I don't dislike T-Pain, but I can say that I dislike his music. At that the same time, I can't get mad when a brother gets out and finds a way to make money, no matter how ridiculous the context might be. There are times when I find myself mildly frustrated by the fact that it does appear, in some cases, that T-Pain, Lil Jon and a few others seem to embrace the modern-day minstrel show a bit too much. That kind of thing needs to be called out for what it is. I know for a fact that Lil Jon is incredibly intelligent, so there is no excuse for pretending to be a thugged-out, alcoholic Muppet.
T-Pain
T-Pain has established himself as the king of cameos with his signature "autotune" vocals. And with a sound so unique, it would only make sense that his style be just as flagrant, leading the blonde-tipped, dread-locked singer to wear interesting variations of his signature top hot. Only a true ringmaster (as he likes to refer to himself ) could conceive of such a brilliant outfit.
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The Eccentrics
Andre Leon Talley
With no fear of color or ostentatious design, the 6'8" mammoth editor-at-large of 'Vogue' proudly and unabashedly wears whatever he desires. In this picture, his large and intricate silk kimono is upstaged only by his equally large patent-leather "pilgrim" shoes.
Lil' Kim
One of the first females to push the envelope of sexuality in hip-hop, Queen B has had an equally boisterous presence on the fashion scene. Whether it be revealing chain-link bustiers or painted-on outfits with breasts covered only by a pasty, she has done it all. Pictured here is a more modern (and decidedly less brazen) Kim as she sports this metallic green getup.
T-Pain
T-Pain has established himself as the king of cameos with his signature "autotune" vocals. And with a sound so unique, it would only make sense that his style be just as flagrant, leading the blonde-tipped, dread-locked singer to wear interesting variations of his signature top hot. Only a true ringmaster (as he likes to refer to himself ) could conceive of such a brilliant outfit.
Grace Jones
As one of the definitive icons of the 1980's, Grace Jones' androgynous style helped define a decade. The 5'10 " actress, model, and singer was a willing muse for many an artist. This 1983 photo of her in this Japanese-inspired outfit is true to her edgy and frankly scary style.
Janelle Monae
With a distinctive style and excellent vocals to match, this Kansas City singer and recent P. Diddy protege is slowly but surely creating her own niche in music. Waist-high pants, knee-high socks, a Colonel Sanders tie, a top heavy hair style and two-tone leather bowling shoes can be quite an unusual combination.
Zoe Kravitz
The offspring of two of the most eccentric people in Hollywood, parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, Zoe was seemingly destined to come into her own eccentricity at some point. A fan of the whole grungy, hole-in-the shoe vibe, she rarely disappointments with her simple yet intriguing fashion derelict sense.
Teyana Taylor
This young Harlem rapstress and singer has been making noise since 2007 when she appeared on MTV's Super Sweet 16. Now a Pharrell protege and a new signee to his label Star Trak Entertainment, she has been making her rounds as a fashionista with her punk-meets-hip-hop style and exceedingly large Afro.
Michael Jackson
No this not a picture of a Muslim woman in Saudi Arabia. It is actually none other than the King of Pop himself. Perhaps more than anyone else, MJ is the embodiment of an eccentric. Evolving from his more traditional garb of admiral jackets and white silk shirts, Michael has taken to wearing pajama bottoms and full-body coverings such as the one pictured here.
Andre J
Defining himself as unconfined by gender and social conventions, NYC muse Andre J is making an indelible mark in fashion. He can often be seen with a wig, a fashionable dress and... a beard. Here he poses at event with blond wig and his grizzly facial curtain in full effect.
Andre 3000
Perhaps hip-hop's most refreshingly different innovators, Andre 3000 veers far from convention as he favors a variety of digs, from space boots to orange slacks to even this unexplainable, possibly native American-inspired design. Coupled with his eccentric taste is his uncanny ability to look impeccably fashionable in any situation.
T-Pain is a staple among those who've re-inspired ignorance in black entertainment. He usually appears with a corny-looking top hat and a mouth full of metal, and even came to an awards show wearing a large necklace with the words, "Big Ass Chain" on it. While all of us can appreciate a little humor every now and then, there is an underlying seriousness to the images that African American entertainers present to the world when they are on the big stage. It is unfortunate that the ignorant black man is always welcome in the door, but the intelligent black man is kept off the platform. It's not that silly images are unacceptable. I'd just love to see a little more diversity.
The point where I really began to lose patience with T-Pain was when he was recently caught on camera endorsing Sean Hannity and the conservatives. Not that there's anything wrong with being a conservative, it's just that you should at least make sure you know what you're doing. After being busted on camera doing the ridiculous, T-Pain only made it worse by issuing a statement in which he continued to brag about how he knows nothing about politics and only gave the endorsement because "this Hannity dude" was blocking his path to the tour bus.
I discuss T-Pain in this episode of 'What the Hayell?' a segment we created here on Black Voices to point out the outrageous and ridiculous things that happen in black America. Yes, I have a sense of humor, in case you haven't noticed yet, and 'What the Hayell?' reflects that part of my personality. And, no, that sense of humor isn't going anywhere soon. But while I find humor in T-Pain's ridiculous remarks, there is the fundamental truth that black men should NEVER brag about being stupid. That's just a simple fact.
Enjoy!
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thank you brother,you are so right in your comment about t-pain.money don't make you smart. and this boy really shows tis to be true. t-pain, its ok for someone to thank you are stupid, but its a damn shame when you open your mouth and prove it...you show no class, or intelligence.If i had my way you, and all like you, would be baned from everything, that has anything to do with our children. you brother are a cancer. redeem yourself, do something to help, or just shut the hell up and move out the way.
I am so glad you have shed light on this topic. See, I never knew this occurred, so I'm glad you enlightened us today on this matter. T-Pain is ignorant, uneducated and it shows every time he opens his mouth. How are you as a African-American going to endorse a conservation commentator without knowing what they represent? That's like signing a legal document without reading it first! I don't buy his music and nor do I allow my kids to listen to it as well.
Brother, you are expecting too much from the hip hop folks in the big lights. They are lost with little or no critical thinking about being Black and in control in America. This is why AA history in the schools are key, if they don't know their history, they will act out and not know they are wrong, hence 'doing the race wrong' shaming their people of yesterday.
Keep reaching out trying to help our brothers and sisters. Sooner or later with the grace of God they will see the light. We have to make that effort to reach them. Please, lets keep them in prayer. This brother is truly lost.
I just have to say Dr. Boyce you are on point. I love this site since I came across it. There seems to be a sort of pride in some of our black men indulging in ignorance. I am glad to see brothers like you so our kids have strong educated men to mirror. It seems real talent is not sufficient May God bless you.
Thank you so much Dr. Watkins, for showing us why is not cool for black men to be stupid. He's nothing else but an ignorant, misogynistic, attention whore who grabs an oppurtunity to show his stupidity. He knows the words of his songs but don't know the national anthem. I don't know how long I can withstand this coonery.
To put it simply, these young men are not in their "RIGHTEOUS" mind. If you've watched the "Great Debaters" movie or "X" with Denzel you know what I'm talking about.
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Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here. 
Comments: (28)
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By: robert kirk. on 6/15/2010 2:40PM
thank you brother,you are so right in your comment about t-pain.money don't make you smart. and this boy really shows tis to be true. t-pain, its ok for someone to thank you are stupid, but its a damn shame when you open your mouth and prove it...you show no class, or intelligence.If i had my way you, and all like you, would be baned from everything, that has anything to do with our children. you brother are a cancer. redeem yourself, do something to help, or just shut the hell up and move out the way.
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By: larry jordan on 6/16/2010 1:10PM
he was trying to outwhite the whiteman
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By: Tiffani on 6/15/2010 3:27PM
I am so glad you have shed light on this topic. See, I never knew this occurred, so I'm glad you enlightened us today on this matter. T-Pain is ignorant, uneducated and it shows every time he opens his mouth. How are you as a African-American going to endorse a conservation commentator without knowing what they represent? That's like signing a legal document without reading it first! I don't buy his music and nor do I allow my kids to listen to it as well.
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By: Barbara on 6/15/2010 6:51PM
Well said!
Thank you.
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By: Itibari on 6/15/2010 7:11PM
Brother, you are expecting too much from the hip hop folks in the big lights. They are lost with little or no critical thinking about being Black and in control in America. This is why AA history in the schools are key, if they don't know their history, they will act out and not know they are wrong, hence 'doing the race wrong' shaming their people of yesterday.
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By: Donna Baker on 6/15/2010 7:32PM
Keep reaching out trying to help our brothers and sisters. Sooner or later with the grace of God they will see the light. We have to make that effort to reach them. Please, lets keep them in prayer. This brother is truly lost.
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By: Latrice on 6/15/2010 8:58PM
I just have to say Dr. Boyce you are on point. I love this site since I came across it. There seems to be a sort of pride in some of our black men indulging in ignorance. I am glad to see brothers like you so our kids have strong educated men to mirror. It seems real talent is not sufficient May God bless you.
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By: Keeon on 6/15/2010 9:48PM
Thank you so much Dr. Watkins, for showing us why is not cool for black men to be stupid. He's nothing else but an ignorant, misogynistic, attention whore who grabs an oppurtunity to show his stupidity. He knows the words of his songs but don't know the national anthem. I don't know how long I can withstand this coonery.
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By: JQ on 6/16/2010 9:57AM
@ keeon, come on....the national anthem!! have you ever listened to the words? that song wasnt made for you or our people.wake up man!!!
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By: Corey on 6/15/2010 11:29PM
To put it simply, these young men are not in their "RIGHTEOUS" mind. If you've watched the "Great Debaters" movie or "X" with Denzel you know what I'm talking about.
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