The “Fuck ICE” rapper’s politically charged release is ripe with contagious instrumentals and cunning commentary
Photo by @saadboiant
There has perhaps never been a more pertinent time for a figure like WETBACKMANNY. The Floridian rapper first garnered major attention online in 2018 with his track “Fuck ICE” (Prod. Muffinologist), which, as its name suggests, is a cunning take down of the infamous immigration agency. As this arm of federal law enforcement has been called into question for separating families at the U.S.-Mexico border and detaining children in subhuman conditions, Manny’s declaration, “Fuck ICE, bitch, I don’t even put that shit on my water,” is as satisfying as the track’s infectious Mariachi-inspired beat. While it is easy to be taken aback by his moniker, he explains in an interview with The Mars Files that he chose to hijack the slur he often heard in the halls of his predominately white middle school in order to redefine it as a term of empowerment.
WETBACKMANNY’s first EP Cutest Spic Alive (Prod. Dustin Cavazos) continues to commandeer, and, in turn, re-write stereotypes, providing an abrasive interpretation of politically-minded music that maintains accessibility by embracing the fun. Love song “Steal My Heart” and party anthem “Lil Vicente” not only highlight the rapper’s signature falsetto laugh, but also Reggaeton-fused instrumentals and lyrical references that would push the buttons of any MAGA supporter. “You A…” serves as a particular standout, as its slower R&B style offers the perfect atmosphere for contemplating a question that haunts us all when discovering an acquaintance is a fuckboy or a fake friend: “Does your mama know you a bitch?” While the answer lies inside of us, the unanimity of ICE’s reign of terror culminates in the finale, “Fuck ICE 2.” Contextualizing his Honduran roots in a common Latinx struggle, he insists that “When I’m on the mic, I represent all nations,” as displayed through the collaged flags depicted on his merch.
Proving that he is more than a sum of his comedic samples, WETBACKMANNY still has much more to say. While it is unclear what 2020 may bring in terms of American leadership, the year is off to a strong start with the interjection of Manny’s refreshing point of view.