As stated in my previous article- this week is ‘Gay Pride’ here in Dublin, so what better time to discuss this. Today we look at a rather controversial topic, but one that is important to myself and many others; Homophobia in Hip Hop. It’s fair to say that the Hip Hop scene is more geared towards straight people than any other group. The majority of the male artists rap about big-breasted women and basically being a masculine man.
Being a masculine man involves going after women, not men. Being gay is considered being weak in the Hip Hop world. Being a man has nothing to do with our biological capabilities. Being a real man is looking adversity in the face and fighting for what you believe in. Protecting those you love no matter the consequences. Admitting your mistakes and learning when you’ve been proven wrong. This is what makes a man a real man.
The problem I feel isn’t the use of words like “faggot” but just a general lack of acceptance within the community towards the LGBT. Of course there are some rappers within both communities; Lady Sovereign, Will Sheridan, Nicki Minaj (who’s said she’s attracted to both sexes) and the much speculated but never denied Queen Latifah.
Although in saying that ,there definitely seems to be a more conscious effort in acknowledging the LGBT community. Nicki Minaj and Kanye West both said that they think they will see an openly gay rap super star in their time. This is very possible considering that Nicki Minaj is unquestionably the biggest thing in Hip Hop at the moment, so maybe under her reign we will see this.
So from me personally I wish to read all the readers a very happy Pride. You don’t have to be LGBT to celebrate Pride, if you’re proud of the man, woman, or something in between that you are, then celebrate who you are. Today is your day too.
DISCUSS THIS TOPIC ON THE RAP IRELAND FORUM
