The rapper Cardi B found herself in the midst of a heated exchange with social media personality Raymonte Cole this week, sparking a debate on colorism and societal perceptions of success.
In a TikTok video, Cole expressed frustration at being labeled as too “ghetto” to be marketable, while Cardi B, who he claimed was even more “ghetto,” continues to thrive in the industry. He pointed out the differences in how they are perceived due to their skin color and upbringing.
Cardi B quickly responded on social media, addressing the criticism and highlighting the challenges she faced in reaching her current level of success. The exchange escalated as they discussed the impact of colorism on their respective careers.
The conversation also brought Essence magazine into the spotlight, as Cole criticized the publication for overlooking Black influencers, including himself, despite writing about the challenges they face in the industry.
Cole, a popular social media personality with millions of followers, clarified his comments in an interview, emphasizing that anyone can be “ghetto,” but the stigma is often associated with darker-skinned individuals.
The debate sheds light on the complexities of colorism and the challenges faced by Black media personalities in the industry. It also underscores the importance of representation and diversity in media and entertainment.
