# I'm Not Racist

> Lucas's race-debate video drew 155 million YouTube views; its single was certified Gold.

- Owner: Joyner Lucas
- Kind: Music
- Sector: Entertainment
- Seed date: 2017-11-28
- Peak date: Week of Dec 1, 2017
- Date basis: Dates use the stated precision; chart positions are date anchors.
- Spread Score: 66 (Viral, provisional), v1.2
- Mechanics: Controversy, Platform jump, Press loop, Response chain, Newsjacking

## Summary

Lucas released a video staging opposing views about race. It spread through Facebook sharing, television reactions and remixes. The single earned Gold certification and a Grammy video nomination. Its format later inspired the DUGRI social project.

## Timeline

- 2017-11-28 — Joyner Lucas (YouTube) — Joyner Lucas released the music video for I'm Not Racist.
- 2017-11-29 — CNN (Press) — CNN interviewed Lucas about the video and its reception.
- 2017-11-30 — Joyner Lucas (X) — Lucas tweeted that he felt his life was changing before his eyes.

The full timeline, metrics and sources are on the case page, or via the Pro API (https://howitspread.com/developers).

Canonical URL: https://howitspread.com/cases/im-not-racist

Cite as: How It Spread (2026). “I'm Not Racist.” Case HIS-00226. Spread Score v1.2: 66/100. Updated 2026-10-13. https://howitspread.com/id/HIS-00226