The image of a rapper in the public eye is not always positive. The stereotypical terms often associated with rappers keep young men and women from reaching mainstream success. It’s also the reason why I am passionate about shining light on those young gay men and women who are paving the way for gay rappers to leave their mark on the music scene.
In the gay scene we’ve been introduced to a few artists who carry the label of rapper. They’re often successful because of images of shirtless hot boys in every music video, camp value, and the general image of a “gay rapper” in a market where gays were not welcome.
Hip-hop and rap are not my first choice in music, but there are cultural connections that make it challenging for gay artists to perform in it. When you’re gay it’s a difficult market to be in. Cultural differences make it harder for gay black men who are rappers to come forward and be heard. The stigma within the black community and perception that a gay man is weak goes against gangsta mentality which rappers are perceived to have. It’s a perception I believe is changing but is still a work in progress.
Andre Xcellence from Los Angeles is one of those gay men who I have my eye on. The moment I heard his latest song, “Game of Thrones” I was roped in. I was so captivated by the sound and the video I had to reach out to this emerging star to find out a little more about him. His video has some of the community’s heavy hitters and we think you will agree with us that Andre Xcellence is an Artist to Watch.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into the music/entertainment industry.
I currently reside in West Hollywood, CA although I grew up in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
As far back as I can remember the only thing I ever wanted to do was make music. I got in the music industry writing songs as a child. I was enamored with artists like the Notorious B.I.G, Diddy and the entire Bad Boy Records Movement, Jay-z and 5- Cent. It is the east coast hip-hop movement that I credit with the development of my lyrical wit and competitive style.
However it was the sounds of dj Abel Aguilera, dj Peter Rauhofer, dj Manny Lehman, Chris Cox, dj Tony Moran, and dj Alex Lauterstein and their blend of Progressive House, Circuit, Tribal House, and EDM that helped develop the framework for my current style of music. I also Dj’ed for a number of years and was a resident DJ in Washington, DC, and for Will Wenke and Ovah Productions out of Atlanta. It was there I started mixing both of my musical loves!
What’s your connection with The American Commission?
First and foremost I’m an artist on the label. I also act as current CEO, and I’m one of the investors. American Commission is an independent label currently distributed thru Sony Orchard.
All of our production to this point has been produced by our secret weapon the production team known simply as “The Prodigal”. The team lead by the amazing producer & artist Adrian Jones. Who in my mind is the next Pharrel! You will be hearing a lot more from both the Prodigal, and Adrian Jones in the near future!
American Commission was started as a family and a home for artists of all genres of music, and orientations, to live out their dreams without fear that because they aren’t what the old industry would call safe, or the norm they won’t get a chance to shine! If you are talented this is the home for you.
You’ve been labeled a gay rapper. Is that an accurate description of you as a performer? Will that hinder or help you in the marketplace?
I’ve been labeled as a gay rapper yes, but the more accurate description for me I think is being labeled a great artist/musician that makes fun, timeless music! I write, sing, produce, and rap! I also do this for myself as well as for a bevy of other artists. But make no mistake, I am a proud GAY man who aims to be the voice of the voiceless.
Your “Game of Thrones” video has been getting a lot of press, congratulations! How did this concept come about? There are a lot of gay personalities in your video, how did you bring them all together?
Thank you for the congratulations! I really appreciate it, and I’m honored that the world is noticing. A lot of time, love and effort went into the song and video. It feels good to have the warm reception. The video cameos came about because our production team the “Prodigal” has produced on upcoming projects for a lot of the artist in the video. When it was time to record, the video Super director Brad Hammer suggested we reach out to everyone to ask them to come be a part of what we’re creating. Courtney Act, Manila Luzon, Pablo Hernandez, Michael Silas, Mikey Pesante, Allusia Alusia, just to name a few people. Everyone was asked was very receptive. I only wish we were able to get a few more people in the video like TS Madison, Laganja Estranja, or Cake Moss for instance. But schedules being what they were we just couldn’t make it happen this time. But the good news is, we’re just getting started!
What image do you think your music conveys?
The image my music conveys is fun, undeniable ambition and unrelenting passion. Add to that that in this day and age we all have the freedom to do what we want in our lives, be what we want, and most importantly…don’t let anyone tell you no you can’t, I’m living proof you can!
What are your immediate music career goals (for the next one to three years)?
Oh that’s an easy one…..World Domination!
