Nick Cannon’s next act is already raising some eyebrows.

The African-American comedian and host of “America’s Got Talent,” 33, recorded an album in another persona. When his latest collection of songs — his first in 11 years — is released April 1, he’ll join the ranks of past alter-ego equipped stars including David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust) and Garth Brooks (Chris Gaines). Eyebrows, however, have been raised by Cannon’s choice of a white alter ego, one “Connor Smallnut”; a persona which requires Cannon to cover himself in whiteface make-up to slide into.

“It's official... I'm White!!!” he posted on Instagram on Sunday under a photo of himself as Smallnut, whom he describes as the musician behind “White People Party Music.” “#WHITEPEOPLEPARTYMUSIC #Wppm in stores April 1st!!!!!!Dude Go Get It!!!Join The Party!!!! #GoodCredit #DogKissing #BeerPong #FarmersMarkets #FistPumping #CreamCheeseEating #RacialDraft "Bro I got drafted!!”

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The post immediately sparked an argument between Cannon’s followers about whether the photo was appropriate. Some argued that it was just a joke, while others called Cannon, the husband of singer Mariah Carey, a hypocrite.

[Related: Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Selling Home for $13M]

Hollywood has a long unfortunate history with blackface. D.W. Griffith’s 1915 film “Birth of Nation,” featuring white actors portraying black characters in blackface was considered racist even as it was released in 1915. Over the years, the backlash against anyone wearing blackface has been swift and strong. Ted Danson found that out when he infamously wore blackface at a roast of his then-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg in 1993. Goldberg defended her man, but that didn’t stop anyone from shaking their head. Just last Halloween, Julianne Hough incited ire when she was photographed in blackface as part of her costume, the character Crazy Eyes from the Netflix show “Orange Is the new Black.” Like Danson, Hough later apologized.

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