Post Malone Reacts to Criticism of Being a ‘Culture Vulture’
Post Malone has opened up about the backlash he faced when critics labeled him a “culture vulture” following the success of his breakout hit "White Iverson" in 2015.
In a candid interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the artist, now 29, reflected on the emotional toll those early comments took on him during his rise in the music industry.
Malone shared:
“It sucked, I was a kid.”
He recalled grappling with the hurtful remarks regarding his style and sound, which many perceived as a disservice to Black artists in hip-hop.
To cope, he turned to drinking, indicating how seriously he took the criticism.
When asked if he took the accusations personally, he confirmed that he did. Despite the negativity, he remained committed to his craft.
“It’s not for people who hate you, It’s for the people who love you, and for yourself, you know what I mean?”
Post Malone Addresses the ‘Culture Vulture’ Allegations:
Though Post Malone has risen to global stardom, amassing over 40 billion streams, the shadow of the “culture vulture” label has lingered over his career for several years.
In a bold move to confront these critics, he addressed them directly during a 2018 performance at LIV nightclub in Miami. He took a moment to vent, declaring:
“There’s a lot of people that wanted to talk down on me, and laugh at me, and call me a ‘culture vulture,’ and say that I don’t appreciate hip-hop, that I don’t do nothing for the culture and I always say, congratu-fucking-lations, man.”
Malone’s persistence in the face of adversity demonstrates his resilience in the music industry.
While his unique blend of genres—melding rap, rock, and pop—has garnered immense popularity, he remains aware of the controversy surrounding his identity as an artist.
Overall, Post Malone's journey underscores the complexities artists face in navigating perceptions and criticisms while carving their own paths in an ever-evolving hip-hop landscape.
His dedication to his fans and authentic self-expression continue to shape his legacy in music.