Sneaker aficionado Fat Joe recently found himself in the spotlight after acquiring a pair of Donald Trump’s latest footwear.
Despite his public disapproval of the former president, Fat Joe defended his decision during a live session on Instagram.
In the session held on Monday (February 26), the iconic rapper, known for hits like “Lean Back,” emphasized the separation between the art and the artist. He drew parallels to the art world, questioning whether individuals truly understand the personal beliefs or politics of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat or Andy Warhol when appreciating their work.
“If you collect art, do you really know what Jean-Michel Basquiat was into? Do you know what Andy Warhol was into? Any of these artists that you was into? You love the art, so you get it. I guess they separate art from the person.”
Explaining his perspective as a sneaker collector, Fat Joe expressed his motivation behind acquiring the Trump-branded shoes. Despite his personal stance against Trump and his policies, Fat Joe likened the purchase to his broader passion for sneaker culture.
He noted that his collection spans thousands of pairs, and his interest extends beyond mere political affiliations.
“Being a sneaker collector, I felt compelled to add the Trumps to my collection,” Fat Joe stated. “But let’s be clear: I’m not a supporter of Trump. I disagree with him, and I won’t be endorsing him — not now, not ever. This is about appreciating sneakers as an art form.”
In a nod to his consistent approach to collecting, Fat Joe referenced a similar scenario involving Kanye West. He mentioned purchasing exclusive Kanye-designed sneakers despite controversies surrounding the rapper’s political views.
“Like when everyone turned on Kanye, I sought out his most exclusive releases,” Fat Joe added, emphasizing his dedication to the craft of sneaker collecting.
In summary, Fat Joe’s decision to acquire Trump-branded sneakers highlights his belief in separating personal opinions from the appreciation of art and fashion.
While he maintains his disapproval of Trump, his actions underscore the multifaceted nature of sneaker culture and its intersection with broader societal and political dynamics.
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