haven’t asked him to perform. And we move on with our agenda.” Sure, sure, all things Americana. That explains how lord of the Irish riverdance Michael Flatley got booked, sure.
This is part and parcel of Emperor Baby Fists’ inherent racism. It wasn’t just Barack Obama: Trump doesn’t believe African-Americans are Americans. He thinks they’re “others.” He believes they all need to show their papers. He believes that every black person lives in a hellhole and has nothing left to lose.
Now, all that being said… of course Kanye would have been a terrible inaugural act. But it has nothing to do with his American-ness or lack thereof. I would argue that Kanye is super-American, almost Peak America. Which is why he should have been invited to perform “Black Skinheads” at Trump’s inauguration.
Damn @kanyewest couldn't even get to perform at this friend @realDonaldTrump's inauguration b/c the event is "Traditionally American". pic.twitter.com/wu3EezncR2
— Unstripped Voice (@UnstrippedVoice) January 18, 2017
Photos courtesy of Getty.
but of course. that’s why it’s absolutely mental that kanye would side with him, like everyone knows trump is racist.
I am not sure if it is racist or the fact that Kanye didn’t vote at all was considered by Trump’s camp as Anti American.
Not in anyway a Trump supporter but I am sure that is one of the reasons he wasn’t even asked.
Along with the fact that Kanye can’t be trusted to not say whatever comes to his mind and Trump doesn’t like Rap Music.
And this is the type of mental gymnastics that gave rise to Trumpism: he isn’t making fun of the handicapped, he’s just shaking his fist in a certain way; he isn’t homophobic, he just wants to roll back LGBT rights; he isn’t racist, he just really didn’t believe the president was born here; he isn’t racist at all, his organizer just said a black artist wouldn’t appeal to the audience at a “all American” event.
If that were the case, they could have said so. “Typically and traditionally American” sounds like something you see in a 50s sitcom. So white and, if a woman, traditional enough. I presume that a black performer who is also adored by “old” whites could have come too.
@Denisemich – To your point: “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people,”, anyone??? Ha!
Now I’m kinda sad Kanye’s not performing…
There is only room for one narssacistic loose cannon at the inauguration.
Google lawsuit against trump for discriminating against African Americans who wanted to rent at his property. He lost the case. Also Google Washington park 5 and Donald trump. This man has a long history of racism against African Americans from the early days. Honestly kanye is such a dumbass for getting roped in and doing that photo op with him. This man doesn’t want to be associated with him at all. He used him to divert from whatever shady business deals or unconstitutional shot he didn’t want people to focus on at the time.
“Along with the fact that Kanye can’t be trusted to not say whatever comes to his mind” >>>>> HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Omg. THIS IS TRUMP HIMSELF. Have you not read his Twitter? Or watched a press conference? Maybe an interview?
“Let it be an arms race.” Anyone? Anyone?
This can’t possibly be a valid excuse. Kanye is honest and says what’s on his mind. This should not bother anyone in Trump’s came. Hell, from what I understand it’s a selling point these days.
@NastyWoman Yep, that about nails it. Anyone that continues to twist themselves into pretzels to avoid acknowledging what is blatantly, clearly and obviously true about our current (gag) President — that he is, unequivocally and proudly, a racist, misogynist, xenophobic bigot — is no better than he is. Being called a racist, is not “just as bad” as being one, and calling a thing what it is, is not an insult or beyond the pale; it’s simply factual. And, yes, the Orange Ego does not really “do” facts, but that doesn’t meant they cease to exist, despite all his wishing.
Look, Kayne is a giant douchebag, but in terms of “typically American” well, I don’t know a ton about West’s family history, but the Drumpf’s are recent German immigrants, and continue to import their wives (Donald’s mother and grandmother were foreign-born) so, by that measure, Kayne is a heckuva lot more “American” than Trump.
Well said, S.
Bravo.
I told my neighbor as much one day. He was being teased that his family were descendents of slavery in the South. I told him ask the racist kid who said that to you , where his family came from and when. He said the kid teasing him said his family came from Italy in the 1940’s.
I said ok, well tell him , your family has been in the US since possibly the 1600’s to the 1800’s, so you are definitely American and have been in the US longer than his.
Kanye thinking Trump would be his pal is sad.
Isn’t Kanye’s father in law going? So disappointed. Sad.
Kayne’s father-in-law is deceased. His FORMER stepfather-in-law is supposedly attending, but not as a guest of Donald Trump’s. She was invited by a self-styled “conservative LGBTQ organization,” as their guest, according to what I’ve read.
… And that I know this much about the WesKardashiJenners is incredibly, incredibly depressing.
“There is only room for one narcissistic loose cannon at the inauguration.” Megan wins ALL the prizes. Bwah.
That said, this is what all POC Trump supporters can expect from him: to be shown the door ASAP as soon as he’s through with them. He’s only “friendly” to non-white people as long as he can exploit the “friendship.” Anyone who thinks otherwise is sadly delusional.
Wow just when you thought they couldn’t get even more blatant with their comments. Well I think Kanye wasn’t invited because he might get into some rants and turn it into an even bigger spectacle.
+1
+1 I would have given them the benefit of the doubt in this case, but not now!!
Could you image if Kanye had the attention of the whole world at the same time? His rants and ego would completely overshadow the supposedly sacred Inauguration. The Giant Orange Cheeto would never allow that. Especially not from someone Not American Enough or Not White Enough. SMDH
This is what I’m thinking.
More ‘loose cannon’ less ‘un-American’. I wouldn’t trust Kanye to have an audience at a grocery store, let alone the nation. (Or whichever part tunes in). 😉
Sad!
Right?! Jesus f*cking Christ. I know I’m using strong language today but I just can’t deal. If this isn’t the most blatantly offensive sh!t I’ve ever heard…
Honestly. I’m sorry if this is too dramatic. But I feel like this is a step away from “We don’t have a bathroom for YOU here.”
The racist base who voted for him basically want WHITE ONLY
. Something they won’t say right out, but always using code words.
Yep. For now they are still using code words. For now…
I agree, Shambles. I’m kind of in shock. “It’s not the venue…It’s going to be typically and traditionally American, and Kanye is a great guy, we just haven’t asked him to perform. And we move on with our agenda.” WHAT THE HELL??????
This venue will be typically and traditionally American, so Kanye wouldn’t be an appropriate act. Why? How is Kanye an atypical American? Or maybe the question is, what is a typical American? Well, what characteristics do the acts who were invited share?
OMG!! I AGREE. How is this shit not front and center?!? That is the most blatantly racist shit I have seen.
@loopy exactly.There’s going to be mostly just protesters there. I wish I could be there to join in! If Kanye starts an egotistical rant, it’ll just piss people of even more
Hmmm… Dueling Narcissists, maybe?
I’m glad he wasn’t asked because I would have been livid if he’d said yes. And as a dark-skinned (Afro-Latina) American I would have hated his presence legitimizing baby fists.
Glad we can just avoid the issue…there’s enough to be upset about as is.
I’m glad he didn’t get invited because this just shows that Trump never gave a flying shyt about him. He paraded him around like “his” black person to show how not a racist he was, but he doesn’t want him around “all American” people.
I’m glad he wasnt asked plus that this f*ck face declared his music not Amrican enough on national TV. It confirms to Kanye, Steve Harvey and company what we tried to tell them.- That they are the modern day equivalent of the house slave who sold out his breathren for a seat in the big house only to find that “massa” would never ever eat with him much less let him sit in his presence. Its a great lesson for future sell outs.
I’m so mad Chrissette Michelle is singing for this POS.
Oh no! Chrisette?? I know shes disappointed that her circa 2012 mainstream moment didn’t pan out but really? Must be for the check.
I am not buying any Chrisette Michelle albums anymore. As an avid fan of hers and I absolutely love her voice and songs, I do not want to listen or see her songs ever on the radio or television because she signed on to sing for Dictator “Boss Baby”.
Kiki – Same here. No more Chrisette for me.
Last year Chrisette attended a same sex wedding.One of the grooms reposted the pic with Her with an large “x” covering her face and body.I wounder if she knows Pence ordered gay couples arrested if they tried to apply for a marriage licence, a few years ago.Pence will be one heartbeat away from being President.
Serves Kanye right. Trump doesn’t want to alienate his fellow racists with someone who will remind them of Obama. Obama, the President, who dared to use Jay Z’s lyrics in his State of Union address or admit that (the horrors!) he liked rap. When Michelle Obama tried to call Trump out on his pussy grabbing antics, white supremacists retorted that she shouldn’t talk because she listened to rap. Maybe that was why Kanye went to the dark side because his former friend, Jay Z, supported Hillary.
Perfectly stated, Ramona. There’s a reason all of Trump’s cabinet picks (save the idiot token Carson) and his White House staff are white. He really can’t abide people of color around him.
Woaw… Kanye won’t like that!
”Typically and traditionally American” want does it even mean..?
It means Kid Rock and Ted Nugent. Or, y’know, white.
It means white.
White And whiter?
A straight white male.
Someone like Taylor Swift – white, “non-threatening,” and “classy” (for the latter, applies only if female)
Give me a Taylor Swift/Kanye West/John Mayer together !!
Hmmmmm … typically American? West not American like Obama not American in Trump’s world? The truth of how Trump’s team feels accidentally slips out from time to time.
It’s not accidental. It’s deliberate double speak. I am as appalled as you are, of course, but just understand – the message/racism is knowlingly being communicated.
Mimi, I see your point. That double-speak thing was going on throughout Trump’s campaign and I guess it’s not about to stop now.
Honest question – Is there more than one “Mimi”?
Yes, it is very deliberate, disgusting, and frightening!
You know what else isn’t ‘typically American’, Donald? Your hateful shit and your measure for what makes one American.
This pisses me off so much.
But I’m glad they didn’t try to hide their racism behind false concerns for his health or him walking out during concerts.
Read somewhere that the Beach Boys were considering performing at the inauguration.
As if Trump and his supporters would let Kanye’s black a** anywhere near the inauguration stage……….. which is why it’s so infuriating that he did that photo-op with Trump.
Of course Kanye’s not American enough to perform there … Unlike Trump’s totally American wife.
Mean(totally normal) spirit!
And his totally American first wife and his totally American mother.
So It commences, the litmus tests as to who is real American… anywhoo I Hope the White Adjacency thing is going well for Ye’ he’s gonna need it where we’re going
This is getting scary. The media really needs to start calling them on stuff like this. The reporter should have asked him what he meant by “typically and traditionally American”.
Exactly!
THANK YOU! How did Erin not retort back with “Is Hip Hop Not an American, truly American ass Art Form?? Or???!??!?!??”
Wow. Just wow.
Translation: “This event is for white Americans. It’s going to be very very white” 🙄🙄
It is not a surprise
I just wish some Native American groups would come out and say we’re not here for any of this Fake American b.s. – european white ethnocentrics, go home to your native lands and let’s restore America to its natural, native roots.
Yeah, but at the same time can you imagine if the whole planet tried to culturally cleanse their land? That’s kind of counterproductive at this point, we can’t undo the past and also most of the people in the United States, white or otherwise were actually related to settlers who abused the native American people.
I mean what’s the point of trying to solve prejudice and hate with more prejudice and hate?
What I’m pointing out is the hypocrisy of the alt-right – which has as one of its central goals, the restoration of America to its native, and “traditional,” white ethno-centric roots. The alt-right speaks about taking Amurrica back to its foundation and I’m just saying, hello, the actual roots of the country was Native-American – not white europeans.
Aren’t there other black musicians preforming?
Yes’m. Sam Moore — asked and accepted. Marching band from Talladega College accepted. Jennifer Holliday was asked — but declined.
The pass on Kanye likely isn’t racism but a polite way of saying the obvious — he isn’t mentally healthy or emotionally dependable enough to be on stage without inappropriately high jacking the event.
I am disappointed
They(Trump and co) want celebrities to sing but refuse someone like West. Just imagine a duet Kanye West/Kid Rock for example.It was a great idea.It was even punk !!
These idiots don’t know to recognize an opportunity when they have one .
Serves Kanye Right he has proven himself to be a self loathing black male who worships and craves white acceptance at all costs. Note the gentleman said he (Kanye) ” considers himself a friend of Trump ” not that he IS a friend . When someone shows who they are believe then and Trump has repeatedly shown the world with his words and actions his disdain for so many people including black people . The Black celebs knowing this and still trying to cosy up to Trump and just be basically used for photo ops are on their own
I took it as code for “Kanye doesn’t have redneck appeal”. I guess that’s still racist but more of the calculating variety.
Plus the fact that he can go off at a rant at any time in any direction, or flake out completely, would make him an actual legitimate risk regardless.
In that last sentence, “he” refers to the President-Elect, right? ; )
HAHA
It is amazing that the guy who declared that George Moron Bush didn’t care about black people thinks Donald Trump – the champion of racists worldwide – does.
This^^
Damn, I was so looking forward to that Tony Orlando-Kanye West duet medley.
He didn’t get invited because it’s going to be an all-American, family type, old fashioned deal, not because he’s black. I love Kanye and am a longtime fan. but have you listened to his lyrics? It’s not exactly what you call family entertainment, especially his latest stuff. It’s pretty twisted. It’s not right for the theme, I mean, what would he sing — Power? Good Morning is probably his cheeriest song (and one of my faves) . . . here are some of the lyrics:
And yes, barely passed, any and every class
Looking at every ass
Cheated on every test
I guess this is my dissertation
Homie, this shit is basic
Welcome to graduation
Sound good for the Inauguration? Yea, sure.
What does all-American mean? I am not American and I have always been confused by this phrase. Would love a real definition because Yeezy is a Grammy nominated American artist who has sold millions of records. He is also religious and sang Jesus Walks which was a crossover song.
@Sirius, so you googled the lyrics and claim to be a Kanye fan?
No fan but he could do “Gold Digger”
That comment may be subterfuge for “he isn’t healthy enough” or “he isn’t predictable ” enough.
Both are true. Face it.
Wasnt Jennifer Halliday asked ? She declined but was asked, Then the marching band from black Talladega College — asked and accepted performing,
Not sure I buy the racism hypothesis for Kanye. The facts of asking other black performers refute that.
I think it’s the mental health “fitness for duty” question. And if I was planning the event I’d take a pass on him too.
Also — r&b singer Sam Moore is performing,
I hate that The Piano guys are performing for Trump. They say it’s not an endorsement of Trump and would play for either side. That it’s just the joy of music bringing people together. I can’t hate on them. They have enjoyed a success later in life, not expected, and I still love their stunning instrumental arrangements covering pop songs and their original music. Trump doesn’t deserve such beautiful music. Oh, well.
Okay. I went out of my blackout to click on The Piano Guys, to see how they did. They were kind of awful. I like the music I have of them, but live they did nothing for me performing for Trump. Meh. So he deserved them after all. LOL
…
Or maybe, just maybe, Kanye wasn’t asked because he’s an a$$hole. This is the same man who compared himself to Jesus. Just because he went to see Donald, that automatically means he should have been asked. Come on. Also, the comment about Trump being racist because he questioned Obama’s place of birth has nothing to do with be racist. It has to do with the fact an American president has to have been born in America. Had he been born somewhere outside the country, he would have been unable to be in office. I did not vote democratic or republican but some of this is just getting so far out of hand. And Streep can paint her face like Donald, but if another celeb painted theirs like Obama, holy hell. Stop being so butt hurt over everything until you see how things unfold.