Washington D.C.-based rapper Wale caused some controversy almost two weeks ago after canceling his performance at D.C. Black Pride. At that time, the singer's agent told organizers the rapper would not be "comfortable" at a gay event. On Sunday, Wale made a guest appearance at D.C.'s Black Pride to dispel any notion that he is homophobic. The performance was free, reports MetroWeekly.
The 25-year-old rapper, best known for his track ''Chillin''' featuring Lady Gaga, told Metro Weekly's Ebone Bell: "For anybody to think that my music is prejudice against any orientation...or lifestyle [is] absurd to me and I just had to clear it up."
The decision was announced on Friday. According to Earl Fowlkes, the D.C. Black Pride board member and spokesperson, Wale's team reached out and said the rapper wanted to make amends with the black LGBT community, reports MetroWeekly. "According to Fowlkes, Wale's contract with Black Pride originally would have netted the artist $18,000 for a 45-minute set. Wale will now appear for free as a guest artist, alongside J. Holiday, who stepped in as headliner after Wale backed out."
Very impressive, imo.
Watch Wale's announcement and interview, as well as his performance of "Chillin'" AFTER THE JUMP ...
That's cool. That was very big of him to come out and peform
Posted by: The Truth | 02 June 2010 at 11:03
Everyone deserves a second chance, especially when it's someone represented by others who may not always accurately communicate an artist's wishes. This was a stand-up guy decision to perform for free to make amends, and to make the statements in the announcement and interview. Hopefully more artists will get with the program.
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 02 June 2010 at 11:36
I like it, go Wale!
Posted by: FQ | 02 June 2010 at 11:39
I respect him for that. Good for you, Wale. (It would be nice to hear from all the folks who previously condemned him.)
Posted by: soulbrotha | 02 June 2010 at 11:45
Two thumbs up for Wale!
Posted by: seanndc | 02 June 2010 at 11:45
@ Soulbrotha, I was one of those who condemned him and I have to admit that this was a very stand up thing to do. I have total respect for him and I'm not afraid to admit that. Big up to Wale!
Posted by: Trey | 02 June 2010 at 12:08
That's my boy!
Posted by: Nic | 02 June 2010 at 13:34
alright i'll support wale now. good job
Posted by: jacob | 02 June 2010 at 15:27
I'd still like to know the reason his appearance was canceled in the first place.
Posted by: KP | 02 June 2010 at 15:30
that was big of him. and like J Holiday, Wale should be supported by the gay community for his actions.
Posted by: ff | 02 June 2010 at 15:43
What a grown man way of handling this issue. HE SHOWED UP!
How brilliantly effective.
RUMORS SQUASHED! I am proud of this brother and I'm going to order his cd NOW!
BRAVO!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 02 June 2010 at 16:09
Goes to prove things are not always what they seem.
Posted by: Justsoukno | 02 June 2010 at 16:54
You have to learn, and learn fast, where the $$ comes from.
Posted by: CC | 02 June 2010 at 17:09
He gets major props. Very impressive.
Posted by: FREELEO | 02 June 2010 at 20:22
I'm glad he manned up, apologized, and performed free of charge. That was a great thing to do; it's obviously his management that was the problem.
Posted by: MW09 | 02 June 2010 at 21:15
I still don't know who the hell he is ,but I'm just an old bish so who cares?
But anyway, I'm glad he found his Backbone and did the right thing. But on the other hand, $18,000 bucks for 45 minutes would change my mind too.
So I will not give him that much credit. He should've done the set for free given his Bullsh!t.
Posted by: Black Pegasus | 03 June 2010 at 14:46
@ Black Pegasus: Wale did perform for free. Please re-read. -RM
Posted by: Rod Mc | 03 June 2010 at 14:52
Oh my goodness! Sorry Rod, you're correct!
I read that $18,ooo part earlier and
completely lost my mind LOL..
Good for Wale! Credit given where
Credit is due!
Posted by: Black Pegasus | 03 June 2010 at 18:21
brought tears to my eyes. my last bf was so internally homophobic because he is gay/bi and thinks he can't be hip hop if he is known to be gay in hip hop. This is a huge step in the right direction. Doesnt' matter who it is. Fans are fans.
Posted by: JackEbrown | 04 June 2010 at 20:42
What a great bit of news.
Posted by: SG | 04 June 2010 at 23:23