Baby Tate, an up-and-coming rapper/singer, found herself embroiled in controversy in February when Nicki Minaj’s fan base, the Barbz, accused her of stealing Minaj’s style and delivery during a performance of her song “From The Block.” The accusations led to Tate addressing the issue in her latest freestyle, “On The Radar,” where she name-dropped Minaj and various other female artists like Lil Kim, Missy Elliott, Rihanna, and Eve.
In the freestyle, Tate acknowledges the comparisons being made between her and these iconic female artists but defends herself by explaining that she was born in 1996 and naturally picked up on certain influences. She expresses frustration at being labeled as a copycat and questions why she is not compared to male or Caucasian artists like Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Madonna, or Lady Gaga.
Tate’s frustration is evident in her lyrics as she addresses the criticism head-on. She boldly declares that she is tired of being accused of biting other artists’ styles and asserts that she deserves to be recognized for her own unique artistry. The rapper/singer references her inspirations, including Nicki Minaj, but makes it clear that she is her own person and should be allowed to express herself without constantly being compared to others.
Throughout the freestyle, Tate pays homage to influential female artists like Lauryn Hill and Left Eye, highlighting her respect for those who paved the way for her. She also addresses the issue of being put in a box as a female artist and calls out the double standards that exist in the industry.
Overall, Baby Tate’s “On The Radar” freestyle serves as a powerful statement against the accusations of style theft and showcases her confidence and talent as a rising star in the music industry. It is a reminder that artists should be celebrated for their individuality and creativity, rather than being judged based on comparisons to others. Tate’s message is clear: let her be herself and appreciate her for who she is.
