Recent headlines have revealed that artists like Rihanna turned down performing at the Super Bowl due to the ongoing treatment of Colin Kaepernick. The Kaepernick effect led to protests nationwide and boycotts of the NFL, with those who consider themselves purveyors of the culture praising the backlash aimed at the league. Speaking with TMZ, legendary producer Jermaine Durpi claims that artist who turned down the Super Bowl are doing it all wrong.
“Boycotts and marches don’t seem like they work to me, I’m sorry. I think they should send a message while they’re onstage, take advantage of your platform," Dupri began. "Taking advantage of your platform is to not do the Super Bowl as well," he continued. "But, it seems really interesting to me because we’re in an industry where you see so many people do things like boycott something one year, and then the next year they’re buddy-buddy with the thing they boycotted. The more people speak on it, the more they talk about it, then the more it's something people feel like they have to address." Dupri does make some valid points. If Rihanna took to the Super Bowl stage and sent a politically charged message, her move might have more impact in the long run. "I feel like people ignore boycotts," Dupri revealed. The Super Bowl will be held in Atlanta this season.