As far as I can tell, the unstated premise of this article is that by listening to music with its roots in a given culture, you have a responsibility to that culture. I'm not sure I agree with that premise.
I don't agree that that's the article's premise The article is pointing out that simply enjoying black music isn't the same thing as supporting black people. And there's a problem when the majority of rap artists that white Americans listen to are communicating the pain and struggles they face, but this leaves no impression on the many white fans.
So if I understand your point correctly, it's not about having a responsibility to the culture, it's about having a responsibility to the message? I'm not religious, but I listen to some religious music without feeling bad because what the lyrics are communicating aren't leaving an impression on me.
Yes I think the article is saying that if you're a white fan of black music (specifically the music where they share their stories of struggle and pain) and the messages of that music leaves no impression on you... then that's odd, and deserves some inspection.
That's sort of the point, yeah. It's not that white people have a responsibility to agree with the message of black rap, it's that white rap fans have a responsibility to not be ignorant of black struggles. The issue is that white rap fans don't seem to care about black people and are truly ignorant of their struggles, almost as if they revere the "coolness" of rap, but don't think black voices have any importance.
Not sure I agree either. I enjoy some black metal but I can't say I agree with the militant anti-religious church burning and murder that is peppered throughout the genre's history.