HipHop DX reports the criticism comes from Palm Beach County Commission candidate Richard Ryles. In an emailed statement to the Palm Beach Post, Ryles took issue with fellow Democratic candidate, Florida state Sen. Bobby Powell, who issued a proclamation honoring Kodak Black.
The rhymer, who was known for controversial activities in the past, has garnered attention for his recent stint of good deeds. Just last month, Kodak Black released “When I Was Dead,” an 18-track follow-up to his last album “Pistolz & Pearlz,” which came out in May.
Around the time of the album’s release, the Pompano Beach, Florida native (born Bill Kapri) took to social media to tell fans he was ready to change.
“I vow to do better on any area I lack, or some slack needs to be picked up on. I must do better. I must do this shit,” Kodak Black said on the live post before showing love to his supporters. “I appreciate y’all, because if it was up to them, I’d have been out of here.”
Despite Kodak Black’s vow to do better and recent good deeds, Ryles is not on board with these things lessening the entertainer’s violent criminal behavior.
“As an African-American, our community is well known for its forgiving nature and faith in redemption,” he said in his statement on Nov. 22. “As an African-American man, I do want to see a redeemed Bill Kapri in his future dealings. Nevertheless, his recent spate of arrests indicates that he has yet to find his moral North Star and may well be spinning out of control due to drug use.”
“I believe that Senator Powell could have used the opportunity of meeting Mr. Kapri as a teaching moment by utilizing his experience as an upstanding African-American male and father to provide guidance rather than unwarranted accolades,” continued Ryles.
Continuing his argument against Powell’s decision to honor Kodak Black, Ryles pointed out the entertainer’s vocal support of Donald Trump, a Republican, and its potential negative impact on the Democratic Party.
Kodak Black and Trump have history together as “The Apprentice” reality TV star pardoned Kodak Black in 2021, as one of his final acts as president. The “Roll in Peace” rhymesayer was freed after serving more than a year in jail for falsifying information on federal forms to buy four firearms from a Miami gun shop on two separate occasions. Kodak Black was originally sentenced to 46 months behind bars and was expected to remain in prison until 2022 after federal prosecutors denied his request to have his sentence reduced just ahead of his eventual pardon, HipHop DX noted.
In addition to Kodak Black, Trump pardoned his former aide Steve Bannon, Young Money leader Lil Wayne, former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, and 60 other offenders.
“As a leader within the Democratic Party, I would have thought that Senator Powell would have exercised greater caution than to allow photographs of he with Mr. Kapri outfitted in MAGA gear, head to toe,” Ryles’ statement read. “Senator Powell’s decision by his position, as a state senator, in my opinion, validates Mr. Kapri‘s, thereby further weakening the Democratic Party and the prospective presidential candidate for 2024 with the younger demographic.”
Ryles rant against Powell and his support of Kodak Black comes amid concern for the rapper’s physical and mental health after his appearance on Drink Champs in October.
Viewers and listeners, including former Slaughterhouse MC Joe Budden, noticed Kodak Black appearing unstable during his interview with the podcast’s hosts N.O.R.E and DJ EFN. So much so that Budden expressed his concern for Kodak Black and whether an intervention is necessary.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Joe Budden Says He’s Been ‘Concerned’ About Kodak Black ‘For the Last Year’ | Video
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