The-Dream typically keeps a relatively low profile when it comes to social media, but the veteran artist was recently forced to address the recent controversy surrounding VH1’s failed competition show, Signed.
On January 22, Rick Ross, one of three celebrities judges on the show, became a trending Twitter topic after a 2017 clip from the show resurfaced online.
In the clip, two women — Just Brittany and Georgia singer Kaiya — were performing for The-Dream, Ross and record executive Lenny S. Just Brittany, dressed in a curve-hugging outfit, goes up first and her singing is noticeably off-key but gets showered with praise. Kaiya follows and puts her clear vocal talents on full display, but Ross cuts her off and says, “That wasn’t the best platform for your voice.”
Accusations of colorism started to fly and The-Dream felt compelled to weigh in, denying anything of the sort.
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1. It’s called editing,” he wrote on Monday (January 25). “2. I’m sure I picked a talented singer named Bria. Yes she’s Dark but that’s not why I chose her. 3. Y’all are the ones that’s weird as fuck. Like wtf is wrong with y’all? Did you even see the show? So nah fuck y’all 4. 5. Y’all only show up for fuckshit.”
The-Dream then seemingly gave up trying to tell his side and added, “Idgaf, it’s useless. The liars are on top. The thieves are applauded for stealing, the religions are for everybody. belief in fact have given way to a the internet the new editors of the truth. Like those first Bible editors. You know it’s not real but you still repeat it. foh.”
But on Tuesday (January 26), The-Dream continued his commentary and seemed appalled by the notion he’d ever prefer one skin tone over another, tweeting, “Recap: I’m completely surprised by even the smallest amount of people that would ever test my Blackness and my love for my people and my culture in every shade esp. the darkest of u. I’m not overly surprised. But as much as I’ve done to move women forward through songs and always.”
He added, “Being the one that make sure shit looks a certain way. I’m sure every director and every artist or person who have saw me work and been around me know exactly how I prefer things. Black ass fuck all the time. With all I’ve done this is what y’all have for me. Makes you think diff.”
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The internet chatter also forced Kaiya and Just Brittany to speak out. In an interview with The Shade Room,Kaiya insisted she had a positive experience during her time on the show despite the optics from the clip.
“The resurfacing of the video is so surreal,” she said. “I’m humbled that a lot of people have come out in support of my journey. Colorism is a topic that needs to be discussed wholly and not summed up in one response, but it’s very disheartening to know so many go through this male or female. To pin Black women and men against one another, or make it where some are seen superior is sad. As the years go on, I hope it’s being addressed and rectified in the future.”
Rick Ross’ 2017 Female Rapper Comments Resurrected Thanks To Failed VH1 ’Signed’ Reality Show
Just Brittany weighed in with an Instagram post, writing, ““hat’s me in the orange hair. I’m happy this video is making its rounds and I want to say that colorism definitely plays a role in lighter skinned women, like myself, having more access in the industry. Kaiya is extremely talented and I wish darker women were seen more.”
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Revisit the clip in question below.
