TLDR: Donald Trump’s relationship with rap has evolved from being a symbol of wealth and power in hip-hop lyrics to falling out of favour with the genre after 2016. Once referenced by huge acts like A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, and Mac Miller, Trump’s presence in rap culture has dramatically shifted in recent years.
Explore the strange relationship between Donald Trump and rap, from being referenced in hip-hop lyrics to his impact on the genre’s culture and artists over the years.
“With rappers popping out at Trump rallies and even featuring him on songs, it got me wondering more about Donald Trump’s strange relationship with rap.”
The relationship between Donald Trump and rap has been explored before. In August 2023, the MSNBC’s Ja’han Jones penned a compelling article highlighting hip-hop’s most memorable lines about Trump. The story was part of MSNBC’s “Hip-Hop Is Universal” series, which celebrates the genre’s 50th anniversary and examines its future.
“Trump was once a popular symbol in hip-hop, used to represent wealth and power. But his hip-hop clout has plummeted since 2016, and artists have let him know.” – Ja’han Jones, MSNBC
He lists Trump-filled bars by A Tribe Called Quest (“Skypager”), Nelly (“Country Grammar”), Kanye West (“So Appalled”), Mac Miller (“Donald Trump”), Kendrick Lamar (“The Heart Part 4”), and more.
In October 2018, ABC News’ Deena Zaru had a similar take, which outlined “Donald Trump’s fall from hip-hop grace.“
“Trump was an indisputable icon in hip-hop music for decades,” wrote Zaru. “The admiration for his success and swagger is documented in more than 300 rap verses. Lyrics examined by ABC News show Trump was hailed for his wealth and power and idolized in songs that date back to at least the late 1980s.”
