Chance the Rapper Defends Kanye Amid Trump Support, Says 'Black People Don't Have to Be Democrats'

Chance the Rapper waded into the Kanye West controversy Wednesday by defending his frequent collaborator with a series of tweets.

It started with a quote-tweet of radio personality Ebro Darden, who kicked off much of this controversy by revealing West told him he loved President Donald Trump. Commenting on a post in which Ebro wondered if Chance had spoken with West, Chance responded, "Talked to him two days ago. He's in a great space and not affected by folk tryna question his mental or physical health. Same Ye from the Vmas, same Ye from the telethon."

The "Ye from the telethon" comment appears to be referencing the Hurricane Katrina telethon during which West infamously stated, "[President] George Bush doesn't care about black people."

Over the past few days, West has repeatedly expressed his affection for Trump on Twitter and garnered lots of media attention.

Chance the Rapper followed up his initial tweet about West with one that simply read, "Black people don't have to be Democrats." Later he added, "Next President gon be Independent."

These tweets from Chance—a dedicated community activist who supported Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election—quickly drew attention online, even from the president's son, Donald Trump Jr.

"It's always incredible to watch a cultural shift happen in real time," Trump Jr. tweeted. "I respect those willing to take the lead breaking with convention. That takes guts."

Soon after the tweet from Trump Jr., Chance seemingly took the opportunity to leave the conversation. He posted a GIF to Twitter on Wednesday in which rapper Jay-Z is seen making an awkward grimace of sorts before walking away.

The Trump-West storyline continued on Thursday when West posted a video that showed TMZ footage of him freestyling in a Make American Great Again hat.