Korean Rapper Comes Under Fire For Appropriating Black Culture

A rapper called Chio Chicano has been called out by netizens after a past clip of her rapping has resurfaced.

Along with other stars, Chicano appeared in a video for DingoFreestyle where the artists showcased their talent in a medley of performances. As soon as the rapper appeared on the screen and introduced herself, she was accused of using AAVE (African American Vernacular English) and having a “Blaccent” (Imitating the ways Black people speak).

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Chicano then performed some of her songs, and many gained negative attention for the production, lyrics, and how the rapper executed her performance.

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While the initial video was posted a month ago, it has gained attention amongst international fans for all the wrong reasons. The video that was posted sparked a debate amongst fans and many couldn’t get over how “insensitive” it was and that the “culture” Chicano was trying to promote as Korean R&B/Hip Hop.

In the comments, netizens shared their own reactions. Some shared their anger that they were using sounds like gunshots and the topic of drugs (which is very illegal in Korea) as an aesthetic.

mimicking gun sounds and talking about cocaine when both aren't allowed in korea is exactly why ill always say hip hop is an aesthetic to these khh artists https://t.co/zrPKvnamW6

— fefe⁷ (@jungleighobi) January 2, 2024

people keep trying to correct this person by saying “cocaine isn’t allowed anywhere” i don’t think you understand.. drugs are SO illegal in korea that the average person has never even seen WEED let alone COCAINE. it’s fucking hilarious for a korean to rap about doing cocaine https://t.co/M2zW30l9vS

— youngmi mayer (@ymmayer) January 3, 2024

Along with the music and producing of the performance, netizens called out the rapper for using AAVE and having a name that is Latino.

the forced aave + having chicano in her name when she isn't mexican + the song being absolute ASS pick a struggle girl https://t.co/tTLSRZ9Mqv

— (@user22002011) January 3, 2024

A Korean woman self named Chio Chicano, "rapping" with butchered AAVE? I want to know the English translation so I can rubberneck this train wreck. https://t.co/OS9c2ZQUBC

— Kaylani Juanita (@kaylanijuanita) January 2, 2024

Other fans shared that it also shows the double standards and how important it is for Black artists to be able to go to Korea and “reclaim” rap and the culture they believe Koreans are trying to replicate.

crazy thing is yall would eat this up but then be pissed if a black person came to korea and did this exact same thing but better https://t.co/0fWojOZiqD

— tay⁷ ♡ (@tayistrying) January 2, 2024

This is why I fully support black people coming to Korea to reclaim rap! Fatou and Moon are two black female rappers in Korea in Korean that are changing the game! Rakiyah and Nvee are two singers doing the same. Support them! https://t.co/kDSVF9raQ2

— Jay♡⁷ (@Jaydorokiii) January 2, 2024

Netizens believe that Korean musicians appropriate Black culture without respect and understanding. While rappers and artists within the Korean R&B and Hip Hop scene might see no problem with it, the issues of racism in the country make it seem like they’re using the culture for “aesthetics.”