Originally published on XXL.
While rappers have a history of occasionally getting themselves in trouble for their social media posts, sometimes it really is all just fun and games. And as we’ve been reminded time and time again, the internet is always watching (and seldom forgets).
When it comes to Twitter specifically, countless parody accounts have popped up over the years, with quite a few being dedicated to hip-hop. Some parody accounts skew on the lighter side of the comedic track, such as with the page dedicated to Pharrell‘s infamous hat from the 2014 Grammy Awards, while others make it more difficult to separate the artist from the impersonator.
Recently, an account with the name ChanceFrom79th popped up and went viral as a result of many fans confusing the parody account for Chance the Rapper‘s own verified account. Fans were duped considering how well a tweet mimicked the Coloring Book rapper’s positive tone and was set up to look identical to the real page, save for the handle. Even Chance got wind of the parody account and after careful consideration decided to give his blessing, tweeting, “I hereby Formally endorse this fake page.”
Fake parody accounts can be viewed as a compliment, such as with Chance’s, or as a source of confusion. 21 Savage‘s parody account, for one example, also mimics its original by design, with fans often thrown off by the clever handle replacing a “1” with an uppercase “i” and therefore looking extremely similar to its source. However, the account does comply with Twitter’s policy on the matter by way of stating in its’ bio that it is a parody account. So it likely will continue blessing timelines with its 21 Savage-inspired brand of wisdom.
Over the years, not all accounts have complied with Twitter’s community guidelines and have been wiped clean from the social media network. Parody accounts such as @MeekMillRapLike, @KanyeDoingThings and @BlueIvyReactions have been suspended, likely for a violation of Twitter’s policy on the matter. While the trend has wavered over the years, with some parody accounts not as active as they once were, all it takes is one retweet to get it poppin’ again. Considering the massive amount of followers and engagement certain accounts achieve, it’s safe to say that finding humor and value in the social media phenomenon is an integral part of the art of the parody in and of itself. Just make sure you don’t get got.
Take a look at 10 hip-hop-inspired parody accounts to keep an eye on in the gallery here.