Ray J & Brandy Praise Kim Kardashian's Braids As A "Compliment"

BY Erika Marie 4.3K Views
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Kim Kardashian has been accused of "cultural appropriation" for wearing braided hairstyles, but Brandy and Ray J think of it as a compliment.

It's Celebrity Siblings Week on The Talk, so the hosts were joined by Brandy Norwood and her equally famous brother Ray J. During their appearance on the talk show, the topic of Kim Kardashian's recent throwback Instagram photo came up in the conversation. Each time Kim shares pictures of herself wearing braids or cornrows, she faces accusations of cultural appropriation. While many have blasted Kim for her look, Brandy and Ray J think people are taking things too far.

"I don’t think that she’s guilty. I definitely believe in [cultural appropriation], but I think it’s reaching a little bit for people to say [that],” Brandy said. “I mean, it’s great. I love braids. I think everybody should have braids, but I think we’re going too far with that with her.” Then one of the hosts moved on to Brandy's brother by saying, "Ray J, you know Kim Kardashian," subliminally referencing their previous romance and infamous sex tape. The audience roared in applause and screams.

“Here's what I think. I got nothing but respect,” Ray J stated calmly. “I just think that if you are paying homage to another culture by, you know, rocking the braids, I think it’s a compliment. It should be looked at as it's going global. I think that when you get up and you feel good and you look good and other people say, ‘Hey, I wanna feel good, I want to look like that,’ that should be a compliment and a plus.”

Kim has previously addressed the controversy during a BeautyCon L.A. panel discussion. “I’ve definitely had my fair share of backlash when I’ve worn braids. I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel around the world and see so many different cultures that have so many different beauty trends,” she said of her styles, adding that it all comes from a “real place of love and appreciation.” Watch Brandy Norwood and Ray J on The Talk below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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