Historically speaking, Hip-Hop has never been the musical genre in which LGBT persons have been fully accepted. This could be said for most musical genres; however, as the years progress the musical scene of Hip-Hop has been implementing a gradual shift in how LGBT persons are portrayed, mirroring a change within our larger society.
More rappers and singers are openly expressing their support for the LGBT community; rappers who once condemned homosexuality are becoming advocates of gay rights, including Eminem, Jay-Z, Brother Ali, Asher Roth and Lil B.
One may ask, why is this happening now? I would speculate that it is like the evolution of thought concerning almost every human rights issue; as time progresses, people’s state of thinking gradually evolves. As time passes and we learn more about LGBT persons, our understanding improves, and we move closer to equality.
Hip-Hop recently took the discussion of LGBT rights to a whole new level when R&B singer Frank Ocean openly came out as gay just a few months ago. Though debate remains, Ocean’s decision has undoubtedly broken down barriers for others both inside and outside the music industry. Furthermore, his choice to come out publicly has raised many questions about the portrayal of LGBT persons in Hip-Hop and R&B as a whole.
While time waits for no man, the simple fact that sexuality is now even a topic of discussion in the Hip-Hop community, which historically has been so opposed to it, exemplifies how much change has occurred.
Other artists have joined Ocean in speaking out about the issue of LBGT equality. Most recently Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released a single titled Same Love in which they explain how identifying as LGBT presents several challenges in a society that still harbors large prejudices against them.
As the song progresses, it discusses the fear that is often associated with coming out. The opening verse of the single starts off: “When I was in third grade I thought that I was gay cause I could draw, my uncle was and I kept my room straight.” This illustrates the deep, societal construct of what gender traits are “supposed to be” and if one deviates from his or her role, then they are considered different.
In addition to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s concern for LGBT rights, other artists have also spoken out about the topic, and the struggles that come along with it. One such artist is none other than Minnesota artist Brother Ali. In a recent single Tight Rope, Ali speaks out against the double life in which most teenagers must live in order to protect the ones they love and essentially themselves. He mentions in his song, “he retreats inside himself, where he lives life itself in secret” demonstrating the hardships that some people must constantly live with just to maintain who they are.
Hip-Hop has come a long way from where it once was, but it still has a long way to go. While LGBT rights and gender equality have been a topic of discussion amongst some artists, not everyone in the Hip Hop industry agrees about the changes.
However, if the positive response to those artists who have spoken out is any indication, we can expect the trend towards equality to continue. I’ve included a list of especially LBGT-friendly tracks for you to check out if you’re interested in hearing the change for yourself.