Homosexuality & Hip-hop

HOMOPHOBIA HAS NO PLACE IN HIP-HOP
By: Jessica Keeling, Social Media Executive XXL Magazine
October 29 / 2013

What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about hip-hop? For myself, it’s luxury, excessive spending, half-dressed (very attractive) women, emotion and mischief. Hip-hop has a very “exclusive” feel, with some of the world’s richest people in the hip-hop and rap world. One thing that hasn’t ever really been exposed is the undeniable “anti-gay” feeling it may portray

In today’s mainstream hip-hop community the topic of homosexuality may seem obscure to some, but this is where they are wrong. The progression of being gay in the “rap game” has become more socially and culturally acceptable than ever.

To turn such a blind eye to something that has become so prominent in our modern day society makes you seem misinformed and hateful. Want proof?

How about back in 2001 when Eminem dissed gay people in a studio-released song? It may have seemed “cool” at the time, but what Eminem failed to realize was that he was ruining his reputation in the eyes of the public. So much so, that he took it upon himself to perform a song with happily married, world-renowned artist Elton John. The performance was pretty incredible, and helped with Em’s reputation and the faith in sexual equality, although recently Eminem released a song, Rap God, making the same homophobic slurs. Eminem is now being labeled as “outdated” and “trashy”. When will he learn?

How about Grammy Award-winning artist Frank Ocean? Ocean posted a confessional letter on Tumblr in July 2012. It was a heartfelt story about his first time being in love with a man, and the passion he had for his sexuality. His announcement stunned the world but gave light to a new way of thinking about homosexuality.

Chart-toping artists such as Macklemore (past Freshman Class nominee), A$AP Rocky, and Snoop Lion are making the topic of homosexuality a bit easier to talk about. Macklemore’s song Same Love has a profound message of acceptance, by highlighting issues of gay and lesbian rights.

Fun fact: the song was recorded during the campaign for the 2012 Washington Referendum, which enabled same-sex marriage to be legal in Washington State.

"Misogyny and homophobia are the two acceptable means of oppression in hip hop culture. It's 2012. There needs to be some accountability. I think that as a society we're evolving and I think that hip hop has always been a representation of what's going on in the world right now."

-Macklemore

Being unaccepting of a person’s sexuality is extremely passé and invasive, but with the support of credible hip-hop artists, it is starting to become a less controversial issue. What do you think the rap game will conquer next?