Drake’s alleged diss of Megan Thee Stallion: a mainstream example of society failing Black women
As many know, Drake and 21 Savage released their collaborative album Her Loss on Nov. 4. This album includes their song “CircoLoco,” which has prompted backlash from fans, entertainment figures, and Megan Thee Stallion herself, for its alleged reference and invalidation of her shooting incident with Tory Lanez. Many interpreted the line, “This [explicit] lie ‘bout gettin’ shots but she still a stallion,” to be calling out Megan—claiming she lied about being shot by Lanez. Others claim it refers to women lying about getting cosmetic injections; regardless, the song has stirred up controversy and uplifted a toxic culture of invalidating Black women’s trauma.
From the public release of the shooting incident, many have swarmed to Lanez’ defense, with some fixating on the fact that Megan has denied having a sexual relationship with Lanez, claiming it’s obvious that they have, as Spencer Kornhaber notes in their article “For Drake, the Misogyny is the Message.” This highlights the prominent victim-blaming attitude society has towards Black women in particular, where if their trauma is even recognized in the first place, it is often followed by a weak excuse. Megan highlights a double standard when it comes to the rap industries’ activism, as she claims in her tweet, “Ready to boycott bout shoes and clothes but dog pile on a black woman when she say one of y’all homeboys abused her.” This is a reality that permeates society, leaving Black women vulnerable to abuse and violence, and having little safeguards to prevent such violence or provide proper care in its aftermath.
Many—notably white people who are in positions of privilege—are quick to skim over this situation, with the justification we constantly hear, “it’s not that deep,” though it is that deep. It’s important to recognize that the rhetoric following Megan’s incident and Drake’s song, is the basis for inequity and lack of protections, in systems of healthcare, justice, education, and the workplace. It’s simply easier for privileged people to stay comfortable and continue to enjoy the album without questioning and educating themselves on the injustices that lie within this situation. Noting this, I implore my white audience to do an honest reflection on how you have evaded situations of injustice to avoid correcting your own thoughts or actions and remain comfortable in your ignorance.
In regard to whether or not Drake had malintent towards Megan, I feel that it was unlikely the aforementioned line went completely under Drake and his collaborator’s radar in its connection to Megan Thee Stallion, even if dissing her wasn’t the original intent. Drake and his collaborators were, in the least, irresponsible for keeping these lyrics. Furthermore, Drake has yet to issue any comment on this situation, which I again find irresponsible as he is in a position to shut down the controversy and come to Megan’s defense. This itself presents the lack of urgency that is often shown in defending and protecting Black women.
Over and over again, Black women have come to the defense of Black men and other oppressed groups, while simultaneously being neglected in efforts towards equity and change. It’s far past time to come to the defense of Black women and advocate for their protection and well-being. Supporting Megan is one step towards validating Black women’s trauma and breaking down society’s rhetoric and systems that fail Black women.