Tank Compares New Rapper Rockin’ Blouse & Handbag To Prince & MJ..Fans React

Posted On : May 23, 2017

Singer, Tank, surprised many when he stepped up to defend new rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, against the major backlash he’s been getting as of late.

Tank
Tank

For those of us, Old Schoolers, who have no clue who Lil’ Uzi Vert is, here’s a quick breakdown: He’s the rapper whom millions of young people adore and he caused a media frenzy when a photo of him sportin’ a woman’s blouse and handbag recently went viral. It sparked an online debate about new school hip hop vs. old school hip hop as everybody and their Mommas weighed in on the topic.

Lil Uzi Vert’s photo (below) drew so much attention because he is not gay, he’s actually known as a heterosexual rapper. Therefore, he’s confusing the hell outta many and embracing the concept of being ‘different’ in the eyes of many others.

Tyrese Reacts To Lil Uzi Vert’s Gender Bending Fashion

Tyrese's post about rapper, Lil Uzi Vert's (pictured above) attire.
Tyrese’s post about rapper, Lil Uzi Vert’s (pictured above) attire.

Many celebs voiced their opinion on Uzi’s effeminate fashion photo, including Tyrese- Tank’s TGT group member- who shared Uzi’s pic on Instagram and stated that he “can’t identify with today’s hip hop.”

Tank Slams Old Schoolers For Bashing Lil’ Uzi Vert

Tank slammed Uzi’s naysayers in a lengthy Instagram post, stating that he is “utterly disgusted” by the bashing Uzi’s been receiving. He then went on to compare Lil Uzi Vert to the iconic Prince and Michael Jackson…that’s when his fans reacted.

I'm utterly disgusted!! I've never seen so many grown black men speak out against young black kids fighting to earn a living in this already difficult world! Yes they're different but so was MJ and Prince! Y'all still celebrate those men highly with no thought to their differences. The crazy part is that these kids actually represent positivity. They give a voice to those who feel like outcasts and may even have a hard time fitting in. These kids make being different ok and give hope to those who may feel like their life has no value. Maybe you'd feel better if these kids ran up on your car high and tooled up with extended clips and told you to "get down, lay down, or be found!" That would make more sense to you huh? You definitely don't want them to live their dreams and have fun entertaining the world! You definitely don't want them to feed their families and get they mama out the hood. You niggas kill me wanting your music to stay in the 80s and the 90s but gotta have the 2018 Benz! Everything changes! Everything evolves! It may not be for you but it is for the millions that stream it and show up to be entertained by it! Let these kids live!!.. #RnBMoney #RnBSoldiers #TheGeneral #savagecomingsoon #musicislife

A post shared by Tank (@therealtank) on

Fans Respond To Tank’s Comparison

Many of Tank’s fans were with him on this, and many others felt he was reaching way too much with those iconic comparisons…

@cj_mr423: Being different is cool…but whack is whack….Prince and MJ were different, but were also EXTREMELY GIFTED AND TALENTED….You couldn’t just walk into any school or neighborhood and find an MJ or Prince…but these CATS are easy to replicate and duplicate. ….don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that they’re able to make a living and support their families, but to compare them to MJ and Prince as far as they’re unique impact goes on music is a stretch….for every 1 Michael or 1 Prince, there were a Thousand other “Different” cats out there that we never heard of…it’s one thing to be different, but it’s something TOTALLY UNIQUE to being Different and Special…lol..just my take..#R&B$

Michael jackson and Prince
Michael jackson and Prince

@herealjaredscottperry: I thought they were grown men they are over 21 yes? Still don’t think they should dance like Tina Turner in their little sisters dress mumbling and somehow being compared to MJ & Prince.

@dennislawhite: So you don’t believe that society tries to emasculate the Black Man? Open your eyes. Have a few conversations with some Strong Black Men and ask them. […] I have no intel on his sexual preference nor do I care. My issue is that his talent is minimum. Do me a huge favor. Google the lyric sheet of 3 of his songs and tell me where the talent and craft is. Don’t let his feminine wardrobe distract you from the fact that he’s wack. And he’s NOT “different” he’s wack.

@akil_rashad: dennislawhite so 1) you’re saying you gotta be talented to dress how you want and 2) they’re not hip hop. If they’re not hip hop what’s the problem? Plenty of other rappers you can’t pay attention to. Leave them alone.

@dennislawhite: PM Dawn was different. Ol Dirty Bastard was different. X Clan was different. Bone Thugs & Harmony were different. But they all were talented and exemplified Hip Hop

Talk to us ILOSM fam: Should Lil Uzi Vert (a) be compared to Prince and MJ?; (b) re-assess his artistry?;  or (c) keep doing his thing just the way he is?

About I Love Old School Music

We salute the incredible people and beautiful memories of that "old school". We’re not saying that every artist and every facet of the soul era was perfect, but the artists’ contributions to soul music and the old school memories of that particular time are PRICELESS.