Colorism appears to be the trending topic this week across social media platforms. Last week, singer-songwriter DaniLeigh found herself in the headlines for the wrong reasons following a preview from her new song, “Yellow Bone.” A few days later, Rick Ross found himself facing similar accusations of glorifying colorism after a clip from his 2017 competition show “Signed” resurfaced.
Super-producer The-Dream, who appeared on the show as a judge, is now defending himself after social media users questioned his stance on the topic and his involvement during the incident.
The drama unfolded when show contestant Just Brittany, who has a lighter skin tone, garnered Ross’s attention when she sang over his “Aston Martin Music” beat. Just Brittany revealed that another contestant, Kaila — who is of a darker tone — used the same beat for her song. The consensus was that Kaila gave a better performance, but she was still sent home.
Twitter users credited the elimination to Ross’s long-time alleged colorism, and the accompanying judges were scolded along with him.
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the R&B crooner took to his social media account to address the situation. In a series of tweets, the 43-year-old denied the colorism accusation and noted that he built a reputation for helping women advance in the industry and for being pro-Black.
“Recap: I’m completely surprised by even the smallest amount of people that would ever test my Blackness and my love for my people and my culture in everyshade esp. the darkest of u,” he wrote. “I’m not overly surprised. But as much as I’ve done to move women forward through songs and always,” he wrote before continuing with more.
“Being the one that make sure shit looks a certain way. I’m sure every director and every artist or person who have saw me work and been around me know exactly how I prefer things. Black ass fuck all the time. With all I’ve done this is what y’all have for me. Makes you think diff.”
In a few other posts, The Dream went on to blame how things took place on the show’s editing. “1. It’s called editing. 2. I’m sure I picked a talented singer named Bria. Yes she’s Dark but that’s not why I chose her,” he wrote. “3. Y’all are the ones that’s weird as f-ck. Like wtf is wrong with y’all? Did you even see the show? So nah f-ck y’all 4. 5. Y’all only show up for f-cksh-t.”
