Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks on as rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow join him on stage at a campaign rally in Crotona Park, located in the Bronx borough of New York City. Credit: Reuters Photo. Img source: www.deccanherald.com
At a Bronx rally on Thursday aimed at increasing support among Black and Hispanic voters, former President Donald Trump invited two hip-hop artists, Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, who are facing charges related to violent gang activities, partly inspired by their music.
Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, charged with conspiracy to commit murder and weapons possession, were among the guests who expressed their support for Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate. Trump, after thanking them, complimented Sheff G’s jewel-encrusted grill, saying, “I like those teeth. I want to find out where you did — I got to get my teeth like that. I want that to happen to me.”
Despite Trump’s earlier promises to restore law and order in New York City and his denouncement of urban crime, he did not mention the charges against the rappers.
Typically, presidential candidates avoid associating with individuals accused of violent crimes. However, this appearance was part of Trump’s broader, sometimes awkward, strategy to attract Black voters, especially Black men. Trump argues that President Joe Biden’s policies on immigration and the economy disproportionately harm Black Americans.
Yet, Trump has often perpetuated stereotypes about Black Americans. Facing felony charges himself, Trump told a group of Black Republicans that these charges made him more relatable to Black people. He suggested his popularity among Black voters increased after his Atlanta mugshot was published because they could identify with it.
Earlier this year, Trump attended a sneaker convention in Philadelphia, promoting gold-colored, Trump-branded sneakers to a younger and more diverse audience than his usual rallies attract.
Stefanie Brown James, co-founder of the Collective PAC, criticized Trump’s tactics, stating he was relying on outdated stereotypes that many Black people, especially Black men, have criminal records. She said, “We don’t hold it up in our community as a badge of honor to have gone through the court system. And I think that he uplifts it as if it’s a badge of honor.” Source: Yahoo News
Democrats are also striving to maintain their support among Black voters. The Biden campaign released an ad on Thursday portraying Trump as a racist, highlighting his role in fueling anger over the Central Park Five case. Jasmine Harris, the Biden campaign’s director of Black media, called Trump “the poster boy for modern racism” and criticized his attempts to win Black votes as offensive and insincere.
Attendees at the Bronx rally, including Black and Hispanic voters, expressed that Biden needs to do more. Jamaal Kennedy, a Bronx rap artist, echoed Trump’s claims of improving the economic prospects for Black people more than Biden or Barack Obama. He added that Trump’s unfiltered style was part of his appeal, though it also alienates some people.
Trump did not explain why he invited Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, whose real names are Michael Williams and Tegan Chambers, to the stage. Their appearance coincided with a typical moment at his rallies where he acknowledges key figures in attendance.
Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow are key figures in Brooklyn’s drill rap scene, known for its tough sound and focus on gun violence. Despite drill music’s mainstream success, its rise has been controversial. In 2019, Williams was removed from a rap festival lineup after the NYPD linked him and others to citywide violence. Last year, Williams and Chambers were indicted for using music profits to finance Brooklyn gangs. Both have previously served prison time for weapons possession.
Prosecutors allege that Williams rewarded those who committed violence on his behalf with cash, contracts, and appearances in his videos. Sleepy Hallow was released on bail last year, and Sheff G was also released on bail in April after 14 months in custody. “They counted me out,” Sheff G wrote on Instagram. “They thought I was done.”
When asked if Trump was aware of the charges against the rappers, his spokesperson, Steven Cheung, referred to Williams’ stage comments: “They’re always going to whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures. Trump will shout the wins for all of us.”
Trump’s association with hip-hop stars dates back to the 1990s when he was frequently seen at New York clubs with rap figures. His name was often used in lyrics as a symbol of financial success. As president, Trump strengthened these relationships, appearing with Kanye West and pardoning rappers like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.
Trump’s appearance with the accused rappers highlighted a tension in his campaign. While facing criminal charges himself, he frequently calls for tougher policing. On Thursday, he reiterated his vow to protect police officers from lawsuits to enable more aggressive crime-fighting, claiming this would benefit communities of color the most.
Though the appearance of the rappers might seem contradictory, Trump has shown a willingness to associate with individuals accused of crimes, including political allies prosecuted for the January 6 Capitol riot. This week, his court companions included Chuck Zito, a former leader of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, who served time on drug charges.
