D4VD and Celeste: Black Culture Kills

Alcohol, drugs, a “fuck the world” mentality, and fake respect — these are core themes in D4VD’s music and image. They echo the same attitudes prominent in certain strains of hip-hop and gang culture.

What D4VD did, and the muted reaction (or outright defense) from segments of the Black American community, serves as a stark example of how aspects of Black culture operate in the United States today. To put it bluntly: too many will protect their own — even when one of their own is groomed, raped, and murdered a 14-year-old Latina, then dismembered her body. To some, it seems acceptable as long as the perpetrator keeps dropping albums, generating streams and has black skin.

Hear me out. We must clearly distinguish between civilized people and the monsters who deserve the harshest punishment — like D4VD, if the charges hold up. However, we cannot ignore broader patterns. Black culture often teaches children to distrust authorities and to “mind your own business” when crimes occur within the community. Phrases like “snitches get stitches” have been mainstream for decades, influencing generations of American youth far beyond any single group.

Yet, that's the mentality.

We can look at Megan Thee Stallion, the constant gang battles in various cities like Los Angeles and Chicago where Gangsta Rap still takes hold. Of course, D4VD would be no different echoing the same trash. D4VD should be an example to everyone... Some Black Americans will ignore all the red flags in order to defend the fucked up parts of their culture.