Yung Joc’s Offer to Perform for Kamala Harris Rescinded Over Donald Trump Lyric Reference

Yung Joc, the Atlanta-based rapper known for his 2006 hit “It’s Goin’ Down,” recently opened up about an offer he received to perform at a rally for Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign—a gig that was quickly rescinded after a key lyric from his breakout track came to light.

In an interview with Angela Yee on her Way Up show on Power 105 on Tuesday, November 12, Joc recalled receiving a call to perform at the rally. He was excited about the opportunity, but the situation took a turn when Harris’ team discovered a reference to Donald Trump in his lyrics.

Joc explained, “So I get a call to perform at a rally for Kamala… I’m like, ‘Hell yeah!’ Then later they’re like, ‘I’m sorry, that’s been shut down, sir.'” When he inquired further, Joc was told, “The record that you were going to perform, it quotes, ‘Boys in the hood call me Black Donald Trump.’” Joc expressed his surprise, explaining that at the time of writing the track, the reference to Trump was more of a personal statement and a form of propaganda for him. “It was a different time and it was propaganda for me then!” he added.

The incident shines a light on the intersection of politics and hip-hop, showing how a seemingly harmless lyric can stir up controversy, especially during a political campaign. Joc’s mention of Trump in the 2006 track was initially part of his rise to fame, but now, it appears the lyric no longer aligns with the values of Kamala Harris’ campaign.

This is not the first time Joc has made headlines for his opinions on controversial topics. Earlier, he sparked backlash with comments he made about performing at LGBTQ+ events. In a 2023 interview with VladTV, Yung Joc revealed that he would turn down an offer to perform at an LGBTQ+ event—even if it came with a $250,000 paycheck. He explained, “Ain’t nobody ever gave me $250,000 for a show, ever in my career… If somebody called me today, ‘Yo, man. We’ll give you a quarter-million,’… Nah, I may not do it either.”

While Joc clarified that he had nothing against the LGBTQ+ community, he admitted that he felt uncomfortable performing in certain settings, particularly where he felt disconnected from the lifestyle. His comments were met with criticism, with many questioning his reasoning and even mocking his claim that no one would pay $250,000 for him to perform.

The situation raised questions about authenticity, personal boundaries, and how artists navigate public and private personas. Whether it’s a reference to Donald Trump or discomfort around LGBTQ+ events, Joc’s comments and experiences seem to highlight the complexities of the intersection between hip-hop culture, politics, and personal beliefs.

Despite the controversy, Joc has remained firm in his stance, and it’s clear that the rapper is not afraid to speak his mind, even if it means turning down opportunities that might not align with his values.

While his mention of Donald Trump may have cost him a performance opportunity, it is another reminder of the evolving landscape in both politics and music, where what was once acceptable in the past might no longer fit in today’s more politically aware and sensitive climate.