black creativity stolen for 2 millionth time

What happens when a talented Black man creates a viral dance move? He becomes an international phenomenon, recognized by his fellow artists, and of course, robbed. File this under black-creativity-being-stolen-for-white-consumption-once-again.jpg.

The latest victim of this crime is the creator of the “Milly Rock,” 2 Milly, and the perpetrator is Fortnite. Fortnite is an online video game released and developed by Epic Games in 2017. It has had overwhelming success gaining over 125 million players in just one year. While it is the game itself that draws players, it is the theft of Black creativity that keeps them.

The “Milly Rock” became a staple of dance in 2015 after rapper 2 Milly released a video and song “Milly Rocking” on every block. It spread all over the internet and reached other celebrities like Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott. It even reached Fortnite, as a feature for players who purchased the $10 seasonal Battle Pass add-on. This could’ve been cool had they actually called the dance the “Milly Rock” instead of “Swipe It,” asked for 2 Milly’s permission, credited and paid him. 

Left without much choice, 2 Milly’s doing what I think most of us would. He’s suing the company for damages and to have the emote removed from the game. Milly said, “I’m not trying to sue for the whole game, but whatever they made off season 5 off that ‘Swipe It’ emote, that’s what I’m searching to get fair compensation of.” Sounds fair to me.

2 Milly has garnered the support of countless others including his musical peers. Earlier today Chance The Rapper tweeted, “I hope 2milly get his bread. Just so all these internet paralegals can get even madder.” Back in July he also said,

We’re sorry this happened to you 2 Milly and rooting for you from here! Hope you get to Milly Rock your way to the bank.