Megan The Stallion’s “Thot Shit” was the tipping point for frustrated Black TikTokers who create new dance moves, but watch non-Black TikTokers copy their moves, get more attention, and reap the rewards that come with it. It’s a shame but it’s not surprising.
Culture has always been this way. From Chuck Berry to Elvis Presley, from the Milly Rock to whatever they called it on Fortnite, this trend ain’t new. I give the TikTokers credit for boosting awareness for this.
The unfortunate reality is that this dynamic won’t change. There’s an old joke that pop culture is just old hip-hop culture. Hip-hop artists can’t control which TikTokers get invited to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. But they can use their power to look out for the creators who put in work to help the artists top the charts. They can feature them in music videos, award show performances, and more. Both sides need each other and should help each other out.
Read more about the Black TikToker’s pushback on The New York Times.