As a rap fan, I find myself in a difficult position right now. Two of my once-esteemed favorite artists, Kanye West and Jay-Z, have become persona non gratae due to recent controversies — Kanye’s antisemitic remarks and Jay-Z’s connection to the Diddy-related allegations. This leaves me in an uncomfortable spot, particularly when it comes to a decision I made years ago: a full back tattoo of Kanye and Jay-Z passionately embracing.
At 14, I thought getting the tattoo was a meaningful tribute to two musicians whose work I deeply admired. The piece was beautifully done, showcasing them shirtless and sharing an intimate moment. It seemed like a tasteful homage at the time, but in light of recent events, I can’t help but feel a sense of regret.
Last week, I had a humbling encounter at the public pool. As I was about to swim, I found myself the target of relentless ridicule. While some poolside onlookers laughed at the homoerotic imagery — a reaction I’ve become somewhat accustomed to — others called me “morally reprehensible.” Despite trying to explain that I no longer supported these artists, my words were drowned out by insults, and I was pelted with rock candy until I fled in tears.
Another incident happened on a recent date. When I took off my shirt, the girl I was seeing burst into uncontrollable laughter. The situation was so awkward that I ended up leaving her place, only to find a 30-minute voicemail waiting for me — entirely composed of her laughter.
You might wonder why I don’t just get the tattoo removed or covered up. The truth is, tattoo removal or covering it up, especially something as large as a full back piece, is expensive. And after spending a considerable amount on the original tattoo, I can’t bring myself to cover it. So instead, I find myself hoping Kanye and Jay-Z will somehow manage to redeem themselves in the public eye — though that hope grows more unrealistic with each passing day.
The takeaway from my experience? If you’re considering getting a tattoo of two men in an intimate embrace, make sure the people you’re commemorating aren’t going to end up embroiled in scandals like child predation or extremist ideologies. And to think, my upper thigh tattoo of Michael Jackson and R. Kelly is yet another regret waiting to unfold.
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