No No Words in Rap

The underground rap scene of today has more queer artists than ever before, which is probably why it was so controversial when, on his recent album, “Rest in Bass: Encore,” Che rapped a certain word. “I paint my nails, I get good pussy, ain't no faggot,” he declares on “FREAK NEEK.”

For decades, rap music has functioned as a vessel for artists to say things many people would never utter in a public setting. Nothing was off limits, and rappers would use music as a way to voice frustrations, flex and tell stories without a fear of being politically correct. Although some lyrics may be insignificant, the way they are said matters.

What happens when an artist’s fan base takes issue with certain words or finds their personal beliefs do not align with the contents of a song?

Misogyny, homophobia, violence and general irreverence within rap music is far from a new phenomenon. What is rather new is fans’ ability and tendency to publicly — and instantly — voice dismay about the actions of their favorite artists. Of course, this is all done through social media, and fans have never been closer to their favorite (micro)celebrities. 

Modern-day underground fans, on the surface, also appear to be more progressive or politically correct than ever before.

In December 2025, fakemink released his song with Fimiguerrero, “Black Jeep.” The song’s hook contains a bar that goes, “I’m a retard, go hard, go dumb in it.” While the majority of listeners were not offended, numerous fans took to the internet to express their opinion. 

A user on Reddit recently shared a DM with Feng, where he suggested the artist take down a story post that also contained the word retard; Feng did end up deleting the post. In the past, use of the word “retard” was widely condemned, yet it has seen a resurgence in the last few years. For whatever reason, it is a word that is deemed a slur yet not as heavily scrutinized as others.

The backlash to Che’s “FREAK NEEK” lyric was noticeable. Among fans, this was certainly more sensitive than the “Black Jeep” lyric, as the word “faggot” seems to be much less encouraged and personally used by underground listeners.

Someone even highlighted the lyric on Genius with an annotation that reads, “i don’t think he can say that.” The comment sits at 287 likes and has multiple replies. The Che subreddit was full of debate where, ironically, fans who argued would call each other retards.

Again, these words are far from uncommon in rap’s history. Nowadays, the underground scene is pretty progressive and quick to call out someone they feel has done wrong. Of course, it is your right to criticize the words of an artist you admire and be upset by things they make. 

However, it is also an artist’s right to express themselves in a way that is most authentic to them. If an artist is censoring themselves, how are they going to attract a fan base right for them? And if an artist is hiding their true self, how can you know who you’re supporting? There is certainly a parasocial element to all of this too.

Fans want artists they admire to have similar values and to be like them. This could have always been the case but, because of how electronically connected we are now to our favorite entertainers, this desire has only gotten stronger. Remember years ago when a video leaked of Charli D’Amelio chiefing the Juul and blowing fatties? Young fans and parents were outraged. 

Being a role model to fans certainly helps an artist grow and make money, but is that really their job? Would an artist be authentic if constantly trying to act as a role model?

Should certain words be off limits? Do these words hold the same weight in art as they would if said in daily life? What responsibilities does an artist have? Are fans hypocritical? We live in an interesting time where fans want artists to appeal to their opinions yet remain completely authentic. What is beautiful is that people are allowed to disagree. This is certainly a gray area that I thought should be talked about as a way to encourage intelligent discourse. What do you think?