West Coast rapper YG has become known for his unapologetically bold lyrics and strong political views. He fronts controversies, especially those that involve his political stand against Donald Trump. This follows the release of his new music, clearly trying to tip off his political view. The rapper, who initially rose to prominence with his 2016 protest song “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)” with the late Nipsey Hussle, again confirmed his feelings on the former president after paparazzi asked him if he felt any different about the ousted commander-in-chief now than he did when he released the song.
Paparazzi asks YG if it’s still F.D.T after dropping his song about Donald Trump PIC.TWITTER.COM/PYJCHTE1WB
— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) AUGUST 27, 2024
During a candid encounter, YG was approached by paparazzi interested in knowing if his stance towards Trump had mellowed, probably from the fatigue caused by many years of incessant political and social activism. He quickly let them know that his position had not changed at all. “It’s still [fuck Donald Trump,]” he said, reiterating the same fiery tone that had inspired the creation of “FDT.”
YG first made waves with his 2016 anthem, “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump),” a direct protest against Trump’s rhetoric and policies. The song, featuring Nipsey Hussle, resonated with many listeners, some of whom found themselves in the crosshairs of Trump’s administration.
Recently, Adin Ross streamed with YG and asked him if he still perceived Trump as he did in “FDT.” His simple, to say the least, honest answer was, “I think it’s still [fuck Donald Trump].” As one can see, his sentiments remain unchanged.
In discussing the making of “FDT,” YG revealed that the song was created from the necessity to speak out about what was being witnessed in society. He wanted to urge the youth to participate in politics, especially to come out and vote. “It was important for me to speak out against leaders who promote divisive and harmful agendas,” he explained. YG believes that artists must realize their power and obligation to make a difference in this political climate.
But YG‘s loud stance was not free of repercussions. Shortly after “FDT” was released, the Secret Service contacted his label in response to the song’s inflammatory lyrics. They threatened to pull the album off the shelves unless some of the lines were censored. The pressure was more than he could bear, and he finally succumbed to cutting the lines in question for the sake of the release, maintaining the message in the end.
YG scored a major moment of truth when he squared up to the Secret Service over the morning of Mayhem. Later, in an interview, he recounted the episode with the statement: “We had to do that to get it clear to go on the album.” Censorship, a form of compromise, was proved by YG as one of his lyrics’ most powerful words and influential artworks.
But YG continues to hit the stage with more renditions of “FDT,” each performance more defiant and aggressive in the message, demanding in no uncertain terms that the fight against the divisive leadership is far from over. His message remains consistent throughout, despite what the consequences may be in return—that is loyalty to creating change through music. For YG, speaking out wasn’t just a political opinion but a way to stand up for the communities most affected by his policies.
As he continues to release new music, YG expands his already large core of followers, not stopping his mouth from putting out political messages throughout his career in this now-captive audience. The commitment to taking a strong stance on Trump reflects a larger commitment to use his platform to move toward change—it is clear that, for YG at least, the battle against injustice is far from over.
The paparazzi are not asking what Trump does at day’s end but what YG does in his actions, using his music for change. As long as the conditions that inspired “FDT” persist, YG’s message will continue to resonate, whether on the stage or off it.
