Nicki Minaj Voting For Mitt Romney? Fans, Talib Kweli Weigh In
By Victoria McCarthy
Yesterday, what can only be described as a cosmic event took place over the twitterverse as fans and foes of Nicki Minaj doled out their 140 word opinions on the rappers supposed endorsement of Republican Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. Minaj, in her verse on Mercy from Lil Waynes Dedication 4 spit a line that caught the interwebs by storm: "I'm a Republican voting for Mitt Romney/You lazy bitches is fucking up the economy." Immediately following the tape's release many tweeters had biting remarks for the Trinidadian-born star.
"If you like Nicki Minaj and vote for Romney, YOU A STUPID HOE! YOU A- YOU A STUPID HOE!" tweeted @CoreyBreaux. "Nicki Minaj voting for Romney? LMAOOO I think those lace fronts are cutting off the blood flow to her brain" another user @LoveMayaJ tweeted.
Others took the opportunity to poke a little fun at Minaj.
"Somebody tell Nicki Minaj...im a Democrat...and im voting for Lil Kim" tweeted @PhillyDaBoss323. "Nicki Minaj endorsed @MittRomney in a new song. But she also mentions hanging out with zombies. So who knows?" added user @rubinafillion.
While many were in an uproar over Nickis raps fellow hip-hop artist Talib Kweli warned fans not to jump to any conclusions.
"Just heard a dude on Hot97 say he won't let his daughter listen to Nicki Minaj cuz she endorses Romney" tweeted Talib. "Really? That's what it took? lol" the rapper joked. "I doubt Nicki seriously supports Romney. Her lyrics ain't political. She just wants y'all to talk about her & she winning cuz it's working!"
Many fans chimed in agreeing with Talib on his suggestion that Nicki's bars were nothing more than just playful raps.
"Anyone who seriously thought Nicki Minaj endorsed Romney should quit writing and learn to understand basic humor tropes" tweeted @AmandaMarcotte.
Several publications also jumped to Minajs defense. As Spin.com points out, Nicki has simply joined a long tradition of rappers comparing themselves to Republicans and neo-cons noting Nas and Jay-Zs Black Republicans as a prime example. Furthermore, all those worried twitter fans out there have naught to worry about, according to Gawkers fact checking. The reality is even if Minaj were endorsing Romney in her verse; all evidence proves that the rapper is not (yet) registered to vote.
Minaj herself seems unaffected by the outcry of tweeters around the globe. The rapper has retweeted a number of fans comments regarding her verse in Mercy," all of which are stunningly positive and conspicuously missing mention of the Mitt-fiasco. She has yet to make a statement herself regarding Mercy, her political views, or fans reactions.