The Chicago rapper says he’s all for military action if it means protecting families from the city’s ongoing gun violence.
Chicago has long been at the center of America’s gun violence conversation, and now rapper G Herbo is weighing in on one of the most controversial proposals to address it: sending in the National Guard.
The 28-year-old rapper was stopped by TMZ Hip Hop at Los Angeles International Airport this week, where he made it clear that he’d back President Donald Trump if he decided to deploy troops to Chicago. “I’m all for it if it’ll keep the kids and women out of harm’s way,” he said, stressing his desire to see safer streets in the city he grew up in.
Herbo explained that as a tax-paying citizen, he feels a responsibility to speak up about the crisis in Chicago. His comments come as Trump has been mulling over military involvement for months, even as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has publicly opposed the idea. “The city needs real change,” Herbo added, pointing out that his own growth is reflected not only in his personal life but also in his music.
His single “Went Legit” has already been certified Gold just months after release, a sign that fans are connecting with his message of maturity and evolution.
Chicago’s struggles with gun violence have been documented for decades, with some neighborhoods still plagued by daily shootings. Trump’s consideration of the National Guard comes alongside ongoing ICE raids under “Operation Midway Blitz,” which are targeting undocumented immigrants in the city.
Some residents have even gone so far as to challenge Trump to send soldiers directly into the most violent areas, though many critics argue it could lead to more chaos than solutions.
As for Herbo, he’s clear about where he stands: he won’t be “in the trenches” if troops show up, but he does want the city to be safer for families. “It’s about protecting women and kids,” he emphasized.
For a rapper who came up telling gritty stories of Chicago street life, Herbo’s call for military help marks a notable shift. Whether or not Trump follows through, the debate over how to tackle Chicago’s violence is far from over.
