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Rapper defiantly stares at eclipse, cancels shows
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This file photo taken on May 10, 2017 shows Joey Bada$$ at the Room to Read event honoring Sean 'Diddy' Combs & David M. Solomon for Impact On Global Education at 2017 New York Gala at The Highline Hotel. (AFP/Nicholas Hunt)
F
or a rapper whose debut single was called "Unorthodox," Joey Bada$$ isn't one to accept conventional wisdom. Defying widespread warnings, he proudly stared at the solar eclipse without protection.
It didn't turn out to be a great idea. The rapper canceled three shows starting Wednesday as he complained about his vision.
The 22-year-old Brooklyn rapper on Monday shared on social media that he was gazing into the sky without special glasses as the United States witnessed its first coast-to-coast total eclipse in nearly a century.
"This ain't the first solar eclipse and I'm pretty sure our ancestors ain't have no fancy eyewear. Also pretty sure they ain't all go blind," he tweeted.
Am I crazy for watching the eclipse today w no glasses? I've sungazed before and afterwards saw colors for a whole day. I didn't die tho
— BADMON (@joeyBADASS) August 21, 2017
This ain't the first solar eclipse and I'm pretty sure our ancestors ain't have no fancy eyewear. Also pretty sure they ain't all go blind.
— BADMON (@joeyBADASS) August 21, 2017
But he also said that he was seeing in different colors. He said his three shows -- in Cleveland, Chicago and Toronto -- were canceled due to "unforeseen circumstances" and hinted that his vision was to blame.
Read also: Tyler to sing 'Total Eclipse' hit for rare solar event
"Seeing double, stacking triple," he tweeted Wednesday, using hip-hop slang for cashing in.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, my Cleveland, Chicago & Toronto shows on the #EverybodyTour are cancelled.
— BADMON (@joeyBADASS) August 22, 2017
Seeing double, stacking triple.
— BADMON (@joeyBADASS) August 23, 2017
The rapper -- whose latest album, "All-Amerikkkan Bada$$," tackles racism, mass incarceration and other issues facing the United States -- had unlikely company in his defiance at staring at the eclipse.
President Donald Trump, known for shunning experts, also looked into the sky without protection as cameras were on him, but only briefly. He has not reported any vision issues since.
