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.

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

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BURunVYhigC/

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$

@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?