White Rapper Yelawolf Speaks Out About Hip-Hop Racism, “Somebody Isn’t Going To Like Me Because I’m A White Boy On Stage”

Written By S. Samuel

Rap newcomer Yelawolf recently talked about battling hip-hop stereotypes and dealing with doubters as a white emcee on the come-up.

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Yela said preparing for critics, he still faces racial barriers on a daily basis.

“I still face it at every show, dog. There’s always somebody. It never fails, never. Until I’m selling out my own shows and I’m going to be demo-ing for somebody. And somebody is not going to like me because I’m a white boy on stage rapping and I look different. That’s something I will experience until everybody that came through the door came to see just me. I’m used to it though, when you’re traveling with groups, you just have to be prepared to deal with it. Do your best to snap and walk off the stage holding your nuts. Always! That’s how you got to be. I grew up in Alabama so I’ve heard and seen it all. Knowing your talent is probably one of the keys to be successful.” (VIBE)

Recently, Yela said he felt it would take years before white rappers could be treated equally.

“Years and years of great white artists. It’s going to take more classics from white artists that make international impacts,” Yela said about clearing out discrimination. “I mean Rock n’ Roll is black music, but there were plenty talented white Rock n’ Roll that just kind of made that line disappear. It’s going to take decades. It won’t happen in my lifetime. The odds are just slim for a white artist in Hip-Hop. This is a black culture… it’s just something you have to respect and appreciate. Have to be thankful that you’re able to do it. Do what you do and love what you do. You have to be passionate about what you do and let it live.” (All Hip Hop)

Last April, Paul Wall explained why he cannot be compared with fellow white rapper Eminem.

“Everybody raised me to believe I was a kid and an individual. So me being White or any other characteristic didn’t define who I was,” he explained in an interview. “So I didn’t carry myself as a White person. I am who I am. I also think I’m wise enough to know you can’t compare me to Eminem due to his success andstyle. Also my sound was different. Coming from Texas there’s a large Mexican and Jamaican population so it’s multiracial. So my fan base is extremely multiracial so that has something to do with it, too.” (XXL Mag)

The rapper recently confirmed inking a deal with Interscope Records.

“I’ve probably been through every label in the past couple of years,” laughs YelaWolf. “I don’t think we missed any. But after SXSW, it just got really heated, you know? Prior to that we had taken a few meetings, but we decided to just hold out and go knock it out there, see where it took us…I think it’s completely fair, especially now that I’m at Interscope [to be compared to Eminem.] There’s only been one internationally successful white rapper, so it’s human nature. Obviously I don’t know him as a person yet, but based on his lyrics and the music that he’s put out, there’s definitely a common ground of troubles. I’m absolutely up for it. I would love to work with Em. I’m a fan, so I’m definitely going to pitch it. I gotta take advantage of where I’m at.” (Billboard)

Check out a recent Yelawolf interview below:

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Written by S. Samuel

Steven Samuel is the co-founder of SOHH.com.

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