Anthony Fantano calls out xQc for “endorsing racism” over Kanye review backlash

Jacob Hale
xqc and anthony fantano side by side pictures

YouTube music reviewer Anthony Fantano, also known as The Needledrop, has responded to criticism from popular Twitch streamer xQc, claiming that his opinion and those who share it are “endorsing open racism.”

When reacting to Kanye West’s latest efforts, Vultures 1, Fantano deemed the project “unreviewable,” critiquing what he called Ye’s “mission to go full-on antisemite” and the “sh*t” music on the album.

xQc didn’t take kindly to the review, asking, “when were these efforts when he was reviewing the f**king albums and the f**king things people were saying to rappers that kill people?”

He added that “if you stand tall you’ve got to stand tall across the board,” splitting many in the comments who could see both sides.

Fantano responds to xQc

In a tweet on February 14, Fantano called out this response. He said: “Just wanna say this opinion and anyone who boosts it is just endorsing open racism. xQc and anon idiots like this think that because I’m reviewing rappers, I must be reviewing murderers.

“Rap music is inextricably tied to black history and black culture, and presuming rappers and rap music automatically represent a pro-murder point of view is just plain racism.”

xQc later responded to Fantano’s tweets, calling them “ridiculous” during a Twitch stream

He noted that it was simply a “terrible take” and questioned how the reviewer came to the conclusions he reached.

Fantano hasn’t responded to xQc’s latest comments.

About The Author

Jacob is Dexerto’s UK Editor and Call of Duty esports specialist. With a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing, he previously worked as an Editor at Ginx TV. Jacob was nominated for Journalist of the Year at the 2023 Esports Awards. Contact: jacob.hale@dexerto.com.