Azealia Banks, Diddy, and Nicki Minaj React to Eric Garner Decision
Just eight days after the Michael Brown non-indictment, a New York City grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in the death of Eric Garner, a black man who died after being placed in a chokehold by a white police officer.
People took to the streets in cities across the country to protest the decision, while the hip-hop community took to social media to voice its opinion. Diddy was overcome with emotion as he shared his thoughts on Instagram, while his girlfriend Cassie sent her condolences to the Garner family. John Legend was stunned, Questlove was ashamed, and Macklemore demanded that police be held accountable for their actions.
“It’s challenging to imagine how this could happen and be excused,” said the Seattle rapper, who marched for Mike Brown in Seattle.
Q-Tip took action by organizing a demonstration in Union Square, and B.o.B called for unity and change.
Never one to bite her tongue, Azealia Banks went on an impassioned rant about race and called out Iggy Azalea for remaining silent.
Read and see some of the reactions below.
Nicki Minaj: “This world just got so much scarier. RIP Eric Garner & God bless his family during this time of blatant & horrifying injustice.”
Cassie: “When will violence and injustice be met with peace and equality? My prayers condolences go out to Eric Garner’s family and friends. Another sad day in America.”
Diddy: “I can’t take it anymore! It’s Enough, and enough is enough! Honestly my emotions are all over the place. We as artists, myself included, all have to step up and be better leaders in our communities. It’s a hard burden to bear, but we have been chosen whether we like it or not. We need to do whatever we can in a POSITIVE way, to help unite people of all colors in this injustice! In order to be successful, it is very important that we have a well ORGANIZED, STRATEGIC plan. This is super important in order for us to make change!! REAL organization, REAL strategy and a TRUE commitment to not forget and move on like we usually do when the news stops reporting. This has to stop and we as a people are the only ones that can stop it. I truly do not have the right to preach, but I do have the right to speak.”
as much as these times we are in provoke division and hate… the time couldn't be better to UNITE and create TRUE change & equality
— B.o.B (@bobatl) December 3, 2014
I am stunned by the failure to indict Eric Garner's killer.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) December 3, 2014
I'm ashamed. Mostly because I'm no longer shocked at things now-a-days. Nothing is shocking. #EricGarner
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) December 3, 2014
I guess seeing ain't believing… Good luck w/those cop body cameras! That ain't gonna mean jack!
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) December 3, 2014
RIP Eric Garner and condolences to his family. We must start holding the police accountable for their… https://t.co/fbU6a7qi0a
— Macklemore (@macklemore) December 3, 2014
This is when i think about EVERY single black man i know and pray. This shit hurts deep deep down.
— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 3, 2014
its funny to see people Like Igloo Australia silent when these things happen… Black Culture is cool, but black issues sure aren't huh?
— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014
If you're down to ride with us bitch you gotta RIDE ALL THE WAY
— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014
And the media needs to STOP trying to move igloo in on what Nicki has established.
— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014
Nicki is a hard-working rap-BEAST. stop trying to degrade and BELITTLE Our culture with this fucking kkk iggy shit.
— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014