LGBTQIA+ Rap from the USA

For a long time, rap and queerness could not be associated with each other. On the contrary—rap was considered extremely sexist and queer-hostile. Words related to queerness were exclusively used in the rap scene to insult and denounce others. Fortunately, times have been changing more and more for a few years now. The queer community is becoming more and more visible in almost all walks of life - including gradually in the rap world. And even though LGBTQIA+ rap is still a fairly young phenomenon, it's worth taking a look at it. That's why I would like to introduce you to some exciting facts and different artists of the American LGBTQIA+ community in this article.

Rap and queerness? Unthinkable until recently!

Until the 2010s, rap was considered one of the most homophobic, queer-hostile, and sexist music genres of all. Well-known rappers such as Dr. Dre, the Beastie Boys, Eminem, Tyler The Creator, and many others use anti-gay and misogynistic terms to ridicule and devalue other rappers in their tracks.

No one is surprised that until a few years ago there was not a single homosexual rapper who had come out of the closet among the great male rappers. After all, some female rappers such as Missy Elliott or Queen Latifah are considered bisexual in the general perception, but have not publicly admitted to it until today. Yet it is unlikely that there have been any other major queer rappers since the dawn of rap history. Outing seems to be still a taboo topic in the rap game.

The beginnings of LGBTQIA+ Rap

In 2012, the African-American singer Frank Ocean came out publicly as bisexual. At the same time, rappers from the LGBTQIA+ community also gained greater attention for the first time. That's not to say this community's take on rap simply started in the early 2010s, but rather that the musical movement gained broader public attention at this time.

That's why we're going to take a look at the early origins of LGBTQIA+ rap as well as at some of its best-known current representatives. Of course, this list is by no means definitive, but is only meant to offer a small insight.

The "L" in LGBTQIA+ Rap: Lesbian Rappers

Young M.A. (short for "Me, Always") is a Brooklyn-based rapper. She became known in 2016 with her hit "OOOUUU" and has since released numerous successful singles. In these, she largely addresses classic rap themes such as violence, sexuality, and wealth. Young M.A. is openly lesbian and is committed to the rights of the queer community. To the surprise of some fans, she uses the pronouns "she/her" (or "they/them") "despite" her rather masculine appearance.

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The New York-based rapper 070 Shake is also open about her homosexuality. Musically, she stands out with her uncompromising honesty in her lyrics as well as an idiosyncratic sound. Her solo project "070 Shake" is the result of her association with the 070 Crew—a group of talented, up-and-coming musicians with an emotional, dark, yet inspiring sound.

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The "G" in LGBTQIA+ Rap: Gay Rappers

Probably the most successful openly homosexual US rapper (and singer) is Lil Nas X. He has made the genre of "homo rap" respectable in recent years. His videos have already garnered views in the billions and most recently he has also performed at the Grammys. He is especially known for his virtuoso music videos and live performances. In 2019, he was considered one of the most influential internet artists in the world.

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Other successful openly gay current artists include Le1f, Cakes Da Killa, and Cazwell. Le1f is considered one of the first popular male rappers to come out as openly gay back in the early 2010s. In the meantime, he is also known under the stage names "Khalif" and "Khalifa."

In April 2012, Le1f released a debut mixtape, which included the single "Wut." The track finally gained public attention with the release of the accompanying music video and has since been streamed and clicked on over ten million times. And even if the numbers aren't comparable to those of rap greats such as Jay-Z, for example, they can definitely be called a milestone for the relatively young niche of LGBTQIA+ rap at the time.

The "B" in LGBTQIA+ Rap: Bisexual Rappers

Two very well-known bisexual rappers are Brooke Candy and Princess Nokia. Brooke Candy, who now identifies as pansexual, attracted attention back in 2012. She made a guest appearance in Grimes' music video "Genesis," which went viral, and simultaneously launched her own career as a rapper and musician with her song "Das Me."

Princess Nokia's success set in a little later, in 2017. In her video "Tomboy" (and the accompanying album), Princess Nokia celebrates herself in a casual 90s-inspired tomboy aesthetic—simultaneously belting out feminist and empowering messages. Certainly, her success has also been inspirational for numerous followers and artists in the LGBTQIA+ rap community. In any case, it has definitely ensured more visibility!

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The "T" in LGBTQIA+ Rap: Transgender Rappers

One of the first successful transsexual rappers is definitely Mykki Blanco. She identifies as transfeminine and her pronouns are "she/her" and "they/them." Mykki Blanco was and is definitely a trailblazer as well. In 2012, she released her song "Wavy" with accompanying music video, which was the first resounding success in her niche.

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Another transfeminine US rapper to be mentioned is Quay Dash. The musician from New York says about herself:

"I'm black, I'm trans, and I can actually rap. Plus, I'm pretty… When you have beauty, brains, and talent, that’s some shit they can’t take."

You can see her talent for yourself here:

Further comments on LGBTQIA+ Rap

As said before, this list is far from complete and represents only a small selection. The genre of LGBTQIA+ rap is still very young and numerous newcomers can be expected in the coming years and decades.

But even now, the movement is more influential than one might expect for the time being. Rappers such as Eminem have apologized for past sexist and homophobic statements and have also partially changed their song lyrics.

Support the LGBTQIA+ rap and music scene

In addition, numerous musicians outside the queer community have also been inspired by it and explicitly support it. Kendrick Lamar's "Aunties Diaries," for example, is a loving, supporting song about his aunt, who identifies as a trans woman. Beyoncé's most recent and enormously successful album "Renaissance," for which she received four Grammys, is also said to have been inspired by the LGBTQIA+ community and its music.

Even Madonna, who only came out as a lesbian at the age of 64, donates proceeds from some of her shows to the LGBTQIA+ community to counter rising state discrimination.

We are excited about the feminist shift within the rap and music industry and will continue to report.

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