Houston rapper Chamillionaire was looking to privately help a family getting separated because of deportation, but originally didn't want any attention for it.
Now, he's speaking out about the issue of immigration and calling for the black community to become an ally to Latinos.
It all began after the deportation of Mexican-born Jorge García created a firestorm on social media over Martin Luther King Jr. Day. García, who lived in the U.S. for more than 28 years, was sent back to Mexico and footage of the emotional goodbye went viral. The story upset Chamillionaire and he emailed a journalist asking how he could help the family.
A screenshot of the rapper's email was widely shared on social media.
This is not a joke. I actually got an email yesterday from rapper Chamillionaire (of Ridin’ Dirty fame, the song that goes, They see me rollin,’ they hatin’) after he read my story on Jorge Garcia being deported. He wants to help him. pic.twitter.com/ZBJvcbTKRf
— Niraj Warikoo (@nwarikoo) January 18, 2018
Some applauded him, while others criticized Chamillionaire. This week, the rapper took to Instagram to respond to the reaction.
"My parents are immigrants, so I feel some type of way," he said in a video to fans.
"A lot of people here be saying they don't understand why a black man would want to help Mexicans and nonsense like 'They don't do nothing for us. Black people need to only help Black people,'" he said.
The rapper attributed his success of his song "Ridin'" to the talent of Mexican producers and his Mexican manager. He went on to say his fan base was also predominately Latino.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but I'm from Texas. Tejas," he said. "I know a lot of you have been misled to believe that toxic narrative that 'Mexicans are doing this, and Mexicans are doing that,' like they aren't valuable contributors to our economy and our society."
He ended his solidarity address calling for all to respect immigrants, women and minorities.
"That's all I have for now. Signing off."
