Cupcakke, born Elizabeth Eden Harris on May 31, 1997, is a Chicago-born rapper who began her career in 2012. Known for her explicit and often humorous lyrics, she has released several mixtapes and albums, including Cum Cake, S.T.D (Shelters to Deltas), Queen Elizabitch, Ephorize, Eden, and Dauntless Manifesto. Cupcakke's music often explores themes of sexuality, body positivity, and social issues. Aside from a brief retirement at the end of 2019, Cupcakke has been steadily releasing standalone singles, such as "Squidward Nose" (2019), "Discounts" (2020), "Mosh Pit" (2021), and "H2hoe" (2022). After 6 years since her last full-length release she released her fifth studio album Dauntless Manifesto (2024).
The Water Fast Controversy
In a now-deleted tweet, Cupcakke shared photos of herself, stating that she had done a water fast over the past month and it led to a leaner figure. "Water fast for past month & here's my results," she wrote. This post sparked a controversy involving actress and body positivity activist Jameela Jamil.
Jameela Jamil's Criticism
Jameela Jamil, known for her outspoken views on body image and health, responded to Cupcakke's tweet with strong criticism. "Please take this down," Jamil tweeted. "Most people reading this may not have the medical supervision or extensive knowledge needed to even TRY to attempt this safely. The dangers are immense, and it will harm your metabolism, so isn't even an effective tool for weight loss."
Jamil's initial reaction was met with mixed responses. Some supported her concern for the potential health risks associated with water fasting, especially without medical supervision. Others accused her of being insensitive and of singling out a Black woman. One user said that "If CpckKe were a White woman, this convo would look different."
Jamil's Retraction and Apology
Following the backlash, Jameela Jamil retracted her initial statements and issued an apology. She tweeted: "This goes beyond not just being so careless as to quote tweet someone whose context and life you're unaware of. But also, being extra careful to not pile on to Black women, who are already piled onto, ignored and policed the most. I hear all the criticism. Having now learned of your personal struggles, I realize I should have done more to protect you rather than bring you stress…"
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Jamil's apology acknowledged the importance of considering the context and personal struggles of individuals before publicly criticizing them, particularly Black women who often face disproportionate scrutiny.
Cupcakke's Perspective
Cupcakke has been open about her struggles with mental health. In January 2019, she was reportedly hospitalized after tweeting about suicidal thoughts. She later shared, "I've been fighting with depression for the longest. Sorry that I did it public last night but I'm ok. I went to the hospital & I'm finally getting the help that I need to get through, be happy, & deliver great music."
Dauntless Manifesto
‘Dauntless Manifesto’ is Cupcakke's first album since 2018 and return to music after a two-year hiatus. The album’s subject matter is expansive, touching, and often absurd, in the best way - it goes from racism, body positivity, trans rights, suicide, alongside her signature sex anthems. Many of the songs on ‘Dauntless Manifesto’ sound like nothing she’s done before. While Cupcakke has made a name for herself as a farcical rapper, more referenced as a meme than an artist, it’s worth noting that ‘Dauntless Manifesto’ has some of her most fearless tracks yet. The high-energy rage she had on cuts like ‘Quiz’ is on full display here; ‘Aura’, ‘Queef’, and ‘Double Homicide’ all zip by with genuinely transfixing bars. Perhaps the album’s best track, opener ‘Grilling N****s II’, a sequel to her 2019 single, is dizzying in scope as she dances around different flows with absurd speed. The six years Cupcakke spent honing her craft have resulted in her best album yet. ‘Dauntless Manifesto’ goes beyond any record she’s put out before, creating ample room for comedy and jokes while still remaining immensely down to earth; she has a clear self-image and plays into the role while using her time to surpass our own expectations.
The Importance of Context and Sensitivity
This incident highlights the complexities of discussing weight loss and health on social media. While Jamil's intentions may have been to protect her followers from potentially dangerous practices, her initial approach was perceived as insensitive and lacking in context. It underscores the importance of considering the individual's background, mental health, and personal struggles before offering public criticism.
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