Rapper Lil Nas X has been promoted to Chief Impact officer with Taco Bell. This is an interesting development, given that #LilNasX has come under fire for promoting imagery in his music videos that have offended quite a few people, mostly those from the African American community. According to Billboard: "Lil Nas X is cooking up a new partnership with Taco Bell. The record-smashing hip-hop artist is today (Aug. 23) unveiled as chief impact officer at the fast food chain, a new relationship that will play out with a menu of activities, collaborations and a company-wide push for his forthcoming album Montero. The 22-year-old artist (real name Montero Lamar Hill) and Taco Bell have history that pre-dates his hits. Back in 2017, the artist was part of the Taco Bell team at an Atlanta-area outlet. Fast-forward to now, and he's riding the success of two global No. 1 hits in "Old Town Road" and "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)."" I don't have any issue with the right to free expression for Lil Nas X and any other rappers that have things to say. I simply want to explore the racial implications of these sorts of corporate partnerships, which tend to come at the exclusion of more meaningful economic relationships with the black community. To learn more from me and join my book club for free, please visit http://BlackKeysToGreatness.com. You can also join me at the 2021 All Black National Convention by registering at http://AllBlackNationalConvention.com. Sincerely, Dr Boyce Watkins http://AllBlackEconomics.com