The national conversation around Kanye West’s support of Donald Trump took a wild turn on Wednesday (April 25), when Chance The Rapper tweeted that West was “in a great space,” also adding, “black people don’t have to be democrats.”
While some fans took his comments as support of his longtime friend and collaborator, not of the president, Donald Trump interpreted the tweets as full-on endorsements. “Kanye West has performed a great service to the Black Community,” Trump tweeted. “Thank you also to Chance and Dr. Darrell Scott, they really get it.”
Chance’s response? “Nah that ain’t it yo.”
Chance further clarified his feelings on Friday with a lengthy Twitter statement, disavowing Trump and admitting that his previous comments were “poorly timed” and “a deflection from the real conversation.”
“I’d never support anyone who made a career out of hatred, racism and discrimination,” Chance wrote. “I’d never support someone who’d talk about Chicago as if it’s hell on earth and then take steps to make life harder here for the most disenfranchised among us. I understand why people are disappointed with my words, but I was raised to believe actions speak louder than words. So let my apology be seen in my future works, and let me make up for my poorly timed comments with immediate action and advocacy for those who need it most.”
Chance stated that Kanye West isn’t just a “mentor” or “big homie,” but “family.” “I didn’t speak up because I agree with what Kanye had to say or cause I fuck with Trump, I did it because I wanted to help my friend and cause I felt like I was being used to attack him.” He ended the statement by admitting that it’s not his job “to defend or protect [West]. It’s my job to pick up the phone and talk to him about it.”
See Chance’s full apology tweet below.