Kanye West‘s now-infamous performance at the “12-12-12” Concert For Hurricane Sandy Relief back in December has stirred a heated debate in some circles about black men, masculinity and hip-hop. Brand Nubian’s Lord Jamar has taken West to task on Twitter, in interviews and on a new diss track called “Lift Up Ya Skirt” for what he deems West’s role in the “feminization” of men in hip-hop.
Now, in the wake of all of this controversy stemming from West’s kilt-rocking set during the benefit concert, it is being reported that the rapper’s representatives have requested that images of him wearing the outfit be removed from Getty Images.
According to numerous media reports, Getty Images confirmed that they were asked to remove several photos of Kanye from December’s benefit concert.
It has yet to be determined or confirmed exactly why it was requested that the images be removed, but the timing coming so close to Jamar’s tirade is raising a few eyebrows. Many are speculating that West feared the backlash in the hip-hop community and is working to diffuse any gay rumor that may be fueled by Jamar’s commentary or the photos themselves.
It should be noted that West has yet to speak on the controversy at all. He has not addressed Lord Jamar nor has he spoken about the Getty Image removal.
–stereo williams
