Africans Have Proudly Accepted Trick Daddy'S Claim As A Non 'African American' - After Exploring His Relevance

American rapper Trick Daddy recently took to social media to publicly distance himself from any ties to Africa, rejecting the label of “African American.” He stated “I’m trying to figure out how ‘Afro’ get in front of my motherf**king race,” the 50-year-old rapper said in a video. “I ain’t never been to Afro-ca. I have never been to Africa. Afro or Africa. Never been there. I’m not from Africa.” His statement, based on his belief of having no personal connection to Africa, has fueled a heated debate among Black communities worldwide, especially as some African Americans grapple with questions of heritage and identity.

Trick Daddy explains why he doesn’t want to be called “African-American.” Do you think he has a point?🤔 🎥: @livebitez pic.twitter.com/otgQ1MmCO6

— VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) November 11, 2024

Despite not intending to offend, Trick Daddy’s comments surfaced during a time when the African American community is divided on identity terms like “African American,” “Black American,” and other descriptors. His stance quickly became a flashpoint online, with some people taking offense and others questioning the significance of his declaration. This back and forth gave relevance to his comments.
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Who is Trick Daddy, and Why the Uproar?

However, before we get offended by Trick Daddy’s not identifying as African let’s ask who he really is. Trick Daddy, born Maurice Young, rose to prominence as a Miami rapper known for sexually explicit and gritty lyrics. His music often delved into themes of crime, drugs, and violence, echoing a tough upbringing marked by run-ins with the law. Take a minute below to read the lyrics of his verse of his first nation wide hit titled ‘Nann Nigga’.

Ho, you don’t know nann nigga, uh-uh
That’ll represent like me
Who’ll say some shit like me
One who’ll lay the dick like me
Bitch, you don’t know nann nigga, uh-uh
Who do the shit that I do
Run through (sex) yo’ whole lil’ crew
Pay for it if I got to
Ho, you don’t know nann nigga, uh-uh
That’ll run off in yo’ house
Put the gun off in yo’ mouth
Blow yo’ motherfucking brains out
Bitch, you don’t know nann nigga, uh-uh
Who’ll fall off in the club
Free drinks for the show some love
Take the bar home for the thugs.

From Rap Sheet to Rap Sheet

At 15 years old, Young was arrested for drug and firearm possession. The day he was released, Young was arrested on an attempted-murder charge for shooting a man during a street fight. He was convicted and sent to prison at 20 years old. His brother was murdered the same year.

This is not what we should be scrounging for when we look for people to embrace their African identity! In fact this is Anti-African!

But it doesn’t end there! The last time Trick Daddy was relevant and made major headlines was when he spoke about he loves to eat from a woman anus during intercourse.

The Miami rap vet appeared on a recent episode of Drink Champs, and found his name all over Twitter after he elaborated on his infamous “Eat a Booty Gang.” And by the sound of it, he wants the gang to be inclusive.

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“It’s the Eat a Booty Gang, I’m building the franchise up now,” Trick shared in a longer version of the viral clip. “Now I’m getting the women to support the Eat a Booty Gang.”

With a background as controversial as his, many are questioning why anyone, especially in the Black community, should care about Trick Daddy’s stance on his heritage. Yet his statements have intensified debates on identity, leaving some African and African American followers to wonder if they should be concerned with his self-identification.

African Heritage: To Embrace or Distance? Should We Be Bothered?

At a time when African culture and heritage are gaining global attention through the popularity of Afrobeats, African fashion, and economic growth on the continent, such as the development of Ethiopia, Rwanda, the Sahel, & more, Why would we want to carry Trick Daddy along if he doesn’t wish to be?

Trick Daddy’s statement has led some to wonder if they should invest energy in debating his identity choice. After all, with Africa on the rise across multiple industries and a proud diaspora emerging, the question remains: why is it necessary to seek validation from anyone who choose to disassociate?

A Celebration of African Identity?

For those who celebrate African heritage, Trick Daddy’s statement may serve as a reminder the essential need to filter such individuals who have spent their lives promotion prostitution, drugs and murder from the positives of African culture and progress.

Rather than invest in proving heritage to those who choose to disconnect, perhaps the focus should remain on uniting and celebrating the billion-plus people who embrace their African roots with pride. Embracing one’s heritage is a personal choice, and the rise of African culture worldwide should be a source of pride and joy—not a debate over those who wish to opt out.