Trump, Hip-Hop, and the Dangerous Illusion of Connection: A Deeper Dive into the Misplaced Empathy

Trump, Hip-Hop, and the Dangerous Illusion of Connection: A Deeper Dive into the Misplaced Empathy

There’s a peculiar admiration for Donald Trump within certain segments of the Black community, particularly within the hip-hop culture that has, for years, glorified wealth, power, and a certain ruthless approach to success. The brash former president, once a darling of rap lyrics and a fixture at the VIP tables of Black celebrities like Diddy and Russell Simmons, has found a strange kinship among some of the street-educated men in the hood who see in him a figure worthy of some misplaced admiration. But as we peel back the layers, this connection reveals itself to be nothing more than an illusion, a mirage in the desert of American capitalism where Trump thrives but has no true kinship with the people who idolize him.

To understand this, we must first grasp why Trump became a figure of reverence in hip-hop culture. During the ’90s and early 2000s, as rap music gained mainstream prominence, wealth became a central theme. The pursuit of money and power by any means necessary mirrored Trump’s own public persona as a man who "beat the system" to accumulate obscene amounts of wealth, despite questionable ethics. To many, Trump represented the ultimate villain-hero — like Tony Montana in Scarface or Nino Brown in New Jack City. He was ruthless, broke all the rules, and thrived doing it. The difference, however, is that while fictional characters like Nino Brown eventually met a tragic end, Trump’s ascent continued unscathed, reinforcing the idea that perhaps the ruthless, win-at-all-costs mentality was the ticket to ultimate success.

Trump’s relationships with Black celebrities, his appearances at parties, nightclubs, and casinos, as well as his depiction in pop culture, contributed to this aura. Many saw him as a businessman who understood how to navigate the system for personal gain, regardless of the collateral damage. He was the man with the gold-plated penthouse, the flashy jet, and an empire built on casinos and hotels — places where numerous unsavory acts likely transpired behind closed doors. He was the guy who lived in the world that hip-hop idolized: a world of riches, decadence, and power over others.

But therein lies the problem. For those who romanticize Trump as a modern-day street boss, there's a failure to recognize that his world is nothing like theirs. Trump has never known struggle. He has never been forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries, never faced the systemic barriers that Black people in America have endured for centuries. His ruthlessness isn't born of necessity or survival; it’s born of privilege and greed. He could never fathom the daily realities of Harlem, South East Queens, or East New York. His success, unlike the aspirational climb of someone from the hood, is built on inherited wealth, connections, and a system that has always bent in his favor.

Yes, he may present himself as an outsider who defies the establishment, but in reality, Trump is a product of that very system. He has played the political and financial structures of America masterfully for decades, and when he decided to enter politics, his administration didn’t work to uplift communities of color or those struggling economically. Instead, he focused on policies that benefited the wealthy, dismantled protections for the working class, and turned a blind eye to the issues that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities.

Some might argue that Trump’s rebellion against the traditional political system makes him a kindred spirit to those who feel left behind by the government. But here’s the critical difference: Trump’s defiance of the system is self-serving. It’s not designed to uplift the marginalized or improve the lives of working-class Americans. His interests lie in consolidating power, enriching his inner circle, and furthering his brand — a brand that relies on exploitation and division.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — the idea that Trump, with his track record of criminal behavior, resonates with a segment of the hood because he represents the same outlaw archetype often glorified in hip-hop. The truth is, this empathy toward him is dangerously misplaced. Trump isn't an underdog fighting against an unjust system; he's a billionaire who has always manipulated that system to his benefit. For those in the streets who have been victims of systemic oppression, exploitation, and disenfranchisement, Trump represents the very forces that have worked against them. His criminality isn't a badge of honor worn after years of fighting for survival; it's the casual disregard for rules that don’t apply to him because of his wealth and status.

Contrast this with Kamala Harris — a woman who, while not without her controversies, has a background that shares some commonality with the struggles of Black and Brown Americans. She has faced racial and gender-based discrimination, fought to carve out a space in rooms where few people of color are present, and represents a possibility of leadership that could better understand the nuances of America’s racial dynamics. Sure, all skin folk ain’t kinfolk, but to deny the historical significance and potential of having a woman of color in such a high office in favor of a billionaire whose interests align with the oppressors is illogical.

When people say Trump "cares" about them, it’s essential to look at his actions, not his rhetoric. Has he fought for better healthcare, improved housing, or equal pay for workers? Has his administration made strides in reforming the criminal justice system, tackling systemic racism, or addressing economic inequality? Or has his legacy been one of self-preservation, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of everyone else?

In the end, we must ask ourselves who we would bet on to make our lives better. If you can look in the mirror and genuinely say Donald Trump is that person, you’ve either ignored the evidence or fallen victim to the same myth that hip-hop created around his persona. Trump is not a champion of the working class or marginalized communities — he is the epitome of the establishment that continues to exploit and divide America for profit.

So, before we elevate a man whose wealth was built on the backs of the very systems that have held us down, let’s ask ourselves who really has our best interests at heart. If we can’t see that someone with a shared experience, even flawed, is a better bet for our future than a billionaire who plays the game for himself, then your not just misinformed — your lost.

In this game of power, wealth, and politics, it's not about who talks the loudest or rebels the hardest — it's about who fights for your right to thrive, not just survive. If you can’t see that, it’s time to reevaluate what we idolize and why.

Let's continue..

Donald Trump’s history, particularly in real estate, has been marred by instances of racially discriminatory practices and controversial labor practices. While many may ask, “What racist things has he done?”, it’s important to pull from his track record and evaluate the patterns that emerge from his decades in business. A deeper dive into his past reveals how systemic racism played a role in his business decisions, particularly in real estate, where minorities—specifically Black people—were often treated unfairly.

Real Estate Discrimination: A Clear Pattern

Trump’s foray into real estate began in the early 1970s when he joined his father, Fred Trump, in managing their family’s rental properties in New York City. Almost immediately, the Trump Organization’s practices raised eyebrows. In 1973, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit against Donald Trump and his father for discriminating against Black renters. The DOJ charged the Trumps with violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to rent to Black tenants and lying to Black applicants about the availability of units. The case didn’t just arise from anecdotal complaints — it was built on concrete evidence, such as multiple accounts of testers posing as prospective renters of different races, who were told vastly different information. Black applicants were denied or told no apartments were available, while white applicants were welcomed.

Though Trump settled the lawsuit without admitting wrongdoing, he was required to take proactive steps to end discriminatory practices. Despite this settlement, reports continued to emerge over the years about the company engaging in discriminatory tactics, which highlights a clear pattern of bias in Trump’s dealings.

A History of Exclusionary Practices in Housing

The Trump family real estate practices followed a long tradition of redlining and housing segregation in New York. Redlining refers to the systematic denial of services, such as housing loans, to residents of specific areas, typically based on race. By refusing to rent or sell properties to Black families, Trump’s real estate empire reinforced racial segregation and perpetuated cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement for minorities.

This exclusionary strategy wasn’t just a financial tactic; it was an intentional effort to keep certain demographics — namely, Black and Brown people — out of predominantly white neighborhoods. As Trump expanded his real estate holdings, his policies followed suit, mirroring the racist housing practices that have long plagued American cities.

The Central Park Five: Exploiting Racial Tensions

Another defining moment in Trump’s racially charged past was his public involvement in the infamous Central Park Five case. In 1989, five Black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully accused of raping a white woman in Central Park. Before they were even convicted, Donald Trump took out full-page ads in four major New York City newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty, targeting these boys directly. His ad played on public fears and racial tensions, influencing public opinion in the case. Despite DNA evidence later exonerating the Central Park Five, Trump has never apologized for his role in stoking racial resentment and anger.

Unfair Wages and Labor Practices

Beyond real estate, Trump's labor practices also reflect systemic exploitation and questionable ethics. Numerous workers have accused Trump’s businesses of paying unfair wages, particularly in his hotels, casinos, and construction projects. Many of these employees were immigrants and minorities, groups vulnerable to wage theft and exploitation.

For instance, in the early 1980s, Polish workers who were undocumented were hired to demolish a building to make way for Trump Tower. These workers were not only paid below minimum wage but were often forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions without proper safety equipment. When they raised concerns about their treatment, many were threatened with deportation. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of these workers, and Trump’s organization eventually settled the case, but it added another example to the pattern of exploitation within his business dealings.

Segregation of Golf Courses and Unfair Labor Conditions

Trump’s history of racial exclusion also extends to his golf courses. He has faced multiple accusations of racial and gender discrimination at his golf clubs, where minority and female workers often claimed they were treated unfairly, given worse jobs, or paid less than their white counterparts. Trump’s businesses consistently fostered a culture where race played a significant role in determining opportunity and fairness.

Conclusion: A Racist Legacy in Business

When asked, “What racist things has Donald Trump done?”, his track record in real estate, labor practices, and public life provides ample evidence of racially discriminatory behavior. His long-standing refusal to rent to Black families, his exploitation of immigrant workers, and his public support for racially charged campaigns such as the Central Park Five case all paint a clear picture of someone who has not only benefited from, but has actively participated in systems of racial inequality.

Donald Trump may deny accusations of racism, but the practices of his businesses — documented and litigated over decades — tell a different story. As we assess his legacy, it becomes increasingly clear that his business decisions have consistently favored exclusionary practices that disproportionately harmed minorities. This pattern of behavior serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of racism in American business, particularly when wielded by individuals in positions of immense power and privilege.

1. "Donald Trump" by Mac Miller

"Take over the world when I’m on my Donald Trump sh*t / Look at all this money, ain't that some sh*t?”*  

Mac Miller's song “Donald Trump” was an anthem about success, wealth, and ambition, using Trump as a symbol of financial power.

2. "Successful" by Drake feat. Lil Wayne & Trey Songz

"I'm the young money Donald Trump, tell 'em I’m rich.”  

In this song, Drake compares his aspirations for wealth to Trump’s business empire, echoing hip-hop’s admiration for Trump’s financial success.

3. "Black Trump" by Raekwon feat. Royal Flush 

“Runnin' through the hallways laughin', you played yourself, / Get a wack gold plaque, Black Trump status.”

Here, Raekwon and Royal Flush reference Trump as a benchmark for success in their track.

4. "Why We Die" by Busta Rhymes feat. DMX & Jay-Z  

*“I'm like Donald Trump with a tan, puffin' on a blunt with my man.”*  

DMX mentions Trump in relation to both wealth and power, though with a street twist, indicating a duality in how Trump is perceived.

5. "Mercedes Benz" by Curren$y  

“Stuntin’ like Trump, no ceilings on my coupe.”

Curren$y uses Trump to highlight the lifestyle of excess, drawing a parallel between the rapper's luxury car and Trump’s wealth.

6. "Sittin’ Sideways" by Paul Wall

“I’m Trump-type, I’m off the lot in a foreign ride.”

Paul Wall likens his success to Trump’s financial empire, playing on the idea of a luxurious, carefree lifestyle.

7. "I'm Rich" by Young Jeezy

“They love me like they love Obama, the white Donald Trump.”  

Young Jeezy compares himself to both Barack Obama and Trump, noting the parallels between popularity, power, and wealth.

8. "Y’all Don’t Hear Me Tho" by Scarface 

“I’m ballin’ like Trump, I want the whole world.” 

Scarface uses Trump to emphasize his desire for domination and influence.

9. "Gettin’ It" by Too Short 

“And I’m rollin’ with Donald Trump and the money ain't nothin’.” 

Too Short mentions Trump to highlight his own financial success, reflecting the aspiration to reach Trump’s level of wealth.

10. "F*** Donald Trump" by YG feat. Nipsey Hussle  

"Hold up, I f*** with Mexicans, got a plug with Mexicans / When Trump build that wall, we gon' tear it down.”

On the other side, YG and Nipsey Hussle criticize Trump’s anti-immigration policies, flipping the script on Trump’s previously glamorized image in hip-hop.