T.I., Killer Mike, More Sound Off on Georgia Governor Reopening Businesses

T.I., Killer Mike, Jermaine Dupri, and several other Atlanta natives have expressed their disapproval of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s decision to attempt to reopen certain businesses this week. Kemp has decided that nonessential businesses such as gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, and others will be allowed to reopen starting April 24 while still having to practice social distancing.

As one might suspect, this decision has been met with heavy backlash. Even President Trump has said in an address that he “strongly disagrees” with Governor Kemp’s decision to reopen the state.

The Atlanta rap community has been responding to this decision as well, with T.I. taking to Instagram to share his thoughts on Gov. Kemp’s decision, saying “I see an agenda, ya dig. And I’m sure everyone can see it, it ain’t subtle, it ain’t sophisticated, it’s not no mind-manipulated warcraft. It’s real simple.”

These comments are in reference to Kemp choosing to reopen certain businesses that many African Americans use regularly in Georgia, and that it’s no coincidence since they are also being affected by the virus at a higher rate.  

Killer Mike also shared his thoughts on the Governor’s decision, saying he has no intention of reopening the string of barbershops he and his wife own in Atlanta. He’s instead staying mindful of the health and safety of his employees.