In the Google search bar, I typed in "openly gay rappers" and came upon Le1f, a very gay rapper from New York. There are several things that are interesting to point out about Le1f who was one of the first to break the hip hop homophobia barrier.
In the first half of the video for Le1f's track, "Wut," from the waist up he could fit the mold of any rapper. However, he prances around in short shorts and untied boots, shaking his booty and moving effeminately. He declares, "I'm a Black Ken doll," recounting "hugging trees" and referencing his zodiac. Clearly, Le1f cares not about fitting in.
What's interesting is the fact that he has girls in the background in tight clothing and heels dancing just like a typical rapper's video and the shameless self-promotion is also reminiscent of what the hip hop audience is used to. Though, perched on the lap of a sweaty, shirtless White guy, and fluttering around in a flowy, long shirt next to a Black guy dancing in boxers affirms Le1f's sexuality and message of "I'm gay and I'm proud."
Le1f's no hold barred video for "Wut" was released two weeks after Frank Ocean came out eloquently via blog post. Ocean was met with myriad support and Le1f's video was posted on Worldstarhiphop.com beneath the title "This is What Happens When Rappers Start Admitting Their [They're] Gay?" It's interesting that the usual flagrant bravado tactic that has worked so well for gangsta rappers fails to have a similar effect in regards to homophobia. For gay rappers who want support from society, should they have to gently whisper, "I'm gay" to the public or can they just be who they are, do what they do, and force people to take it or leave it?
In an interview with the Guardian, Frank Ocean articulated, "Somebody could commit a hate crime and hurt me. But they could do the same just because I'm black. They could do the same just because I'm American." Ocean and Le1f challenge Black gay rappers to show themselves because society has evolved from the 80's and 90's. This is 2012, and it might finally be time for gay hip hop.
I think 2012 is a point where a gay rapper can have a perfect place in the hip hop scene. After Frank Ocean's success with coming out, I think the climate is perfect for someone like Leif to come along. The internet loves people like Leif and is eager to catapult someone new and interesting into the spotlight. His music is well suited for the internet, he has a fun personality, cool style, and his videos are awesome, too. I am not at all surprised that World Star was hating on him because they are just plain stupid and are appealing to an audience that would rather see videos of fights rather than a music video. Although not quite the same genre, Big Freddia is a transgendered artist who has been really successful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you it is time for a gay person to be able to be in the public and express themselves and do what they love to do without being judged by the people. The gay have the same right as everyone else
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