Painter, Bruce White, who go by the name B. White, speaks out after viral video of rapper Da baby rejecting a painting that he made of his two daughters. The Memphis native, who moved to Dallas three years ago in pursuit of art, told the viewers that he didn’t have any ill intentions in painting a portrait of his two daughters not knowing that it would garner a negative reaction. He started off by sharing his he got started in the industry, connecting with the right people through networking, which gave him exclusive access to celebrities.
White said that he built a name for himself and his popularity grew around the city. He would receive word on whose in town or coming to town. Over time, he was advised by someone in the industry that painting portraits of people who matter most to artists would create a better emotional reaction and connection from the artist rather than painting the artist. Taking that advice seriously, he adopted this approach and has been doing it for about two and a half years, noting that while it’s been largely positive, results can sometimes be hit or miss.
With DaBaby situation, he said that it was “just another day at work”. He met with his team on what type of painting of importance that would matter to the Charlotte, NC rapper. White said that he was either going to paint a picture of his parents or somebody close to him – noting that it was a last minute notice that he heard that he would be in town. White did an on the spot research on what portrait would work. During his research he saw a picture of five children, and some of the pictures were blurry. He said that he likes to do two or three images. He submitted the concept to this team to paint his daughters, and was given the approval. He said that he also painted a picture of Boogie’s daughter who was also on tour as well. He said that he was going to meet Boogie at the show but didn’t get access, and went to the after party instead.
Later, at an afterparty, he attempted to present the portrait to the “Bop” rapper. He noticed that the rapper kept looking at the painting, but gave no clear reaction. He described that his reaction was indifferent and he kept walking, leaving him confused about whether it was accepted.
According to White, he wasn’t sure if he preferred for the portrait to be presenting to him after the party, so he decided to stay for the rest of the show. Afterward, White tried again outside the venue to present to portrait to him, but said he was repeatedly ignored by both the rapper and his team, though they weren’t outright rude. Confused about the situation, when he went back to this team eventually, White learned that DaBaby didn’t like the portrait. He was frustrated than DaBaby’s reaction because his wasn’t told sooner by his team that he didn’t like the portrait 40 minutes ago, as he had stayed out until 3 a.m. despite having work a few hours later. His team apologized to him, saying that had never happened before.
He said that later that night around 7pm to 8pm, he found out that he went viral. He said that he interpret the edited video of him that someone recorded of him in the process of trying to give him the portrait with the music in the background, portraying him as desperate and changing the narrative of what actually happened and was trying to embarrass him as how he took it. He said that he found out that he was viral.
In response to backlash, DaBaby posted his own video, shared it on Instagram story, explaining his reaction. He said that in general he finds it inappropriate for any grown man to take pictures, paint pictures of his daughters, discussing his daughters, and emphasized that he’s very protective of his children. He said that if others think otherwise that they should to send a picture of their daughter(s) to him and let him do a painting of their kids and show him the appreciation. He stated that he doesn’t accept images of his kids, especially in a nightclub setting, and stand firm on his principles as a father.
White said he didn’t take the rejection personally, acknowledging that “sometimes you win some and lose some.” However, he took issue with how the situation was framed publicly. He felt that DaBaby’s comments and the viral clip unfairly painted him in a negative light, even suggesting harmful implications about his character as if he was a lame and creep. White strongly denied any inappropriate intent, saying his work and reputation speak for themselves and he’s a child of God.
He even said that he read some of the comments who shared a different perspective on the situation. He added that while he now understands the perspective of a protective parent, he believes that if DaBaby had reviewed his work beforehand, he would have seen there was no malicious intent and not intentionally trying to target people’s children. He said that he wasn’t trying to get any clout from the situation. White emphasized that he used the publicly available images and was simply trying to create a meaningful gift, and welcome him to the city with hospitality. He said that it’s not like he access the picture privately – noting that the picture was public.
White said the situation disrupted his ability to enjoy time with his family during the Easter holiday. He also acknowledged that he also thought that the rapper thought the portrait was ugly and possibly not resembling his children accurately. Still, he pushed back against accusations that he was chasing clout nor fame, arguing that the viral attention came from DaBaby’s reaction, not his own actions. He said that he never in a million years that something like that would happen and said that he cannot grasp how DaBaby can spin it into a negative.
He said whatever the devil meant for bad, God will turn it around for your good. He said that he can execute his talent off of what God bless him with contrary to the narrative that was spin. He maintained that his goal has always been to use his artistic talent to uplift others and his community, and build his name through positive work. While he admitted the situation caught him off guard, he said he refuses to harbor negativity. White even offered an apology to DaBaby if any offense was caused, reiterating that his intentions were rooted in respect and admiration.
He look at it as someone like DaBaby who made it out and knows the struggle and know what’s going on and for them to reach back out one day and f with a nigga. Despite the controversy, he said he holds no ill will toward DaBaby, concluding that he approached the situation with love and has no reason to leave with hate.
