Music critic and YouTuber Anthony “Tony” Fantano did not hold back after DJ Akademiks appeared to admit he was paid to soften his commentary about Lil Baby’s album.
In a recent video, Fantano reacted to clips circulating online in which Akademiks claimed Lil Baby’s team paid him to avoid negative coverage.
“What do you even say at this point?” Fantano said. “He is the biggest, fattest, most veiny, horrid and ugly hemorrhoid on the ass of music journalism.”
Fantano focused on a moment where Akademiks directly addressed the allegation.
“Lil Baby, you and your team paid me $30,000 to keep quiet about your album,” Akademiks said on camera, adding that he had “the receipts.” He insisted he would return the money if accused of lying and claimed he could prove every transaction.
Fantano argued that the confession damaged Akademiks’ credibility moving forward.
“You’ve basically given Lil Baby bulletproof armor when it comes to any criticism you have from here forward,” he said. “Anything negative you say now just looks personal.”
Fantano also suggested the admission supports longtime accusations about paid influence in hip-hop media. “This just confirms what people have assumed for years,” Fantano said, referencing Akademiks’ past defenses of certain artists. “You’ve admitted that money and personal grudges drive what you say.”
Fantano ended his reaction with a warning to viewers. “Don’t take anything this man says seriously from here on out,” he said. “He told you himself what motivates him.”
