Chance the Rapper Addresses Racism & LeBron James on 'The View'
On the morning of the 2017 NBA Finals, Chance the Rapper took to “The View” for an in-depth conversation on race in America. The discussion was a response to a racial slur being spray-painted on Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James’ Los Angeles home.
“It’s a common pattern in America’s history when people that look like me get to a certain point of success,” Chance explained. “LeBron James is, to me, the greatest of all time basketball player. People want to remind you how they view you as a second-class citizen. There’s not much you can do other than keep thriving.”
During the interview, Chance talked about his family’s long line of activism. He also reiterated his political trepidation, while saying that he wants to continue to help others. Part of that perspective comes from James’ influence, he said.
“His involvement with the [NBA] Player’s Association and his commitment to making sure that everything is fair for the players is what I idolize,” added Chance. “I want young artists to know that it’s very possible to have success in the music industry with your own guidance and your own team behind you.”
Yesterday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that they were investigating the incident at James’ Brentwood home as an act of vandalism and hate crime, according to ESPN. LeBron responded to the incident at a press conference.
“As I sit here on the eve of one of the greatest sporting events we have, race and what is going on comes again,” he said. “On my behalf, family’s behalf, I look at this as, if this sheds a light and continues to keep the conversation going on my behalf, then I’m okay with it. My family is safe, that’s most important.
“It just shows that racism will always be a part of the world, part of America,” he continued. “Hate in America, especially for African-Americans, is living every day. Even though it’s concealed most of the time, even though people hide their faces and will say things about you and when they see you, they’ll smile in your face, it’s alive every single day.”