Black Media Vs. White Media

At the 2024 BET Awards held last week, Drake was nominated for seven awards. However, this achievement was overshadowed by his ongoing conflict with Kendrick Lamar. 

Social media was abuzz with users showing support for either rapper, engaging in lyrical breakdowns, interpretations, and hyping specific lines through their reactions.

Clarification:

The reception of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud varies significantly between Black media and mainstream (or white) media. Black media typically refers to outlets that are either Black-owned or oriented towards a Black audience. For instance, Black Enterprise and theGrio are Black-owned, while BET, though owned by Paramount, caters specifically to a Black audience. In contrast, mainstream media like Rolling Stone, XXL, and Complex cover hip-hop but do not target a Black audience specifically.

Black Media Perspective:

Black Enterprise examined the business and media dimensions of the feud, focusing on how Drake and Kendrick engage with content creators. This aligns with the outlet's emphasis on business in the Black community, maintaining a neutral stance.

theGrio and BET provided comprehensive coverage, blending factual reporting, cultural analysis, and opinion pieces. Their detailed timelines and lyrical examinations catered to a hip-hop-savvy audience, reflecting the broader cultural implications of the feud.

White Media Perspective:

Rolling Stone's coverage sparked controversy by prematurely declaring Kendrick Lamar the winner of the rap battle, a stance viewed by some as biased or influenced by corporate interests, given its ties to Eldridge Industries.

Complex has extensively documented Drake and Kendrick's rivalry since 2011, focusing on each development and including reactions from celebrities like Keke Palmer and LeBron James. The outlet reports without favoring either side but emphasizes the entertainment aspect.

XXL, although deeply connected to hip-hop culture, also took an exhaustive approach. Editorial director Georgette Cline described the coverage as both anxiety-inducing and exhilarating, highlighting XXL's dedication to documenting the culture. The magazine provided detailed analyses, historical context, and diverse opinions from various cultural figures.

Comparison & Conclusion:

While there is overlap in coverage, Black media tends to approach the feud with a more nuanced perspective, considering its broader cultural impact on their readers and the subjects involved. They delve into the cultural and community relevance of the feud. In contrast, white media often prioritizes the entertainment value, focusing on engagement and drama rather than deeper cultural implications.

by Christian Spencer, Special to the Stylists Suite