Offset is currently on the receiving end of major backlash after people noticed a particular line in his verse on YFN Lucci’s song, “Boss Life.” The song has been out since December, but the visuals for the track were released this week, which attracted more people to the song who finally heard one of Offset’s controversial lines: "Pinky ring crystal clear, 40k spent on a private Lear/60k solitaire/I cannot vibe with queers.”
The “I cannot vibe with queers” line has stirred up a lot of feelings. For the record, the dictionary definition of queer means strange or odd, but it has for several decades been used in slang to mean gay (in fact, it was specifically selected because it meant strange, so that the word could be used in a derogatory manner). Nowadays, it has become a politically charged term often used by people who want to identify as part of the LGBTQ spectrum but without subscribing to a specific label (the Q in LGBTQ stands for queer.)
Many people pointed out the hypocrisy in the line: at the same time that Offset claims he can’t “vibe” with gay people, he constantly wears designer clothing made by gay men and profits off a business that was, at least in part, built by people who identify as queer.
In addition, some pointed out that Migos have caught heat for homophobic comments in the past. In a February 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Quavo said the “world is f*cked up” because Makonnen’s fans supported him after he came out as gay; he also suggested their fellow Atlanta rapper had damaged his reputation and credibility by coming out. They later issued an apology. In March, Quavo was asked about his reaction once again, and among other things, said: “I got a record with Frank Ocean. That closes my case.”
Finally, Hennessy Carolina, who is Cardi B’s sister, is a lesbian. Cardi B and Offset got engaged last year.
He can eat my queer ass. I didn’t even know who offset was before cardi b https://t.co/RCwhdGFPNd
Disappointed to read that @OffsetYRN from the @Migos feels embolden to say “I don’t vibe w/ queers” in his latest verse. Lesson: Hip Hop culture is deeply influned by Queer producers, writers & stylist. So understand Queers made your career! #Homophobia will not be tolerated! pic.twitter.com/MtRahOirS2
Nigga offset really just causally slipped that line in there & proceed to talk about designers who are queer. I swear rap niggas are so full of shit
He really gonna day “I don’t vibe with queers” and continue to flex his designer clothes WHO WERE MADE BY QUEER PEOPLE. Offset shut the fuck up you and Migos are trash and all y’all s songs sound the fucking same with that same damn fucking flow BYE. https://t.co/qvRxj16s6a
well using "queer"/"gay" to describe something as "lame" is one of the many micro aggressions that need to cease. it's not cool. but even then, when asked about ILoveMakonnen coming out as gay in an interview, all of Migos expressed their disgust. Offset didn't mean lame.
Gay designers watching Offset say "I cannot fuck with queers" while wearing the clothes they sold him for 10k that went straight into their queer pockets. pic.twitter.com/eH63YY3cwx
did he just say... he doesn’t vibe with queers? then continue to talk about the designer clothes he wears... that are designed by... queers...? https://t.co/RyprncBVz2
But among all the outrage, there were still some people who defended Offset. Many decried how quick everyone is to call out anything that is remotely offensive these days, while others wondered if the word is even that bad, or if Offset used it offensively.
The fake ass Offset outrage is so annoying. Rappers talk about killing people, fucking people’s mom and disrespecting women. But now y’all mad about a queer comment. GTFOH
can’t be mad at offset when queer don’t even mean gay 🤦🏾♂️
Who knows what #offset really meant anyways?, the definition of queer in the dictionary isint even gay. I just feel like the reaching these days are getting out of hand. It’s rap music, it’s consistently provocative and not meant to coddle your feelings.
Y’all really hurt over offset queer lyrics ? If he said he can’t vibe with em he can’t that simple
I know Offset ain’t mean anything homophobic, cause the actual definition to queer is strange/odd. He still shouldn’t have said it doe, say some 1% offensive these days and people gon drag you. He prolly don’t give a fuck what y’all be sayin anyways lmao
Following the controversy, Offset took to his Instagram to apologize. He claims he really was using the word in its original sense, that is, to mean strange or odd. "I got love for all people," he wrote. "I'm not in a place where I'm hating like that."
He went on to say: "My passion for fashion has lead me to a lot of gay people." He also insisted he has "mad respect" for them. He was looking for words that rhymed, and found that queer not only rhymed but thematically fit in with the rest of his verse.
