Singer V. Bozeman Sounds Off About Wale’s Colorism Comments: “The light skin, the dark skin, that’s a WHOLE situation”

V. Bozeman Sounds Off About Wale’s Statements Regarding Colorism in the Industry: “The light skin, the dark skin, that’s a WHOLE situation”

Singer and actress V. Bozeman had some pretty strong thoughts regarding Wale’s stance on racial ambiguity, and how the lighter you are the more successful you are in the music industry. Bozeman adamantly agrees with Wale’s stance and posted to Instagram to address those who deny that colorism and racism exists in the entertainment industry.

Racial ambiguity does help…Stop acting like y’all don’t know what’s going on in these streets. The light skin, the dark skin, that’s a WHOLE situation”

Back in May, Wale made a statement via Twitter in response to a fan asking why his success didn’t match that of J. Cole or Drake. Wale’s response was that he felt as though his lack of efficient success in the music business is because he has dark skin. In other words, colorism and racism played a great role in his lack of success as a rapper. He said,

It hurt me greatly. Also me being a dark skinned (not half white) rapper direct decent from Africa did too .. but let’s not go there.

In an interview on The Breakfast Club, Wale was asked whether he really believed his dark skin color was the reason he hasn’t had success in the rap game and he had some strong feelings to share explaining,

Racial ambiguity helps in anything. That’s just what it is, probably except for sports. Racial ambiguity helps at some level. Racial ambiguity just helps. Even in acting, you can play Italian, Greek, this, that. If you’re Black you’re just Black, Jamaican, African, maybe. Racial ambiguity just helps. It could be for a lot of reasons. ‘Hey I’m Middle Eastern with curly hair and when I cut it I look like Drake so I can relate.’ ‘I’m biracial I look like this guy or whatever.’ ‘I’m white, I relate to some of him and what he’s saying.’

Wale continued,

I didn’t mean it like the world is racist. I’m just saying like racial ambiguity helps a lot. It’s a benefit, I think.

While colorism and racism can play a strong role in the success of any black man or woman, can we really say that Wale hasn’t had success because he’s dark skinned or are there other factors that may be adding to his lack of success?

By: Jeanine Cruz