Frank Ocean might be considered the first mainstream openly gay rapper but he is no longer the only one. When you dive into the world of indie artists I believe you’ll find a long list of openly gay hip-hop artists and rappers who are hustling and making it happen in the music game.
The rap and hip-hop music game is not easy to break into and I admire those artists who aren’t afraid to walk in their own truth, follow their passion, and be fearless as they change the face of the industry. Artists like EarthTone, Controverse and Andre Xcellence have been making society and the music industry take notice. As openly gay artists they dare to be true to themselves for what I believe is a growing market for the openly gay hip-hop, R&B singer, and rapper. Most importantly these artists are talented and are an inspiration to a genre of music that has closed its eyes when it comes to being openly gay.
The hip-hop culture is a market and industry I have little connection with but have grown to appreciate as I uncover more and more gay artists who are trendsetters making a name of themselves.
Hip hop formed during the 1970s when block parties became increasingly popular in New York City, particularly among African-American youth residing in the Bronx. It’s a genre of music that spans across the world. It consists of stylized music, accompanied by rapping.
Rap is a music genre attached to varied images and perceptions of the African-American community; perceptions that in the past were attached to the hard thug life, living in what some refer to as the ghetto. But that’s changed.
The game of rap and hip-hop has changed and these are no longer genres appealing to African-Americans predominantly but all races. The faces connected to hip-hop and rap have been changing for a long time. Legendary rappers like Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, Eminem and most recently Nicki Minaj, Macklemore, and Iggy Azalea are proof the art of rapping has evolved; an evolution that embraces all cultures and communities.
The differences in the world, the struggles we face in life, and the raw fact that life is a bitch is captured in the essence of music, specifically rap and hip-hop music. When you take a look at the landscape of music we could use a few more trailblazers to represent the diverse and globalized world we live in today.
Frank Ocean might be considered one of the first hip-hop artists to come out, a victory for all aspiring gay hip-hop artists, however, the hardcore style attached to rap in my opinion is why it’s been hard for the industry and other rappers to accept Frank Ocean. However, the glass ceiling is about to break because I have my eye on raw talent who I believe are knocking down all barriers and changing the perception of the hip-hop artist.
Rappers are required to have a raw, hardcore sound to gain the respect in the industry. I believe, three talented, openly gay artists, EarthTone, Controverse and Andre Xcellence are the individuals to do it. They are talented artists who happen to be gay and who I believe will not only break the stigma attached to hip-hop but have the ability to show the world what it means to be an out gay man.
Hardcore Rap and Hip-Hop is not something I listen to on a regular but I recognize stars when I see one. EarthTone, Controverse and Andre Xcellence have the talent and rapping skills. I am positive they will break barriers.
As an African-American who comes from a very liberal family I was never ashamed of being openly gay. However, I learned to distance myself from certain forms of music due the lack of acceptance of gay men and women. It’s sad that I never allowed myself to truly appreciate the sounds of the street. However, artists like EarthTone, Andre Xcellence and Controverse, are the reason my appreciation for hip-hop and rap music are reaching new heights. Their determination is inspiration to all and the main reason the face of music is changing.
As I delve deeper into the music of these openly gay artists I realize my lack of acceptance of the genre is because of the lack of diversity within the genre. I have always been proud to be gay and have been open about it, I am, therefore, excited to embrace a form of music I once rejected.
Here are three artists I listen to regularly:
